Pet Travel

A Perfect Dog Friendly Grand Canyon Weekend Getaway

Your weekend plans just got a whole lot better, because I am about to make your dog friendly dreams come true! Yes, you’ve hit the jackpot – the Grand Canyon is definitely dog-friendly. So, pack your bags and your dog’s favorite chew toy because it’s time to hit the road to the land of stunning views and fur-tastic hikes. And because I have your back, I have put together the perfect dog friendly Grand Canyon travel guide!

I’ve put together a list of fantastic dog-friendly things to do in the Grand Canyon for you to check out! And wait until you hear about one of the BEST dog friendly Grand Canyon hotels you and your dog are sure to enjoy. Let’s make this the best dog friendly Grand Canyon trip to remember for you and your pup.

Dog Friendly Tips Before Visiting the Grand Canyon

BEST TIME TO VISIT: It’s no secret it can get very HOT, so I would discourage visiting in the summer unless you plan on visiting before 9 am. The best time to visit is in the spring (March – May) or the fall (September – November). The spring and fall are considered shoulder season, so you will also experience less crowds and better hotel rates.
HOW TO GET HERE: The closest major airports to the Grand Canyon can be found in Las Vegas and Phoenix. You will need to rent a car to get to the park. If you want to take the more scenic route you can take the Grand Canyon Railway. Or you can book a guided tour here or here.
WHAT’S THE MOST DOG FRIENDLY AREA AT THE GRAND CANYON: You can find dog friendly areas throughout the park, but rumor has it the south rim is the most dog friendly.
THE COST TO VISIT: To enter the park, you will need a Grand Canyon National Park Vehicle Permit. This costs $35, but if you plan on visiting any other national parks throughout the year I highly recommend purchasing an annual national parks pass for $80 here.

Dog Boarding at the Grand Canyon

If you’re planning to visit the Grand Canyon and have furry companions with you, you’ll be glad to know that the Grand Canyon Kennel is here to help. They accept both dogs and cats for day or overnight boarding, but make sure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date.

The kennel is conveniently located on the South Rim near Maswik Lodge. We highly recommend making reservations to secure your spot, especially during the busy summer months and holidays. You and your pets are guaranteed to have an awesome time exploring one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders!

Grand Canyon Kennel (South Rim): 928-638-0534

The Best Dog Friendly Grand Canyon Hotels

I just have to share my recent discovery with you – a fantastic dog-friendly hotel near Grand Canyon. It’s seriously amazing and the perfect glamping experience that’s just a quick 25-minute drive away from the South Rim. Under Canvas Grand Canyon was named one of the ‘Best Resort Hotels in Arizona! Just imagine settling into a comfy tent and enjoying the stunning outdoor surroundings with your furry friend by your side – does it get any better? It’s seriously such an awesome place and I just had to let you know about it.

I know the Grand Canyon can be a bit much sometimes, what with all the crowds and noise. But don’t worry, this Grand Canyon glamping site is the perfect spot for you to take a break, unwind and recharge your batteries. You and your dog are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you feeling refreshed.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING UNDER CANVAS GRAND CANYON

This wouldn’t be the perfect dog friendly Grand Canyon guide without sharing all the details on how you and your pup can stay at this incredible spot! So let’s talk about all the things you need to know to prepare for an awesome stay.

WHERE: 979 Airpark Ln, Grand Canyon Junction, AZ 86046

COST: The average total cost is $450

PET FEE: $25 per pet, per night. No size restrictions. Service animals are welcome free of charge.

AMENITIES: Under Canvas Grand Canyon is jam packed with amazing amenities like a delicious restaurant on sight, complimentary s’mores, live music, board games and free yoga classes! They even have a concierge service that will give you all the best recommendations and tour guidance. AND if that wasn’t enough, they have staff available to take guests and their luggage to their tents by golf cart. Our dog was overjoyed to hop on and enjoy the ride!

OTHER DOG FRIENDLY GRAND CANYON HOTELS

Pet Policies at the Grand Canyon

You’re in luck! The Grand Canyon National Park is actually one of the more dog friendly national parks in the US. Of course, there are some rules and good doggy manners to keep things running smoothly during your visit. Here’s the scoop:

Keep your pet on a leash (up to 6 feet) at all times. It’s like a fashionable accessory!
Don’t leave your pet tied up outside or alone in your car. They’ll think you abandoned them and that’s no fun.
When it’s hot, don’t let your pet hang out in your car. Trust us, they’ll appreciate the fresh air.
In the summer, the heat and elevation can be ruff on your pet, so make sure they’re hydrated, fed, and have some paw protection on the hot pavement.
Clean up after your pup by picking up poop and tossing it in the trash can. It’s only polite.

Their official pet policy can be found here.

Dog Friendly Grand Canyon Hikes Worth Visiting

So, let’s get to the good part! You want to enjoy some hiking in the Grand Canyon with your cute dog and I’ve got the inside scoop. Keep in mind that dogs aren’t allowed below the rim. But don’t worry, depending on how much you and your pup are up for, you can still see a lot! Just remember that all national park rules apply to dogs, so keep your pup on a six-foot leash and stick to the paved trails.

Hike These Dog Friendly Trails at the Grand Canyon

GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM DOG FRIENDLY TRAILS

DESERT VIEW WATCHTOWER VIA VISITOR CENTER TRAIL (EASY): If you’re looking for a fun little hike near Grand Canyon, Arizona, you might want to check out this 0.4-mile out-and-back trail. It’s an easy one, with most people taking around 9 minutes to complete it.
GRAND CANYON GREENWAY TO RIM TRAIL (EASY): This 4.8-mile trail near Grand Canyon, Arizona is considered easy and most people complete it in just over an hour and a half.
GRAND CANYON RIM TRAIL (EASY): The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is considered a more dog friendly area with the 12-mile-long, paved Rim Trail that you can hike with your pet.
HERMITS REST TO POWELL POINT VIA WEST RIM TRAIL (EASY): A scenic 13.1-mile trail near Grand Canyon in Arizona. It’s definitely a must-visit spot! This route is generally considered easy and should take you around 4 hours and 33 minutes to complete.
SHOSHONE POINT (EASY): Have you heard about this awesome 2.1-mile trail near Grand Canyon, Arizona? It’s a great option for those looking for an easy route, taking an average of only 45 minutes to complete.
MARICOPA POINT, POWELL POINT AND HOPI POINT VIA WEST RIM TRAIL (MODERATE): A great trail to try near Grand Canyon, Arizona is this 4.3-mile out-and-back route. It’s not too difficult and should take an average of 1 hour and 38 minutes to finish.
RIM TRAIL: MATHER POINT TO BRIGHT ANGEL TRAILHEAD (MODERATE): An amazing 6.0-mile out-and-back trail that’s moderately challenging. On average, it takes about 2 hours and 8 minutes to complete.
RIM TRAIL: GRAND CANYON VILLAGE TO HERMIT’S REST (HARD): If you’re looking for a challenging hike near Grand Canyon, Arizona, you’ll love this 8.2-mile point-to-point trail. The stunning views will make the 2 hour and 57 minute trek well worth it.

DOG FRIENDLY TRAILS AT NORTH RIM

GRAND CANYON BRIDLE TRAIL (EASY): Check out this amazing trail near North Rim, Arizona! It’s only 3.2 miles long and is rated as an easy route! It usually takes around an hour and a half to complete.

So glad you stumbled upon this paw-some dog friendly Grand Canyon guide! Now you can plan the perfect adventure with your little companion in tow. And hey, while you’re at it, why not sniff around some of my other dog-friendly travel guides? Trust me, your pup will thank you for it. Happy travels!

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