Choosing the right clothing for a national park visit depends on the park's climate, your planned activities, and how long you'll be on the trail. Here's a practical guide to dressing for America's most-visited parks.
The Layering System
Most experienced hikers use a three-layer approach:
Base layer — soft cotton or moisture-wicking tee for mild conditions
Mid layer — fleece pullover, hoodie, or crewneck sweatshirt for temperature swings
Outer layer — windproof or rain shell for exposed ridges and alpine parks
What to Wear by Park Type
Desert Parks — Arches, Zion, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon
Light, breathable fabrics are essential. A wide-brim bucket hat provides critical sun protection on exposed canyon trails. Avoid dark colors in peak summer heat.
Mountain Parks — Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, Glacier, Rainier, North Cascades, Lassen
Temperatures drop quickly above treeline. A mid-layer fleece or hoodie is essential even in summer. Pack a beanie for summit hikes and early morning starts.
Forest & Rainforest Parks — Olympic, Redwood, Great Smoky Mountains
Moisture-resistant layers and a hoodie handle the cool, damp air in temperate rainforest parks. Layer up for the Hoh Rain Forest and Smoky Mountain ridgelines.
A hat is non-negotiable for serious hiking. See our full National Park Hats & Headwear Guide to find the right style for your park and season, or browse:
A moisture-wicking base layer, mid-layer fleece or hoodie, sturdy hiking shoes, and a hat for sun or warmth. Dress in layers — temperatures change fast on the trail.
Can I wear jeans to a national park?
For casual sightseeing, yes. For day hikes, lightweight pants or shorts plus a comfortable tee work better — jeans are heavy and slow-drying if they get wet.
What hat is best for hiking in the sun?
A wide-brim bucket hat or structured trucker hat with mesh back. See our headwear guide for a full breakdown by park type.
