How To Prepare For Camping In Snow Canyon, Utah

By: Valentín PEREZ DUHALDE

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Do you want to know how to prepare for camping in Snow Canyon, Utah? This is a great small State Park, off the beaten path that defines southwest Utah as one of America's classics when it comes to hiking. From the top of its main peaks, such as Signal Peak (10,368 ft) the views reach three states: Utah, Arizona and Nevada. The nearby Zion National Park also contributes to the breathtaking views from the heights of Snow Canyon State Park.

What you need to prepare for camping in Snow Canyon, Utah is:

A tent
A sleeping bag
An insulation mat
A stove
A water filter
A camping cookware set
A lighter
A box of matches
Some trekking training
At least two pairs of socks
A pair of trekking shoes
A pair of flip flops or similar camp shoe
GPS
A topographic map of the area
A computer with Internet access

Start by hiking short distances around your house or wherever is comfortable for you at least two months prior to the trip. This activity will not only get you in shape, but also allow you to test and wear your shoes to avoid blisters and infections once in the park. It's important that you wear the shoes that you will use during the trip, together with the socks of your choice.
Do some research and decide your itinerary. Even though Snow Canyon is not the biggest State Park, it offers a wide variety of activities and trails. So choose the ones you would like to do, and read about them at the Utah State Parks Website. Also, resources can be found at your local library. Many books have been written about the south west of Utah.
Check the Snow Canyon State Park Rules and Regulations at its official website.
Determine how many days you will camp in the park.
Decide the type of camping you will do. If you're going car camping with some occasional hikes, the preparation is quite easy as you will be able to carry as many goods and gear as you want; but if you will be hiking for several nights at a time the correct setting of gear and provisions is vital.
If you choose to navigate with GPS, set the waypoints that you will use. Include alternatives to the trails you choose, mark campsites, water wells and other interesting points. If your GPS does not include a detailed map of the area, try to get one.
Regardless of your choice, get a topographic map of the Park. These maps can be bought at the USGS Website. Learning how to navigate using a topo map and a compass is a good skill to have. The chapter about navigation present in "Mountaineering, The freedom of the hills" is a clear approach that will give you a good idea about navigation.
Calculate food and water needs. This can be done quite easily. Train for as many hours as you will be hiking on a regular day at the park, and take note of whatever you eat and drink to feel good.
As the travel date approaches, test how heavy your full load will be and assess if you'll be able to handle it.
Try hiking poles. For some hikers, poles are necessary, and for others they are an unnecessary load.
Include a waterproof jacket in your pack. Even though Snow Canyon is surrounded by desert, occasional rainfall can occur, and may last for several hours.
Set up the tent before you get to the Park.
Pack biodegradable soap and toilette paper. Leaving no trace is the only way to honor natural beauty.
Get a trekking emergency kit. The kind that are sold at major retailers is fine, containing antiseptic, tape and sticky bands.
Carry cash in small notes. Most fees that are to be paid at the park must be left in cash boxes, with exact change. So carry lots of one and five dollar bills, and a pen.