Tips for Taking Your Dog to Moab

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure with your four-legged friend, look no further than Moab, Utah. With its abundance of wide-open spaces and pet-friendly accommodations, Moab is the perfect place to explore with your pup. Here are a few tips to help make your trip as enjoyable as possible for both you and your furry friend.

Dog-Friendly Hikes Near the National Parks

Local laws require dog leashes at all times, and they require you to keep your dog on marked trails. The hiking trails inside the national parks are off-limits for dogs, but there are dog-friendly hiking areas around Moab. Many hikes offer stunning arches and other geological formations that make Moab such a popular destination. Here are some great areas to hike with your dog near Moab:

Morning Glory Natural Bridge

Distance: 5 miles. Hike above the banks of Colorado and follow the picturesque Grandstaff Trail through the canyon to reach the mesmerizing Morning Glory Natural Bridge.

Hidden Valley Trail

Distance: 6 miles. The trek begins with a steadily ascending trail to a hidden valley! It’s a moving sight to behold. In the beautiful valley and beyond, the terrain evens out through the remaining miles of the hike.

Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail

Distance: 2.3 miles. Just west of Moab. This short hike to Corona and Bowtie Arch along a well-marked trail of Slickrock to the great arches. An excellent choice for beginner hikers.

Fisher Towers Trail

Distance: 4.4 miles. Hikers behold an overpowering mystical landscape across a vast expanse of Utah’s backcountry. Gaze up at the soaring heights of the incomprehensible Fisher Towers.

Longbow Arch

Distance: 2.4 miles. This walk features a wealth of wonders, including dinosaur tracks, fascinating rock art, and the fantastic sight of the Longbow Arch.

Mill Creek Trail

Distance: 1.8 miles. A short hike with gigantic payoffs. The Mill Creek Waterfall features popular swimming holes for dogs and their human pals, and famous ancient pictographs and petroglyphs adorn the rock walls along the trail!

Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon Trail

Distance: 8 miles. Near Arches National Park. This trail is considered one of the area’s best hikes to take with your dog. It leads over many creek crossings to a dual waterfall.

Moab’s Dog Park

Located at 100 East 300 South, this leash-free dog park offers an excellent area to let your dog run and play. The dog park is covered in sand, and features trees for shade. Doggy bags are readily available at the park to clean up after your pooch. The dog park features a separate gated area for small and large dogs with a water fountain in each one.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

There are several hotels in Moab, Utah that allow dogs. Some of the dog friendly accommodations include:

Great Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Moab

There are many dog-friendly eateries in Moab, so you won’t have to look far for a place to get a delicious meal after a big day on the trails. Here are a few of the most popular spots:

The Blu Pig

811 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Delectable barbeque food and live music every night.

Eddie McStiff’s

57 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Specialty beer and a menu featuring unique sandwiches, burgers, and entrees, plus vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Moab Food Truck Park

39 W 100 N, Moab, Utah 84532
Fun array of great food trucks serving waffles, hot dogs, Chinese food, pizza, tacos, and more.

Milt’s Stop and Eat

356 S Mill Creek Dr, Moab, UT 84532
Traditional U.S. American diner with buffalo burgers and old-style malts.

Zax

96 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
There is a big selection of locally brewed beers and creative pizzas with a fun local atmosphere.

Safety Tips for Hiking with Your Dog Near Moab

Taking in the beauty and grandeur of the Moab area is one of the greatest experiences a person can have, and having your dog sharing it with you makes it so much more special. Of course, the high desert of Utah is a place where avoiding accidents must be a top priority for pet owners.

1. Dehydration or Risk of Overheating: Moab, Utah gets 100 degrees or more during the summer, so bringing enough water for you and your dog is essential. If bringing your dog during summer on hikes, be sure to start early so you can avoid the hottest time of day.
2. Harassing Wildlife: A leash is required in all public areas in Moab. Your dog should be trained for verbal commands and should be prevented from chasing or bothering wildlife.
3. Risk of Falling: Keep your dog away from cliff edges. Dogs can fall or become afraid and feel stuck in dangerous spots when permitted to run without a leash.

Moab Area Health and Emergency Services for Dogs

• Moab Vet Clinic: 435-259-8710
• Mill Creek Animal Hospital: 435-259-2733
• Moab Animal Control: 435-259-8938
• Moab Animal Shelter: 435-269-0199
• Humane Society of Moab Valley: 435-259-4862
• Grand County Dispatch: 435-259-8115

Dog Boarding Facilities

If you are planning on spending time in the national parks where dogs are not allowed or when it is too hot for them to join, a dog boarding facility or doggy daycare is a perfect solution.

Moab Veterinary Clinic

4575 Spanish Valley Dr, Moab, UT 84532
(435) 259-8710

Moab National Bark

2781 S Roberts Dr, Moab, UT 84532
(435) 259-7922

The Joy of Traveling with Your Dog

There are endless wonders to enjoy with your fuzzy pal on the great trails of the Utah backcountry surrounding world-famous Moab Utah. You can make countless wonderful memories of grand adventures together in this spectacular region. To make the most of your exciting journey with your pet dog, ensure your dog is safe and well-behaved:

• Prepare in advance with proper basic behavioral training.
• Have all the vaccinations needed for your dog.
• Attach a proper ID to your pet.
• Get a doggy pack and load it with all the pet supplies you’ll need.

Red River Adventures in Moab, Utah

If you’re interested in coming to Moab, Utah for a guided adventure, call Red River Rafting at (435) 259-4046 for more information or to book your visit. We are a guided tour service in Moab for rock climbing, canyoneering, and river rafting excursions. Red River Adventure guides are certified through the American Mountain Guide Association.

The River People

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We strive to ensure that time spent with us is time that you will always look back on fondly. We want to leave you with a memories that bring a smile to your face no matter where you are, no matter what you are doing, and no matter how much time has passed. In addition to a deep reservoir of personal experience, our rafting guides are licensed by the state of Utah, have Wilderness First Responder and/or First Aid/CPR certifications, and are insured. Many guides also have swiftwater rescue training. Our climbing and canyoneering guides are AMGA-certified for the terrain in which they operate. Our skiing guides are certified for the terrain, and some are world-renowned for their experience. All of our guides are intimately acquainted with not only the river, rock and snow, but also with the incredible surroundings of the areas we guide.