Looking to travel across the western United States this summer? Dogs make great companions in all of your camping, hiking, and exploring. They provide enjoyable and loving company while also keeping you safe. Moab, Utah’s deeply colored red rocks and warm weather make for a great destination for you and your furry friend! Plenty of dog friendly hikes, restaurants, and accommodations await you on your stay. Begin planning your dog friendly Moab vacation by reading our recommendations!
Top Dog Friendly Moab Hikes
Arches National Park prohibits dogs from hiking any of its trails, but there are still plenty of equally beautiful hikes in the area that you can enjoy. The following five hikes are all dog friendly as long as dogs are kept on leash! Some even include natural bodies of water for dogs to cool off and relax in.
Faux Falls
This easy walk will likely take less than 30 minutes and is less than 500 yards total! Take a flat and quick trail to a small natural waterfall. The base of the waterfall has a three to four foot deep pool that dogs and people alike will enjoy swimming in. Your dog will love the cooling water after a walk in the sun.
Mill Creek Falls
Hike through patches of cottonwood trees and desert for about a quarter mile until you reach this small waterfall and its surrounding pools. The shallow and calm water makes for a great place to take a swim. The cool water provides a great rest from Moab’s Summer heat. Be cautious for slippery rocks on this hike as some of the trail may be wet. After reaching this first waterfall, you can continue up the canyon for more natural swimming holes and waterfalls, as well as some ancient petroglyphs on the cliffside.
Jeep Arch Trail
Next up, this 3.6 mile route is known for its beautiful wildflowers and unique arch formation. Follow cairns and trail markers along a slickrock and dirt path to reach a series of ledges that lead you right up to the large sandstone Jeep Arch. Look along its sides for the rough cut out image that it gets its name from! Jeep Arch is less crowded than many of the area’s most famous arches, making it a great option for a dog friendly moab hike.
The Fisher Towers Trail
This 5.2 mile round trip trail twists through a variety of unique red rock formations. Rated at a moderate level of difficulty, the hike will take around 2-3 hours. This hike is dog friendly, but be careful to avoid going in the middle of the day when the sun is out, as the trail has very little shade. The trail consists of dirt and rock. The views across the canyon’s pinnacles and monuments make the hike well worth it.
Mary Jane Canyon
Finally, this longer hike travels through a small creek for the duration of the whole hike! 7.6 miles in total, this trail follows a winding stream through a slot canyon until it reaches the final destination of a 30 foot tall waterfall. The canyon walls increase in height as you continue along the trail, eventually getting close to 100 feet tall, providing great shade. Be prepared: both you and your dog will get wet on this hike due to a high number of creek crossings. This trail experiences less foot traffic and is a great option to avoid major crowds.
Tips for Hiking with Dogs
- Always follow basic dog etiquette including bringing and using a leash, cleaning up after your dog, and following local laws. In Moab, all dogs must be leashed and are only permitted on dog friendly trails.
- While packing for your day adventures, make sure to include bottled water, a water bowl, plastic waste bags, dog food and/or treats, and your pet’s collar with all of the necessary information.
- Don’t overestimate your dog’s abilities. Before embarking on a trail with your pet, consider their ability to handle the conditions. High temperatures and direct sunlight, uncomfortable terrain, or slippery and freezing weather are all situations that you should avoid when hiking with your dog. In the Summer, Moab reaches high temperatures in the 90s and even 100s. Keep this in mind when planning your time of travel.
- Plan to hike at times with lower traffic. The more crowded a trail is, the more difficult it is to hike with your pet. Dogs may become overexcited at the company of so many people or find it difficult to work their way along a busy trail.
- Be aware of the heat of pavement and car interiors. Dogs are susceptible to heatstroke from sun and heat exposure. Test the heat of the path you are hiking before beginning a multiple hour trek with your dog. Also, never leave your dog in a hot car. It can be extremely dangerous to their health.
Dog Friendly Moab Restaurants
The Blu Pig: Local BBQ joint that welcomes dogs at its outdoor tables. Their patio area has heaters for the Winter and fans for the Summer, making it a great option at any time of year. Your dog will get to enjoy water and treats while you dine.
Bangkok House Too: This delicious Asian restaurant serves a variety of dishes from sushi to curries. Enjoy the charming atmosphere at the restaurant’s pet-friendly outdoor tables.
Gloria’s Corner Cafe: Open all day with tasty food and healthy smoothie and juice options, the shaded patio at Gloria’s is a great option for dining with your dog in Moab.
A Comfortable and Dog Friendly Moab Stay
All of Wander Camp’s glamping locations are pet friendly and offer a comfortable and relaxing stay during your travels. Wander Camp Moab makes for a great dog friendly stay during your trip. Enjoy clean and comfortable linens in a great camp atmosphere that provides a true outdoor stay experience with stargazing, campfires, and close proximity to the best dog friendly Moab hikes!
Post written by Maggie Jackson