Are you planning a trip to Arizona and wondering if Grand Canyon National Park is dog-friendly? You’re probably excited to bring your dog along on your adventures, so let’s talk about your options at the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon is surprisingly one of the more dog-friendly parks in the west. At the South Rim, pets can hike with you above the rim or stay in a lodge — you’ll even find a kennel right next to the main sights!
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I love soaking in the sights at the Grand Canyon, and I’m excited to help you plan your upcoming trip to this breathtaking national park.
Let’s talk about the best places to take your dog in Grand Canyon National Park!
Where Can I Go With My Dog at the Grand Canyon?
Dogs are allowed in the following areas:
Campgrounds
Grand Canyon National Park has four frontcountry campgrounds: Trailer Village, Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and the North Rim Campground. These campgrounds do allow dogs!
If you want to camp with your dog, please be aware 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 your camping options at the Grand Canyon here.
Trails above the South Rim
Good news! Some popular trails and sights at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon allow you to take your dog with you.
As long as your dog is always leashed and you don’t make your way down into the canyon, you’re free to take any trail you’d like on the top of the South Rim.
This includes the Rim Trail, which runs for 13 miles along the South Rim. This trail is a great way to soak in the canyon views and read informational panels about the park’s history.
Please note that this DOES NOT apply at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Only the trails at the top of the South Rim are dog-friendly.
Developed Areas
Leashed dogs are permitted in the developed areas of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. You can walk around the Grand Canyon Village area, visit the viewpoints along the rim, and walk around the main visitor center plaza.
You can also drive to the viewpoints along Desert View Drive and enjoy the vistas with your dog or walk around the watchtower.
The Bridle Trail
There aren’t many places on the North Rim side where you can take your dog, but the Bridle Trail is one of them!
This dog-friendly trail is a maintained, hard-packed path through a forest that connects many North Rim sites like the Grand Canyon Lodge, the North Rim Campground, and the North Kaibab Trail. The Bridle Trail is 1.9 miles long and stays mostly flat.
You can also take your dog on the portion of the Arizona Trail that travels north to the park entrance station.
Tuweep
If you’re planning on camping or hiking in Tuweep, one of the most remote spots in the Grand Canyon, plan on keeping your dog on a leash and sticking to the established roads.
Always clean up after your dog so that these areas continue to be dog-friendly!
Dogs are not allowed in the following areas:
Inner Canyon Trails
Pets are not allowed anywhere inside the canyon, which includes several of the Grand Canyon’s most famous trails like the South Kaibab, North Kaibab, and Bright Angel Trail. Pets can attract predators, spook other wildlife, or have difficulty with the steep inclines throughout the canyon.
If you’d like to hike an inner-canyon trail, drop your pet off at the Grand Canyon Kennel while you hike.
Shuttle Buses
Dogs are not permitted on any of the park shuttle buses that travel around the South Rim. You cannot bring a dog onboard at all, even if you hold them in your lap.
Plan ahead on driving your own vehicle if you bring your dog to the Grand Canyon. Be aware that some areas of the park are only accessible via shuttle bus (the Hermit Road and the South Kaibab Trailhead being the most notable), so you will have to skip those stops if you have your pet with you.
Public Buildings
Dogs are not allowed in Grand Canyon National Park’s public buildings, such as visitor centers, museums, restaurants, hotels (with the exception of the Yavapai Lodge, which we’ll talk about below), or gift shops.
Everywhere Else
If an area isn’t listed in the “Where Dogs Are Allowed” section above, then you should assume that your dog is not permitted.
Why Can’t I Take My Dog Hiking in the Canyon?
The inner canyon trails at the Grand Canyon can pose a huge risk to your dog and to other hikers.
- These trails are steep and narrow and can be difficult to hike safely.
- Mules and wildlife use these trails and can be easily spooked, creating a dangerous situation for all involved.
- The native animals that travel these trails can get sick from your dog and vice-versa.
- Dogs can be unpredictable on the trail and may cause accidents between other hikers or runners and themselves. This is not a safe place to trip, lose your footing, or cause alarm.
Please join with the National Park Service in their efforts to keep people safe by following the pet policies.
Traffic and crowding in the Grand Canyon can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common to wait an hour or more to enter the park or catch the shuttle?
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 Grand Canyon 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 the Grand Canyon?
You can find several kennel options in and near Grand Canyon National Park.
The Grand Canyon Kennel is the only in-park kennel and is the best place for your dog to stay while you go adventuring. You can drop your dog off at the Grand Canyon Kennel near the Maswik Lodge for either day boarding or overnight boarding so you can hit the trails.
If you’re visiting the South Rim, the Grand Canyon Railway has a pet resort in the nearby town of Williams. After dropping off your pet, you can take the train to the rim!
You can drive a little further to Kingsmark Kennels, a highly-rated kennel in Flagstaff, Arizona. There are many other good options in Flagstaff, too, like Wags and Whiskers Pet Resort.
The closest dog boarding option for the North Rim is the Happy Horse and Dog in Kanab, Utah. They offer all-day care and overnight boarding every day of the week in climate-controlled kennels.
What Are Some Dog-Friendly Hotels In/Near the Grand Canyon?
The Yavapai Lodge is the only in-park lodge that has pet-friendly rooms, so be sure to book your stay here well in advance if you’re planning on having your furry friend with you in your room throughout your visit.
If you don’t mind staying outside of the South Rim of the park, consider the Canyon Plaza Premier Studio and Apartments in Tusayan. They allow two pets per hotel room for a $50 per night fee.
Alternatively, you could stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, famous for the train that takes you from the hotel straight to the South Rim, and let your furry companions stay in the Grand Canyon Railway Pet Resort while you’re visiting the Grand Canyon for the day.
Your closest pet-friendly option at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is the Jacob Lake Inn.
What Happens If I Take My Dog Somewhere He’s Not Allowed at the Grand Canyon?
You will receive a citation for no less than $75, but it could be more depending on the infraction.
Park rangers and park volunteers regularly patrol the hiking trails, roads, and viewpoints in Grand Canyon National Park.
What If I Bring My Service Dog to the Grand Canyon?
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 Grand Canyon National Park and will be required to follow all pet regulations.
Thanks for being here — I can’t wait for you to get out and explore the Grand Canyon!
More Grand Canyon Trip Planning Information
Grand Canyon Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to the Grand Canyon — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend at the Grand Canyon? — 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.
12 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to the Grand Canyon — the top 12 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
Best Things to Do — activities for every type of adventurer.
The Ultimate Grand Canyon Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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