Planning a Moab trip with your dog? Taking your dog to Moab is absolutely doable—and incredibly fun—if you’re prepared for the desert heat, terrain, and trail restrictions. This guide covers everything you need to know about exploring Moab with dogs, including dog-friendly trails, safety tips, and what to pack for a smooth adventure. Whether you’re looking for the most Moab dog-friendly hikes or advice for keeping your pup safe in the desert, this resource will help you plan the perfect trip.
Is Moab Dog-Friendly? What You Need to Know Before You Go
Moab is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in Utah, but there are important rules, trail restrictions, and safety considerations to know before exploring the area with your pup.
Moab, Utah Dog-Friendly Hikes
If you’re planning to hit the trails with your pup, there are plenty of dog-friendly hikes in Moab to explore just outside the national parks. While dogs aren’t allowed on trails inside Arches or Canyonlands National Park, you’ll find countless scenic options nearby where pets are welcome. Local regulations require that dogs stay on a leash and remain on marked trails at all times to protect the fragile desert ecosystem. From red rock canyons and natural arches to quiet desert washes, these Moab hiking trails for dogs showcase the area’s breathtaking beauty with no need to leave your best friend behind. Here are some of the top spots to hike with your dog near Moab:
1. Morning Glory Natural Bridge: 5 miles, canyon views and natural bridge
2. Hidden Valley Trail: 6 miles, moderate hike with valley views. Ideal for a peaceful, scenic experience.
3. Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail: 2.3-mile beginner-friendly hike offering great views of Moab’s iconic red rock arches.
4. Fisher Towers Trail: 4.4-mile backcountry hike with iconic landscapes and sunning vistas of Fisher Towers
5. Longbow Arch: 2.4 miles, easy hike filled with history, ancient rock art, dinosaur tracks and ending with views of Longbow Arch.
6. Mill Creek Trail: 1.8-mile waterfall hike with a dog-friendly swimming hole and famous ancient pictographs and petroglyphs adorn the rock walls along the trail!
7. Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon Trail: 8-miles, 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: Off-Leash Fun for Dogs in Moab
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.
Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Moab: Where to Stay in Moab With Dogs
Whether you’re traveling with a small pup or a high-energy adventure dog, these Moab hotels provide convenient and comfortable dog-friendly accommodations.
| 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 |
Moab Dog-Friendly Restaurants
After a full day exploring Moab with your dog, these restaurants offer pet-friendly patios and great local food to refuel. Here are a few of the most popular spots:
1. The Blu Pig
- 811 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Delectable barbeque food and live music every night.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
What to Pack When Taking Your Dog to Moab
Preparing the right gear is essential for keeping your dog safe and comfortable in Moab’s rugged desert environment. Focus on the basics that will keep your pup cool, hydrated, and protected on the trail:
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Plenty of water and a collapsible bowl for frequent drink breaks
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Paw protection (boots or balm) for hot, slickrock and rough surfaces
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Sturdy leash and harness for better control on steep or exposed terrain
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Waste bags to pack out all dog waste and follow Leave No Trace principles
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Simple first aid items like antiseptic wipes, bandages, and tweezers for cactus spines
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ID tags with your current contact info in case your dog gets loose
With these essentials covered, taking your dog to Moab becomes much more enjoyable and a lot less stressful.
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.
- 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 you decide to bring your dog on a Moab dog-friendly hike during the summer, be sure to start early so you can avoid the hottest time of day.
- 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.
- 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 in Moab
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 Taking Your Dog to Moab
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
Red River Adventures offers guided Moab rock climbing, Moab canyoneering, and Moab rafting trips and tours. Red River Adventure guides are certified through the American Mountain Guide Association. We hope you enjoy your trip to Moab!