Are you planning a trip to Utah and wondering if Arches National Park is dog-friendly? You’re probably excited to bring your dog along on your adventures, so let’s talk about your options in Arches.
Arches National Park is not a dog-friendly national park if you want to hike the trails. However, if you plan on only seeing the park from the car, you’ll be able to bring your dog along for the ride.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I live in Utah, and you can find me in Arches yearly! I’m excited to help you plan your upcoming trip to this amazing national park.
Let’s talk about the best places to take your dog in Arches National Park!
Where Can I Go With My Dog in Arches?
Dogs are allowed in the following areas:
The Devils Garden Campground
The Devils Garden Campground is dog-friendly. If you would like to camp with your dog, please keep in mind that:
- Pets are required to be on a 6-foot leash at all times
- Dogs cannot make excessive noise
- You must pick up after your dog
- Your dog can’t be left unattended or tied to an object while you’re out exploring the park
Learn more about camping in Arches National Park here.
Picnic Areas
Your leashed dog can join you at any picnic area in the park. You’ll find picnic areas at the Arches Visitor Center, across the road from Balanced Rock, Panorama Point, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, and the Devils Garden.
Many areas of Arches National Park have little shade, so if you’re spending time in the hot sun, be sure to bring your dog plenty of water!
Roads and Parking Areas
Leashed dogs can be walked along all roads in Arches. The scenic drive is a great place to sightsee with your pet.
Another option is to drive on one of the park’s unpaved roads — two great options with fewer cars are Salt Valley Road (a dirt road near Devil’s Garden) and Willow Springs Road (a 4×4 road near Balanced Rock). You’ll love all of the cool rock formations you can see in the park as you drive along the park roads with your dog!
Your dog can be with you in any of the parking lots in Arches, but they cannot join you on the trails or overlooks. Please remember that cars can get too hot for pets, even on cool days. If you are going hiking, please don’t leave your dog in your vehicle.
Always clean up after your dog so that these areas continue to be dog-friendly!
Dogs are not allowed in the following areas:
Trails
Pets are not permitted on hiking trails in Arches National Park. They simply cannot be on any trail in the park, even if they are in a carrier.
The park’s backcountry is also closed to pets — this includes all backcountry trails and campsites.
However, the Moab area (excluding the national parks) is EXTREMELY dog-friendly. You will find some awesome trails just outside Arches National Park that you can explore with your dog.
I recommend checking out Dead Horse Point State Park, the LaSal Mountains, Grandstaff Canyon, or Hunter Canyon. You’ll find a lot of BLM land in the area that offers many dog-friendly activities. Leashed dogs are permitted on many trails in this area, but be sure to check the guidelines before you go!
Public Buildings
Dogs are not allowed in the park’s public buildings, such as the visitor center and gift shop near the park entrance.
Overlooks
Pets cannot accompany you if you stop at any overlooks in the park. This includes (but is not limited to) Park Avenue, Lower and Upper Delicate Arch, and the Fiery Furnace viewpoints.
Everywhere Else
If an area isn’t listed in the “Where Dogs Are Allowed” section above, then you should assume that it is against park regulations and you should not have your dog there.
Why Can’t I Take My Dog Hiking in Arches?
The most important reason that a national park is established is to preserve and protect the most beautiful places in America. An important part of fulfilling this charge is by keeping the native wildlife safe and healthy and avoiding altering their natural habitat and behaviors.
Dogs are also known to chase or scare the animals that call this park home, which can alter their behaviors and cause them to become stressed or aggressive. Pets leave behind “predator scents” that can change the behavior of the local wildlife.
One last thing — Arches has AMAZING living soil (called cryptobiotic crust). This soil is made up of tiny microorganisms that build up the soil, which then supports the native plants and animals that live here. It is crucial that you stay on the trails in this park and that you don’t bring your pet with you as you hike.
Please join the NPS in its efforts to better care for outdoor spaces, including the local wildlife, by following pet regulations.
Traffic and crowding in Arches can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common to be turned away at the entrance in this park due to overcrowding?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this Arches Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Where Can I Find the Best Kennel Near Arches?
You can find a great kennel just five miles outside of Arches. Moab National Bark is a full-service doggy daycare and boarding facility that can accommodate your furry friend while you explore Arches National Park (and Canyonlands National Park if you decide to go there too!).
If there isn’t any availability at Moab National Bark, you can also check out the Moab Veterinary Clinic. They offer several sizes and spaces available for boarding, but space is limited, and they fill up fast!
What Are Some Dog-Friendly Hotels In/Near Arches?
There are no hotels in Arches National Park, so if you’re looking for a room for you and your pet, you’ll want to look in the gateway town of Moab. A few good options are:
- Expedition Lodge
- Red Cliffs Lodge
- The Gonzo Inn
- Homewood Suites
- Moab Springs Ranch
- Rustic Inn
- Hyatt Place Moab
AirBnB and VRBO also have some nice options near the park.
What Happens If I Take My Dog Somewhere He’s Not Allowed in Arches?
You will receive a citation for no less than $75, but it could be more depending on the infraction.
Park rangers and park volunteers patrol the hiking trails, roads, and viewpoints in Arches regularly.
What If I Bring My Service Dog to Arches?
Service dogs that are recognized by the ADA are allowed to accompany their owners throughout the entire park. A service dog must be specifically trained to perform tasks related to the owner’s disability.
Emotional support, therapy, or comfort animals do not qualify as service animals in Arches National Park and will be required to follow all pet regulations.
I hope you enjoy exploring Arches National Park with your favorite furry friend!
More Arches Trip Planning Information
Arches Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Arches — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Arches? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Arches — the top 10 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
Best Things to Do — activities for every adventurer.
The Ultimate Arches Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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Thanks for this detailed post! My partner and I are driving through the area with our pup and were wondering how much of the experience we would miss by not being able to go to the viewpoints. Or, are the pathways to the viewpoints so short that it’s possible to leave the A/C running for the dog while we run out and check the arches.
If you’re able to hike, that really is the best way to see the park. I strongly suggest using a local kennel and exploring the park to the fullest :) If you decide not to do that, you’ll need to switch off with your partner while you walk separately to the smaller viewpoints…it gets really hot in this park, and even with the AC running, your dogs shouldn’t be left unattended. Have fun!