10 Best Utah Hikes With Dogs in 2024 – Pet-Friendly Trails

best utah hikes with dogs featured

Featuring five national parks, Utah has plenty of memorable hiking trails for you to enjoy with friends, family, and on occasion, pets as well. In this article, we are going to introduce you to some of the best Utah hikes with dogs and talk about what you can see on these trails.

When engaging in these hikes, you will get a chance to explore the most popular dog-friendly trails, full of memorable sights where you can stay active and take some photos while you are at it. There are various paths that you can explore with your pets, from easy one-hour walks to entertaining overnight trips. There are a lot of trails to cover, so without further delay, let us jump right into it.

1. Bryce Canyon National Park – Bryce Canyon

bryce canyon national park best utah hikes with dogs

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best dog-friendly hikes you can find in the state of Utah. It features a large collection of hoodoos, and it is a territory where pets are allowed to access these beautiful views. When visiting Bryce Canyon National Park with your four-legged friends, you are able to explore campgrounds, paved roads, and paved viewpoints.

There is also a paved trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point and the paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point. Keep in mind that your pets do not have access to unpaved paths, trails, or viewpoints and also cannot enter buildings or transportation, even if you carry them. Also, note that the leashes may not be longer than 6 feet.

2. Toadstool Hoodoos – Kanab

toadstool hoodoos best utah hikes with dogs

This is a nice walk, mainly through a wash before it climbs up the hoodoos. It is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and it is a pet-friendly trail that your four-legged friends will certainly enjoy. The parking lot is placed right off 89, so be careful not to miss it.

It is a 1.6 miles round trip and only 100 feet in elevation, so your dogs are sure to enjoy it. Parts of the trail have some sandy soils, but you have a choice to switch and walk on harder soil if you like. The view is absolutely fantastic, and the rock formations look pretty cool. This trail is open year-round and is free to the public.

3. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park – Kanab

coral pink sand dunes state park best utah hikes with dogs

There are not too many dog-friendly places in this area, but the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park offers everything you and your pet require; it is super fun and not far from Zion National Park. You will have a blast exploring and walking through the sand with your dog here, and both of you are bound to enjoy it.

Your dog must be leashed when you visit this area, and it is required for you to clean up after him. Sand can heat up very fast, so make sure that your four-legged friend’s paws are protected before you start the walk. The park is open from sunrise until sunset, so there is plenty of time to walk and explore.

4. Tibble Fork Reservoir – Provo

tibble fork reservoir best utah hikes with dogs

The dog-friendly Tibble Fork and Silver Lake Flat Reservoirs in Provo, Utah, are jaw-dropping freshwater lakes located up American Fork Canyon. There are hiking, walking, and biking trails, and a small river and reservoir are perfect for playing fetch or swimming.

The parking space is limited, and the main beach area is small, so it may get crowded on some days. On the way up to the canyon, you can find multiple stops, mostly along the river, that are meant for picnics, day-use, hiking, and camping. Your dog is sure to enjoy Tibble Fork Reservoir as there are plenty of opportunities to play, walk, and enjoy.

5. The Wave – Kanab

the wave best utah hikes with dogs

A trip to the Wave-Coyote Buttes is an unforgettable experience and a beautiful adventure that your dog can also take part in. Hiking at this trail is only possible if you have a permit, and only twenty people daily can get it, so there are certain limitations. Since this trail is very popular, there is a lottery system for these permits, and ten permits are issued four months in advance.

When you do manage to get the permit to visit this trail, do so early because it gets really hot very fast, and there is little to no shade. Since there are no marks or signs, it would be wise to study the provided map and get to know the area before you engage this trail.

6. Adams Canyon Trail – Layton

adams canyon trail

Adams Canyon Trail is a very popular trail due to its accessibility and scenic beauty. It is a beautiful walk that ends up with a 40-foot waterfall at the end of it, so there is a nice scenic reward for you when you are finished. In the first half-mile, you need to engage in a climb over 500 feet.

This trail goes along the North Fork of Holms creek through shady scrub oak and fantastic white pine. You also get a chance to cross the creek twice, once on an old bridge and at the end by stepping on the rocks. The waterfall at the end of the trail looks truly spectacular, and it is a nice location to cool off before you head back.

7. Antelope Island State Park – Syracuse

antelope island state park

This place is absolutely gorgeous, where you can get amazing views no matter where you look. There are tons of trails that are pet-friendly and plenty of opportunities for you to take some scenic photos. Another great thing about this location is that it is not far from Salt Lake City, so it will not take a lot of time to reach civilization when you are done with the trail.

You can explore multiple hiking trails that vary in difficulty and terrain with your pooch, and you are sure to have an absolute blast and see some jaw-dropping scenic beauties. Make sure to keep your eyes open for the herd of wild bison on the island when moving across the trails. You can also enjoy the views of the Great Salt Lake and beautiful mountain views.

8. Jordan River Parkway – Salt Lake City

jordan river parkway

Jordan River Parkway is an amazing option to go for a walk with your four-legged friends. Your dog needs to be leashed when engaging this trail, and there are poop bag stations along the trail, so there are plenty of locations to clean up after them during this walk.

It is 45 miles long trail that goes through three different countries, which is pretty cool. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the walk and several playgrounds. The scenery is absolutely amazing, and there are also signs describing elements. One of the best things about this trail is the fact that you can see mountains slowly showing up behind the houses. It is a truly beautiful experience that you and your pet should not miss.

9. Red Canyon Visitor Center – Panguitch

red canyon visitor center

This pet-friendly trail is located close to Bryce Canyon National Park, and it is home to beautiful scenery and an exciting path you can take with your pooch. The Red Canyon Visitor Center is full of trails that lead to jaw-dropping views, and it is one of the best alternatives to the well-known Bryce Canyon.

Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, as long as you are responsible and clean up after them. There are plenty of beautiful red rocks and hoodoos on the trail, and you are sure to have a good time with your dog. It is open Monday through Wednesday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Thursday through Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM, which will give you plenty of time for exploration.

10. Red Cliffs National Conservation Area – St. George

red cliffs national conservation area

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is a pet-friendly trail where you can go for a 130-mile walk with your four-legged friend. This road winds around 45.000 acres of public land, and both you and your pet will have a blast when following this trail.

When exploring this trail, you will discover views of the Pine Valley Mountains and Dixie National Forest, plus access to the communities of Ivins, Santa Clara, St. George, Washington, and Leeds in the surrounding area. It is not a crowded location, and you get plenty of options for different lengths of hikes, so there is something for everyone.

Final Words

Same as humans, dogs require some exercise and fun activities to get by, and these trails spread across Utah are great opportunities for both your pet and you to enjoy. We hope you liked the list of our top ten hikes for pooches.

When you find yourself in this beautiful state and want to stretch your legs with your four-legged friends, drop by some of the locations we have listed, and we guarantee you and your pet will be satisfied.