Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Southern Utah (2025)
🐾 Why Southern Utah is a Pup’s Paradise 🏜️🐶
Southern Utah boasts a diverse landscape of red rock canyons, sandstone arches, alpine forests, and serene desert trails, making it an ideal destination for dog owners seeking adventure. With many trails on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands allowing leashed pets, there’s no shortage of scenic routes to explore.
Why dog owners love hiking here:
- 🌞 Mild winters and over 250 days of sunshine annually
- 🌲 Expansive wilderness areas with low foot traffic
- 🪨 Unique geological formations and dog-friendly campgrounds nearby
- 🐕 Several off-leash dog parks in major towns like St. George and Moab
🥾 7 Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Southern Utah (2025)
1. Elephant Arch Trail – Washington, UT 🐘
- Distance: 3.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: A unique sandstone arch resembling an elephant’s head. The trail is mostly sandy with gentle elevation, making it manageable for dogs of all sizes.
- Insider Tip: Visit during sunrise or late afternoon for incredible golden lighting. Ideal for energetic dogs with trail stamina.
2. Dino Cliffs Trail – Washington, UT 🦕
- Distance: 3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Ancient dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone. The trail is flat and wide, making it perfect for puppies or senior dogs.
- Bonus: Springtime brings colorful desert wildflowers and mild temps.
3. Zebra and Tunnel Slots – Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument 🦓🌀
- Distance: 6.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Striped, narrow slot canyons provide an exciting terrain challenge. Dogs who love tight spaces and climbing will enjoy this.
- Dog Tip: Protective dog boots are recommended due to sharp rocks. Pack extra water, especially in warmer months.
4. Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail – Near Boulder, UT 💦🐾
- Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Ends at a 126-foot waterfall with natural swimming holes for dogs to cool off.
- Pro Tip: Mornings are best to avoid steep descents in midday heat. Bring a cooling vest for summer hikes.
5. Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Loop – Near Goblin Valley 🏞️🐕
- Distance: 8 miles loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Winding through slot canyons and open desert, this trail offers diverse landscapes and fun scrambles for active dogs.
- Important Note: Always check flash flood warnings before entering any slot canyon.
6. Panorama Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park (Pet-Accessible Section) 🌄🐩
- Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Dog-friendly areas along the rim offer breathtaking views of the hoodoos. The mostly paved trail accommodates smaller or older dogs.
- Bonus: Great photo ops near Inspiration Point and benches along the way.
7. Pa’rus Trail – Zion National Park 🏞️🐕🦺
- Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: This is the only trail in Zion where dogs are permitted. Follows the Virgin River with scenic views and shady areas.
- Dog-Friendly Perks: Water fountains, poop bag stations, and picnic spots make this an all-around great trail.
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” — Roger Caras, renowned wildlife photographer and former president of the ASPCA.
🦴 Essential Tips for Hiking with Dogs in Southern Utah
- 💧 Hydration: Always bring plenty of water. Use collapsible bowls for easy drinking breaks.
- 🐾 Paw Protection: Booties or paw balm can help prevent burns and abrasions from hot or rocky terrain.
- 🦮 Leash Etiquette: Keep your dog leashed in designated areas to protect local wildlife and fellow hikers.
- 🚮 Leave No Trace: Pack out all dog waste. Use biodegradable poop bags for minimal environmental impact.
- 🕒 Time Your Hike: Start early in the day or go late afternoon to avoid extreme heat.
- 🧠 Know Your Dog’s Limits: Monitor for signs of overheating—excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy.
- 🩹 Safety First: A dog-specific first aid kit can make a difference in emergencies. Include bandages, antiseptic, and tick removers.
🐶 Local Dog-Friendly Resources
- 🏥 Emergency Vets Nearby: Moab Veterinary Clinic, Red Hills Animal Hospital (St. George)
- 🛌 Pet-Friendly Lodging: Check out pet-welcome options on platforms like BringFido and Airbnb filters.
- 🐕🦺 Dog Parks for Rest Days: JC Snow Park in St. George or Bark Park in Moab.
- 🎒 Must-Have Gear Checklist:
- Collapsible water bowl & hydration pack
- Cooling vest or towel
- Waste bags (biodegradable)
- Dog boots or paw balm
- High-protein snacks or kibble
- Leash with waist attachment for hands-free hiking
❓ What are the best dog-friendly hikes in Southern Utah in 2025?
The best dog-friendly hikes in Southern Utah for 2025 are Elephant Arch Trail, Dino Cliffs Trail, Zebra and Tunnel Slots, and Upper Calf Creek Falls. These are gorgeous, offer varying levels of difficulty, and are perfect for leashed pets. Don’t miss Pa’rus Trail in Zion — the sole officially approved dog-friendly hike in the national park!
❓ Can dogs be taken on trails in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks?
Yes, but only on some trails. In Zion National Park, dogs can go only on the Pa’rus Trail, a paved, accessible trail along the Virgin River. Leashed dogs can go on the Panorama Trail along the rim at Bryce Canyon, but not on most inner trails. Always check for current regulations before going.
❓ What do I pack when hiking my dog in Utah’s desert?
Hiking in Southern Utah with your dog? Bring the following with you: collapsible water bowls, extra water, dog booties or paw balm, biodegradable trash bags, cooling vest, and high-protein treats. Take early hikes and always keep your dog on leash on limited-trail hiking areas to protect against wildlife.
📢 Share Your Pup’s Southern Utah Adventure! 🐕📸
Have you and your pup explored any of these trails? Share your adventure on social media and tag us with #PawsInSouthernUtah. We might feature your furry friend in our next newsletter! 📰🐾
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