If you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip with your pup, Arizona and Utah offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Southwest. This adventure takes you through the Mighty 5 National Parks of Utah—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands—along with Arizona’s most iconic destinations like Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley. While some national parks have pet restrictions, there are still plenty of dog-friendly trails, scenic drives, and outdoor experiences to enjoy along the way.

This guide will take you stop-by-stop through the ultimate dog-friendly road trip through Arizona and Utah, highlighting pet-friendly stops, activities, and tips to make the journey stress-free for you and your four-legged co-pilot.

Stop 1: Sedona, AZ

Sedona is a desert paradise that feels almost magical with its vibrant red rock formations, energy vortexes, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Known for its laid-back, artsy vibe, the town is filled with crystal shops, art galleries, and wellness retreats. The weather varies depending on the season—summers can be hot (highs in the 90s°F), while fall and spring are ideal for hiking with mild temperatures in the 60s-70s°F. Winter is chilly but still pleasant, with occasional dustings of snow on the red rocks.

Sedona is incredibly dog-friendly, with many trails allowing leashed pups, and numerous outdoor patios where you can dine with your furry friend. Plus, the surrounding national forest offers endless opportunities for exploring with your pup!

Top Dog-Friendly Activities:

1. Devil’s Bridge – One of Sedona’s most iconic hikes, this 4.2-mile round-trip trail leads to a stunning natural rock bridge. Dogs are allowed on a leash, but be mindful of the steep incline near the top.

2. Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte Loop – A scenic 4-mile hike offering incredible views of Sedona’s famous rock formations. The relatively flat trail makes it a great option for both humans and pups.

3. Chapel of the Holy Cross Overlook – While dogs can’t enter the chapel, the surrounding area offers stunning views and is a great photo op.

4. Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway – A must-do drive through Sedona’s most beautiful landscapes. This 7.5-mile scenic highway (Highway 179) features multiple viewpoints where you can stop and take in the views with your pup.

5. Go Off-Roading with Barlow Jeep Rentals – Rent a pet-friendly Jeep and take your dog on an off-roading adventure to explore Sedona’s rugged terrain. Popular trails include Schnebly Hill Road and Broken Arrow Trail. If you’re not a fan of bouncy rides, this activity is not for you.

We weren’t really sure what to expect when visiting Sedona, but it totally stole our traveling hearts with all the beautiful dog-friendly trails. We hope to visit again soon to add more trails to our list.

Stop 2: Grand Canyon (South Rim)

The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, stretching 277 miles with depths of over a mile. It’s a humbling sight, reminding you of nature’s vastness and power. While much of the national park has pet restrictions, the South Rim is a must-see stop while passing through northern Arizona.

Weather here can be unpredictable, ranging from freezing temperatures and snow in the winter to warm but semi-comfortable conditions in the summer (highs in the 80s°F). Because of the elevation (over 7,000 feet), it tends to be cooler than other desert destinations, but there isn’t a lot of shade, so on warmer days, the pavement can be really hot.

Top Dog-Friendly Activities:

1. South Rim Trail – One of the only dog-friendly trails in the park, offering breathtaking views along a paved pathway.

2. Yavapai Point & Mather Point – Both offer excellent viewpoints where you and your pup can take in the grandeur of the canyon.

After soaking in the views, continue your drive to Page, AZ, for your next homebase.

Stop 3: Page, AZ

Tucked between the towering sandstone cliffs of northern Arizona, Page is an adventure hub with striking desert scenery and some of the most famous photo spots in the Southwest. The town itself has a small, quiet feel, but it serves as a gateway to outdoor wonders like Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell.

Summers can be hot (highs in the 90s°F), so plan outdoor activities for the morning or evening. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit, with temperatures in the 60s-80s°F. Winter can be chilly but still manageable.

Page is a great place to visit with dogs since many of its major attractions are located outdoors, and there are scenic lake areas where pups can cool off. However, be aware that Antelope Canyon has restrictions—only the lower section (accessible by water) allows dogs.

Top Dog-Friendly Activities:

1. Horseshoe Bend – A short 1.5-mile round-trip hike leads to one of the most famous viewpoints in Arizona. Sunset is the best time to visit for dramatic lighting!

2. Antelope Canyon (Lower Canyon by Kayak) – Unlike the Upper Canyon, which requires a guided tour that doesn’t allow pets, you can access the lower portion of Antelope Canyon with your dog via kayak from Lake Powell. Rent a kayak and paddle to the entrance for a unique and dog-friendly experience. Plan for this to be a full-day activity, and beware that kayaking Lake Powell is not for the faint of heart.

3. Glen Canyon Dam Overlook – A quick stop with panoramic views of the Colorado River and surrounding red rock cliffs.

Stop 4: Moab, UT

Moab is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, known for its dramatic red rock landscapes, deep canyons, and easy access to two national parks (Arches and Canyonlands). The town itself has a fun, laid-back vibe with plenty of cool cafés, breweries, and gear shops catering to hikers, bikers, and climbers.

Weather-wise, Moab gets hot in the summer (highs in the 90s-100°F), so plan for early morning or evening hikes. Spring and fall are ideal for visiting, with mild temperatures in the 60s-80s°F. Winters can be cold but not extreme, with occasional snowfall adding a stunning contrast to the red rocks.

Top Dog-Friendly Activities:

1. Corona Arch Trail – A 3-mile round-trip hike leading to a stunning arch that rivals those in Arches National Park (which does not allow dogs).

2. Mill Creek Trail – A great hike featuring a refreshing waterfall where dogs can splash around.

3. Dead Horse Point State Park – One of the best places to watch the sunset in Moab, with scenic viewpoints and dog-friendly trails.

Stop 5: Arches National Park

Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it one of the most visually striking landscapes in Utah. The delicate rock formations, towering pinnacles, and dramatic desert scenery make this park feel almost otherworldly. It’s especially stunning at sunrise and sunset when the golden light illuminates the arches.

While dogs are not allowed on trails in Arches, the scenic drive through the park offers incredible viewpoints, making it a great stop even with a pup. The town of Moab, just outside the park, is extremely dog-friendly, offering plenty of pet-friendly hikes and outdoor activities.

Top Dog-Friendly Activities:

1. Arches Scenic Drive – A 36-mile drive featuring stunning rock formations, including Delicate Arch Viewpoint, The Windows, and Balanced Rock.

Stop 6: Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is Utah’s largest national park, offering vast desert landscapes, deep river-carved canyons, and dramatic cliffs. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and The Rivers, each offering unique scenery.

The Island in the Sky district, closest to Moab, is the most accessible and offers breathtaking panoramic views of canyons stretching for miles. While dogs aren’t allowed on trails, the scenic drive and overlooks make it a great stop for road-trippers.

Top Dog-Friendly Activities:

1. Island in the Sky Scenic Drive – A paved, dog-friendly road offering jaw-dropping canyon views.

2. Shafer Canyon Overlook – A dramatic viewpoint where you and your pup can take in the immense beauty of the canyons.

Stop 7: Capitol Reef National Park

Often overlooked compared to its Mighty 5 siblings, Capitol Reef is a hidden treasure known for its colorful sandstone cliffs, twisting canyons, and the historic Fruita orchards. The park gets its name from the dome-like white rock formations that resemble the U.S. Capitol building and the rugged, impassable “reef” of rock that early settlers had to navigate.

With fewer crowds than Bryce or Zion, Capitol Reef offers a more peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience. The weather is milder than higher-altitude parks like Bryce, making it a great stop year-round.

Top Dog-Friendly Activities:

1. Goosenecks Overlook – A short walk to a stunning viewpoint overlooking a winding river canyon.

2. Cathedral Valley Loop – A remote scenic drive where dogs are allowed, featuring dramatic rock monoliths.

3. Fruita Orchards – A great place to relax with your pup and even pick seasonal fruit when in season.

Stop 8: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is unlike any other place in the world, with its towering hoodoos—thin, spire-like rock formations carved by erosion. The park has an almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere, especially at sunrise when the golden light illuminates the orange and pink rock formations.

Because of its high elevation (over 8,000 feet), Bryce Canyon has cooler temperatures than the surrounding desert. Summers are pleasant (highs in the 70s-80s°F), while winters are cold and snowy, turning the park into a winter wonderland. Spring and fall offer mild, crisp weather.

Dog-friendliness is limited inside the park, but leashed dogs are allowed on the paved section of the Rim Trail and you can drive the Southern Scenic Drive to take in 9 scenic overlooks. Luckily, there are dog-friendly hikes in the nearby Dixie National Forest, and the scenic drive offers plenty of pullouts where you can take in the views with your pup.

Top Dog-Friendly Activities:

1. Rim Trail (Sunrise Point to Sunset Point) – This 1-mile paved section of the Rim Trail allows dogs and offers jaw-dropping views of the canyon.

2. Mossy Cave Trail – A short, scenic trail leading to a small waterfall and a mossy alcove.

While dogs aren’t allowed on most trails inside the park, the viewpoints along the scenic drive are worth stopping for!

Stop 9: Zion National Park

Zion is one of the most breathtaking national parks in the U.S., featuring towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and lush river valleys. The park has a more dramatic and rugged feel than other stops on this trip, with towering rock walls that make you feel small in the best way possible.

The weather varies depending on elevation—summers are hot (highs in the 90s-100°F), making early morning hikes essential. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with highs in the 70s-80s°F and cooler nights. Winter can bring snow to higher elevations, but the main canyon remains accessible.

Unfortunately, Zion has limited pet-friendly options—most trails prohibit dogs except for the paved Pa’rus Trail, which follows the Virgin River and offers stunning views. However, there are plenty of pet-friendly hikes in the surrounding area, including Kolob Canyons and nearby national forests.

Top Dog-Friendly Activities:

Pa’rus Trail – The only dog-friendly trail inside Zion National Park, following the Virgin River with stunning canyon views.

Kolob Canyons – A lesser-visited section of the park where you can enjoy dramatic scenery without the crowds.

Zion Canyon Overlook (Outside the Park) – While most hikes in Zion are off-limits to dogs, there are dog-friendly trails just outside the park in the surrounding national forests.

Stop 10: Kanab, UT

Kanab is a hidden gem of the Southwest, often called “Little Hollywood” because of its history as a filming location for classic Western movies. It’s a charming and quiet town, surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in Utah. Kanab serves as a perfect base for exploring incredible natural wonders, including slot canyons, wave-like rock formations, and remote desert landscapes.

The weather in Kanab is typically warm and dry, with summer highs reaching the 90s°F, while spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures in the 60s-80s°F. Winters are mild, though occasional snow can add an extra layer of beauty to the red rock surroundings. Kanab is also extremely dog-friendly, with plenty of open spaces for your pup to roam, pet-friendly accommodations, and even a famous animal sanctuary.

Top Dog-Friendly Activities:

1. The Wave (Lottery Required) – One of the most famous hikes in the Southwest, featuring stunning sandstone waves. Dogs are allowed on this permit-only hike, so plan ahead and enter the lottery for a chance to experience this breathtaking landscape.

2. White Pocket – A less-crowded alternative to The Wave, White Pocket features surreal rock formations and swirling colors. Unlike The Wave, no permit is required (yet), making it an easier option for those wanting to explore unique desert landscapes with their pup.

3. Monument Valley (Day Trip) – While the scenic drive inside Monument Valley Tribal Park is restricted to guided tours (which don’t allow dogs), you can still take in the famous buttes from Forrest Gump Point and nearby overlooks.

4. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument — A vast, rugged area with dog-friendly slot canyons, desert trails, and breathtaking scenery. Popular hikes include:

   • Willis Creek Slot Canyon – A shallow, dog-friendly slot canyon with flowing water.

   • Toadstool Hoodoos – A short trail leading to mushroom-shaped rock formations.

   • Paria Rimrocks – Another surreal landscape with colorful rock formations.

5. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park – A unique dog-friendly park where you and your pup can run through soft, rolling pink sand dunes.

6. Best Friends Roadhouse – A must-visit in Kanab, this renowned sanctuary cares for rescued animals and offers pet-friendly accommodations at the Best Friends Roadhouse. You can even volunteer to walk a dog from the sanctuary during your visit!

A Road Trip to Remember

This Arizona and Utah road trip is packed with jaw-dropping scenery, exciting hikes, and unforgettable experiences for both you and your dog. While some areas have restrictions, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty of the Southwest with your pup by your side.

So pack up the car, grab the leash, and hit the road for the ultimate dog-friendly adventure!