When it comes to packing for a stay in our Utah villas, there are likely a few things that come to mind right away. 

You know that you’ll need a good pair of hiking boots and a day pack for carrying water and other items on the trail. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes are always a good choice during the summer months. You also know that when you stay at Watchman Villas, you won’t need to worry about packing towels, a coffee maker, or other necessities. Our Utah villas are equipped with everything you might need during your stay.

But there are a few other items you may want to have along during your stay. Keep reading to learn a few unexpected items you might not think to pack for your stay in our Zion cabin rentals.

1. A Portable Charger

A stay in our Utah villas can be a great chance to disconnect from technology. Many visitors choose hotels near Bryce Canyon or Zion to spend a lot of time in nature. This means choosing to disconnect from smartphones, laptops, and TVs. But this doesn’t mean that a portable charger should be left off your list.

You might still want to use your cellphone to take pictures or keep it with you in case of emergencies. Having a portable charger along will help ensure that you never run out of battery when you need it the most. 

2. Water Shoes

A great pair of hiking boots is no doubt already on your packing list for your stay in our Zion cabin rentals. But a pair of water shoes might not be.

One of Zion National Park’s most famous trails is The Narrows. This unique trail requires hikers to trek up or down river in the Virgin River. Even when water levels are low, your feet are still sure to get soaked. Wearing your hiking boots could lead to blisters. It can also leave your shoes too wet to wear for more hiking in the next couple of days.

A good pair of water shoes will have laces to hold them on your feet and good tread for walking on slick rocks.

3. Binoculars

Zion National Park and the surrounding area are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Bighorn sheep, black bears, mule deer, and rock squirrels are just a few of the animals you might see during your visit. 

For your safety and the safety of the wildlife, it’s important to keep a safe distance. But if you want to still get a closer look at these incredible creatures, don’t forget to pack a pair of binoculars. Opt for a lightweight pair that you can easily carry in your day pack.

Many animals have adapted to blend with the landscape. Using your binoculars, keep your eyes on the ridgelines of the park to watch for any movements. It might just be bighorn sheep, which are masters at blending in with the rocky landscape they call home.

4. Trail Snacks

There is no shortage of Springdale restaurants to enjoy after a long day of hiking and exploring Zion. But if you want to make the most of your time in the park during your stay in our Zion cabin rentals, you might not want to head out of the park for lunch in the middle of the day.

Instead, make sure to pack some trail snacks or a picnic lunch. Each of our Utah villas is equipped with a full kitchen, complete with utensils, pots, pans, a stove, a microwave, a full fridge, and more. This makes it easy to cook dinner or prep a tasty lunch that you can easily take with you on your daily adventures.

5. A Map or GPS

Most day visitors to Zion National Park are likely planning to enjoy some of the most popular Utah hiking trails. Even if you’re taking on the challenging Angels Landing during your stay, simply staying on the trail should be enough to keep you from getting lost during your stay in our Utah villas.

But even if you plan to stick to the trails, you may still want to consider adding a GPS unit to your packing list for national parks. Not only can this help you during an emergency, but it’s also a simple way to figure out how far you have left on a trail or where exactly you are.

6. Sunscreen

Sunscreen isn’t exactly an unexpected item on your packing list for national parks during the summer months. But it’s easy to forget this essential if you’re visiting in the fall, winter, or spring.

Even on a cloudy winter day in Southern Utah, dangerous UV rays are still making their way through the cloud coverage. While your arms, legs, and neck might be covered up with warm layers, your face is still at risk of getting sunburned this time of year. Don’t forget to pack and apply sunscreen just as you would during the summer. 

In warm weather, don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen frequently, as you’re likely to sweat it off throughout the day.

Planning Your Stay in Our Utah Villas

Whether you’re dreaming of hiking The Narrows or Angels Landing, or simply want to disconnect for a few days in nature, don’t forget to throw the items in this list in your suitcase when packing for your Watchman Villas stay.

Ready to start planning your next Southern Utah adventure? Book your next stay in our Utah villas today!