A Dog-Friendly Guide to Moab

There’s nothing more upsetting than needing to leave your pup at home when you go for an adventure. Luckily, if you’re planning a trip to Moab, you can have your favorite copilot next to you as you explore! From sticking heads out of windows on dirt roads to cuddling under the stars, your dog will have a blast taking on the best of Moab with you.

It’s no secret that dogs have strict limitations within national parks, which can make some dog owners feel apprehensive about bringing their pups. But Moab is incredibly dog-friendly as long as you know where to go and what to do. 

Are you looking for dog-friendly activities in Moab? Learn the right ways to plan a fun Moab adventure with your pup!

In this post, we’ll cover:

• Dog restrictions in national parks
• Keep your dog safe in the desert
• Dog-friendly hotels in Moab
• Dog-friendly camping in Moab
• Dog-friendly restaurants in Moab
• Dog-friendly hikes in Moab

Are you bringing your dog to Moab for the first time? Here’s a little crash course on how to safely and appropriately include your dog in your desert adventure!

Know Your Limitations With a Dog in National Parks

Once you head into a National Park around Moab, your options with a dog become relatively limited. So while the national parks are worth the drive, we recommend choosing dog-friendly areas for hikes and outside time.

Dog Restrictions in National Parks:

• Dogs are not allowed in the backcountry or on trails in the national parks around Moab. 
• Dogs must be on a leash if not in a vehicle. 
• Pets must be leashed outside a car and only be walked on roads or in parking lots.
• Pets may accompany visitors in campgrounds.

Dog Restrictions in Surrounding Areas: 

• Dogs are allowed to hike on public land in Canyon Country outside of the national parks.
• Leashes are either required or strongly recommended, depending on the area. 
• Limitations on hikes outside the national parks may vary, so always check for the rules on dogs for each walk you plan to take. The last thing you want to do is head to a hike that won’t allow you on the trail!

Keep Hydration Front of Mind

Just as you need extra water to thrive in the desert, your dog does as well. Always bring extra reserves of water to everyone, including your pup, stays hydrated and adventure-ready. It’s also important to keep a close eye on how your dog handles the desert heat. You don’t want to wait until they show signs of dehydration before you jump into action.

Keep Your Dog Safe in the Heat

Here are our best heat safety tips:

• In the high heat of the desert, all it takes is a couple of minutes to put your dog in danger if they stay in a parked car. Dogs should never be left unattended in vehicles for any reason.
• Did you know that if it’s 95 degrees outside, the pavement can be over 150 degrees? That is much too hot for even the toughest of paws. To check whether the pavement is ok for paws, test it with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. 
• Understand the signs of heat stroke in dogs before you venture out on the trails. That way, you can catch any early signs and help your pup cool down before any lasting damage happens. 
• Offer lots of breaks, snacks, and plenty of water to keep your pup’s energy up throughout high-activity days.

Be Courteous of Others

For the well-being of wildlife, locals, and other visitors, always clean up after your dog. Bring the tools you need to “leave no trace” while camping, hiking, or hanging in the desert with your best adventure buddy.

Be Aware of How Your Surroundings May Impact Your Dog

Just as your dog can get into the kitchen trash when you’re at home, they can get into trouble while in the desert. Make sure your dog doesn’t consume any desert plants or wildlife scat, as this can cause serious digestive issues.

If your dog is hiking off-leash, it’s also crucial to be aware of and keep your dog away from any cliffs or ledges.

While there are limitations to where dogs can go, Moab is an extremely dog-friendly town with several options for where you can stay, eat, and play. Here are some of our favorite spots you can visit with your pup.

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Moab

Aarchway Inn

Pet Fee: $75

This hotel is only about two miles from the entrance to Arches National Park and doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of comfort or style to offer a pet-friendly atmosphere. The Aarchway Inn is a resort-style hotel with tons of outdoor space for your pup to explore and is close to several pet-friendly trails and hikes for accessible excursions. 

Big Horn Lodge

Pet Fee: $10

Big Horn Lodge is located right on Main Street Moab and rubs elbows with some of the best restaurants, stores, and bars in the area. In addition, the Moab Bark Park is less than half a mile away, so your pup has easy access to some off-leash play.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Moab

Pet Fee: $100

Known as the closest hotel to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, the newly-renovated Fairfield Inn & Suites is a resort-style hotel with multiple grassy areas that are great for playing with your pup. However, there is a limit on dog size (30 lbs.), and they limit it to one pet per room.

Dog-Friendly Camping in & Around Moab

You’ll find so many incredible campsites near Moab. While not all of these sites allow pets, there are many dog-friendly campsites in and around Moab if you want to sleep under the stars with your best friend.

Dead Horse Point State Park Campground

Pet Fee: Free

Horsethief Campground welcomes dogs with open arms and offers stunning overlooks from your camping area. However, while this is an excellent option for quiet and well-behaved dogs, this area also has several motorcycles or ATVs, so keep this in mind if you have a skittish pup!

Devils Garden Campground

Pet Fee: Free

Devils Garden Campground is an incredibly picturesque place to call your temporary home within Arches National Park. This campsite is in high demand, thanks to the stellar location and space these campsites have. While pets are allowed in this campground, there are strict limits to where pets can venture within the park.

Canyonlands National Park – Willow Flat Campground

Pet Fee: Free

Willow Flats Campground is a no-reservation tent campsite perfect for groups with pets. There is no limit on how many pets can camp, but pets are expected to behave and not cause too much raucous. A short stroll from the popular Green River Overlook, these campsites are in a great location and have a good amount of privacy and space for your pet to explore.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Moab

The Spoke on Center

Craving a gourmet burger or other delicious American fare? Then The Spoke is the place to be. And your pup can come along for the ride! If your dog is leashed and friendly, they can join you on the lovely outside patio for your meal. 

Zax Restaurant

Zax Restaurant loves accommodating visiting pups and allows dogs to hang out with their owners at any outdoor table. You’ll find something for everyone here, from salads to pasta to steaks. You can even order a take-and-bake pizza if you’d rather enjoy dinner while cuddling with your pup on the couch. 

The Blue Pig

Sometimes, after a long hike, you only want to eat some excellent BBQ. And your dog certainly won’t complain about that craving. The Blue Pig is a must-eat for BBQ enthusiasts everywhere and welcomes pups to join their owners in the covered outdoor seating area.

Dog-Friendly Hikes Around Moab

You may not be able to hike with your pup in the surrounding national parks, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see fantastic trail views with your four-legged hiking buddy! There are several gorgeous hikes outside of the parks that you and your dog will love.

Corona and Bowtie ArchTrail

Distance: 2.4 Miles

Level: Moderate

Just because your dog can’t hike in Arches National Park doesn’t mean they can’t explore some stunning arches! Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail will take you and your pup to impressive rock formations and give you the perfect backdrop for an adorable dog photoshoot. 

Fisher Towers

Distance: 5 miles

Level: Moderate

If you want to tire out your active dog with a longer hike, Fisher Towers is a good choice. About 16 miles away from Moab, this is an easy-to-access spot perfect to bring your pup. There is a ladder at one point on the trail, but it is optional—dogs and owners can choose to navigate around it on an alternate path. 

North Fork Millcreek

Distance: 1.8 miles

Level: Moderate

On warmer days, it’s nice to have water for your pup to frolic in along the trail. The North Fork Millcreek trail is a beautiful, short trail perfect for stretching your legs and seeing a few desert falls. 

Faux Falls

Distance: 200 yards – 3.4 miles

Level: Easy

Want a leisurely stroll that ends with a dip in a pool of water? You will love watching your dog enjoy the man-made pool at Faux Falls. This is a perfect short and easy hike for people and pups of all ages. If you want to extend the fun, add more of the Ken’s Lake Trail to your trip!

Cheers to a fantastic adventure with your favorite furry copilot! Want some more recommendations for how you can make the most of your Moab trip? Reach out to our team to plan the perfect aerial overview for your Moab National Parks Adventure.