Do you need hiking boots for national parks?

Mountains , National Parks , Tours , Travel Your daily miles aren't always consecutive. But they can sometimes be steep or cover rocky, slick, or uneven surfaces. Whether you're exploring the arches of Utah or the mountains of Wyoming, you'll want to have a good pair of comfortable hiking boots for your trip.



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You don't really need hiking boots for Yellowstone in summer (I would definitely pack them in spring and autumn though), unless maybe if you are planning to hike to the top of Mt. Washburn.

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Running shoes, sport sandals, or hiking boots are ideal. Flip flops, high heels, or new shoes that you're still breaking in are not. If you're planning on hiking into the Canyon, wear a mid-weight boot with lots of ankle support. For the Rim trail, a running shoe with good tread will do the job.

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Open-toed shoes of any kind should be left at home. However, hiking sandals are fine for the leisurely hikes in the park. Heavy hiking boots are not the best option for hiking in Zion due to the fact that they often inhibit ankle movement, but if it's the only thing you have, you'll probably be okay.

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Something like trail runners is best but quality sneakers should be sufficient. Open-toed shoes of any kind should be left at home. However, hiking sandals are fine for the leisurely hikes in the park.

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Other essentials would be a backpack, sunscreen, sunglasses, a windblocker hat, all weather gloves, and extra socks. Footwear: Warm, waterproof (preferably Gore Tex) hiking boots are essential to keep your feet dry.

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Wear good hiking shoes or athletic shoes, long pants, and long sleeves to protect you from prickly vegetation and sun exposure. Bring with you a first-aid kit, snacks, and an extra layer.

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A hat at this time of the year is essential to protect your head and face from the strong summer sun. While many of the walking paths through the Blue Mountains are moderately easy and don't require hiking boots, we still recommend wearing enclosed shoes like sneakers, rather than sandals or thongs.

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They are all well trodden trails, fine with regular running shoes. Your road running shoes should be fine. It will put more wear and tear on the shoe but you aren't planning to go far so no big deal.

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Make sure you know before you go. In national parks where grizzlies live, such as Glacier or Grand Teton, rangers encourage you to carry bear spray. In others, such as Yosemite, where only black bears live, bear spray is not even permitted.

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Planning Your Hike in Bear Country Make sure you know before you go. In national parks where grizzlies live, such as Glacier or Grand Teton, rangers encourage you to carry bear spray. In others, such as Yosemite, where only black bears live, bear spray is not even permitted.

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Open-toed shoes of any kind should be left at home. However, hiking sandals are fine for the leisurely hikes in the park. Heavy hiking boots are not the best option for hiking in Zion due to the fact that they often inhibit ankle movement, but if it's the only thing you have, you'll probably be okay.

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Tennis shoes may excel on concrete or groomed trails, but they're often too flexible to give you uncompromised traction in the wild. Many hiking boots feature Vibram soles and heel brakes that deliver optimal control on the trail.

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