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Picture the scenery of a western flick: sweeping deserts, rocky canyons, implausibly gorgeous rock formations, and various types of brushland. That’s Utah to a T, from the majestic Zion National Park to the Colorado River and much more.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Utah has plenty of hiking trails that will welcome you and your furry friend, too. Considering how hot it gets during the warmer seasons, it would be a very wise decision to bring a lot of water and to pack sunscreen. Let’s check out those spots down below as well as a bit about each of them so you can figure out your next hiking trip ASAP!
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Utah
1. Professor Creek/Mary Jane Canyon Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍 Moab, Utah
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Trail length: 8.4 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Expect to get wet—this ambling trail follows a creek and features a waterfall grotto
Get there early to beat the afternoon heat and foot traffic
2. Grandstaff Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍 Moab, Utah
🕐 Open Times:
6am to 10pm
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Trail length: 5.7 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Easy stroll along a creek and some moderately rocky sections
Sights of the Morning Glory Natural Land Bridge
Named after William Grandstaff, the first non-Caucasian pioneer to settle in the Moab area
3. Grotto Falls Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍 Payson, Utah
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
Yes
Trail length: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
One of the only waterfalls you can walk all the way around
Don’t climb on the slick rocks around the waterfall
4. Adams Canyon Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍 Layton, Utah
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
Yes
Trail length: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Dog booties highly recommended for the initial sandy portion
The path becomes more treacherous during the spring due to runoff
Get there early for a good parking spot because the trail gets quite crowded
5. Black Dragon Wash Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍 Green River, Utah
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Trail length: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Famed for its ancient rock art wall panel
Short but steep ascent with jaw-dropping views of the canyon and rock formations
Relatively remote destination
6. Corona Arch
🗺️ Address:
📍 Moab, Utah
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Trail length: 3.0 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Popular Moab spot with a gentle incline that gets quite steep later in the hike
Spectacular views of the Colorado River
Keep your dog on a close leash during crowded times
7. Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍 Kanab, Utah
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
Yes, 6am to 10pm
Trail length: 0.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Unique pink sand dunes
No shade—bring plenty of water
Start early to beat the heat
8. Dino Cliffs Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍 Washington, Utah
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Trail length: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Your dog has to be on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times
There’s little shade on this trail—pack sunscreen and extra water!
Easygoing stroll with fascinating natural scenery
9. Red Reef Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍 Leeds, Utah
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:
$5 parking per vehicle, $15 overnight camping fee
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Trail length: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Pack footwear with good traction for the few tricky and steep descents
Parking is very limited, so get here early to make sure you get a spot!
Expect to get wet
10. Mount Olympus Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍 Salt Lake City, Utah
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Trail length: 7.8 miles
Difficulty: Advanced
Treacherous, precipitous heights make this trail best tackled by seasoned hikers and fit, hardy canines
Can take more than a day to complete
Wide trail is easy to follow
Conclusion
If you’re into western landscapes, Utah has countless hiking destinations you need to write down for later reference. The open landscapes of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail is a perfectly short, albeit sandy walk, while the most experienced hikers may want to test their mettle with the strenuous Mount Olympus Trail. No matter your skill level, there’s a trail for you in Utah’s sweeping landscape.
Featured Image Credit: thatrogersfamily, Shutterstock
Written by
Codee Chessher is a freelance writer whose mojo is: there is nothing a well-worded sentence can’t accomplish!
He loves to write about travel, DIY, pets, and more. Codee’s experience is varied, but the written word has always been his strongest and biggest passion.
