Tips for Taking Your Dog to Moab

Areas to Hike with Your Dog near 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:

Radcliffe Moab The Finca Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab
Red Cliff Condos La Quinta Inn & Suites Moab Expedition Lodge
Paraiso My Place Hotel-Moab Utah The Gonzo Inn
Adobe Dreams The Virginian Motel Under Canvas Moab
St. Danes Slickrock Cabins Quality Suites Moab

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

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
Post Author
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.

River Rafting Reviews and Red River Adventure Testimonials!

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Michelle Harrison
April 20, 2023

We had a blast canyoneering the Bow and Arrow Canyon with Dan! He is a great well experienced guide. He is also super fun and patient. It was our first time canyoneering and we all loved it! We would highly recommend this trip to anyone!

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Jen Hocherman
April 18, 2023

This half day rafting trip was fantastic! We would absolutely recommend it! Our guide Dan was knowledgeable and had lots of interesting information to share along the way. We rafted through four sets of rapids, got soaked, and had fun!

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Makayla Taylor
April 17, 2023

Every part of this was amazing!! Dan was our tour guide and he was incredible! 100% recommend.

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Joyann McChesney
April 17, 2023

Great day, fantastic guides! Highly recommend.

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Alison Browning
April 12, 2023

We did Bow & Arrow route 2 adults, 2 middle schoolers. Kenzie was fantastic, especially with helping one child face fears on the big rappel. This is a great activity for adventurous families

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Adam Smith
April 10, 2023

We had an awesome experience! I took my 4 kids ages 9-16 on the Morning Glory canyoneering trip. Our guide Kenzie was awesome! The 2 rappelling spots of 90 & 120 ft in Grandstaff were amazing and the most memorable time for my kids in Moab. Thank you!

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Lisa reese
April 10, 2023

Carl was very easy to work with in planning your trip. All guides were fun, knowledgeable, and confident in their skills. I would recommend the Bow and Arrow as it has the most repels. The hike up and in was very scenic.

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Brandon Swenson
April 7, 2023

Honestly the best river rafting company group in Moab. They are local experts, the guide we had really gave us a good time out there. Next time we're in Moab we're comin back!

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George
April 3, 2023

Canyoneering was incredible! Our guide, Brian, was very knowledgeable about rappelling and the terrain. He made our group feel very safe the whole way. Highly recommended if you’re looking for an adventure!

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William Kellagher
April 2, 2023

I did the Rock of Ages Canyoneering trip today & it was AWESOME!! Brian was an amazing guide and the group I was with was great. The best day I had on my Moab trip! If you're afraid of heights like me, don't let that stop you from booking a trip. It was incredible day

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Brett Woodward
March 15, 2023

I took AIARE lvl 1 with Garth and Jeremy and I learned a ton and had a great time in the process, couldn’t ask for more!

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Jake Scheuerlein
March 15, 2023

Garth and Jeremy were fantastic instructors and I plan on taking my Level 2 first thing next season thru RRA.

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Antoine Rioux
March 7, 2023

Amazing experience! Our guide John understood very well our expectations for the day and chose safe options to have a lot of fun despite the considerable risk for avalanches (> 60 inches of snow in the last days).

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Nathan Dorfman
February 28, 2023

I could not be more satisfied with my AIARE 1 class with Red River Adventures and awesome instructors Jake and Garth. Engaging, educational and a ton of fun.

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Rebecca Raich
February 27, 2023

Great AIARE 1 class - instructors knew their stuff and were patient & professional. Class was pretty intensive, but I now feel like I can more safely adventure in the backcountry.

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hudsonm777
February 27, 2023

Highly recommend. Friend and I hired a guide for our first time ice climbing. Bryan was super knowledgeable and helped everyone grow and have a great time.

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Zoe Huish
February 27, 2023

Had my Avy 1 Course this weekend led by Garth Tino and Jake Scheinman. They were both fantastic instructors and people. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

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Nathan Hernday
February 20, 2023

Had an awesome time doing some ice climbing, guided by Jake. I was hoping to do as much learning as possible on gear and techniques, and he was fun and full of all the info that I was looking for. Jake and Red River Adventures are both highly recommended.

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Lisa Ryan
February 17, 2023

We just got done with our tour with Jake. It was amazing! He was very educational and also very helpful for our first time out! I would highly recommend Red River Adventures for any touring trip.

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Christine Patterson
February 14, 2023

Awesome experience with John in the backcountry. Perfect mix of fun runs and learning experiences. Definitely a day I won’t forget !

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Ben Romney
February 6, 2023

Did a one week guided ski trip in Hokkaido with Carl and local guide Mako. It was, without hyperbole, the best damn trip of my life. Skiing was phenomenal, followed by an amazingly relaxing, refreshing, and energizing onsen visit, then wonderful drinks/dinner, at a different spot every night for a great variety of Japanese cuisine. I honestly could t have asked for more.

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Steven Obrzut
February 4, 2023

Great, friendly, and knowledgeable

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Ema Waring
January 30, 2023

Brian J was a great guide for the beginner, full-day ice climbing tour in UT! Coming in with no prior experience, my party felt safe the whole time. It was a great workout and experience.

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Kyle W.
January 30, 2023

Brian was an amazing guide for our ice climbing excursion and Red River made the whole experience super seamless and easy. 10/10 would book again.

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Brian
January 29, 2023

The pow was legendary. The laughs were all time. One of the best trips of my life. Carl and co have it dialed.

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Austin McMullen
January 25, 2023

Amazing experience with Jake in my Level 1 course!

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Scott Conway
January 17, 2023

John and Adam lead us through the 3 day Avi 1 experience. It was very informative, well-managed and adaptive for the different skill levels of the class and accounting for the weather changes. I can not wait to take the next course with them.

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Sarah Clark
January 15, 2023

Great day in the mountains with a great guide

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Andrew Grimes
January 14, 2023

Really knowledge and professional guides. We had a super informative, well organized Avy1 class that was also a fun time. Thanks John and Adam!

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A Google User
January 10, 2023

Red River put on a great Avy AIARE 1 course. Great knowledgeable guides giving practical skills that can be used everyday we are planning to go into the backcountry.

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Mark Holbrook
January 10, 2023

Wonderful trip with them skiing in BC with Northern Escapes Heli skiing!

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Mark Sghiatti
January 9, 2023

Instructors were great. Super friendly and accommodating.

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Andrew Upton
December 30, 2022

Knowledgeable folks that are precise and efficient. Added a lot of fun to an avy 1 course while highlighting the dangers of the activity

Awesome experience. Carl was great at picking terrain to match ability and gave helpful tips /instruction

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Brian Cain
December 24, 2022

We took an avalanche rescue class in the Wasatch with Red River. Our guide, Jake, was awesome! Small group, great/welcoming educational environment, fun all around. Update: came back for AIARE 2 and I'd give another 5 stars if I could. Another small group size. Chris & Sam were gurus. Both Red River classes were like an AMA with the snow oracle.

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Ada S
December 21, 2022

Derek was a great guide, would highly recommend.

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Luke Counterman
December 21, 2022

Took the AIRIE-1 course through Red River Adventures. Our guides John, Jake, and Garth were fantastic. The layout of the three days worked very well. There was an emphasis on participation especially in mapping and pre-trip planning. Group size was small on field days, 5-6 people per instructor, which enhanced learning. Overall exceeded my expectations for the course and had a blast skiing in the Wasatch backcountry to boot.

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Max Valverde
December 15, 2022

Had an incredible avalanche one course. John, Jake, and Garth are true professionals and total legends in the backcountry. I’d learn from these guys, or go on a tour with them as guides any day of the week! Thanks again gents.

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Shawn Gordon
December 10, 2022

Great Avalanche Rescue course. A good refresher for the season. Highly recommend John as a guide! His help and advice doesn't end when the class is over.

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Jason L
December 10, 2022

John taught our avalanche rescue course and was fantastic. I am so much better prepared to respond in an emergency.

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Ashley Bovee
December 8, 2022

Red River Adventure is the place to go for an Avy course! The guides are extremely educated, fun, and it is clear they love what they do. They were able to answer all my questions and beyond. John and Jake did a great job with the course, leaving me with more confidence, but respect, in the backcountry than ever before.

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Pr3Historic
November 30, 2022

Kaya, Mary, and Spencer were the best guides one could ask for in every way

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Ellie Jacques
November 30, 2022

Had an epic time with Kaya, Spencer, and Mary at crack camp. HIGHLY recommend crack camp for other climbers who have been on a couple cracks but lack formal instruction in crack climbing. Staff was professional and RRA/Carl was super helpful and communicative.

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Anna Schapiro
October 23, 2022

We had a relaxing ride down the river in Moab with a guide who was extremely knowledgeable about the surroundings. Sadly Labor Day was the last day of the season for rafting. Keep that in mind!

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Bruce Whittemore
October 12, 2022

Ben was an awesome guide. He was great to hang with. Was safety conscious, and was extremely helpful. We would definitely enjoy climbing with him again

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David Zane
September 25, 2022

Unbelievably professional and skilled - amazing time

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Keilah Butler
September 7, 2022

Great guides, great experience! Thanks!

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Savannah Houle
September 6, 2022

It Was Absolutely Amazing, Had Such A Wonderful Time ! Loved Being Able To Swim And Enjoy The Views

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Joe Carissimi
September 5, 2022

Great full day tour!! Sarah was an awesome guide. Good time had by all. Highly recommend it.

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Nathan Moon
September 5, 2022

McKayla was an incredible guide, friendly, helpful and safety conscious. Thank you!