8 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Arizona (2023 Guide)

From pastel-colored rock formations to the Grand Canyon itself, Arizona is home to some of the world’s most gorgeous natural landscapes. When you’re itching to get outside and Fido is too, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly trails in the Grand Canyon State to tackle. Finding appropriate trails to hike can be hard, to say the least, but we’ve managed to find a large handful of perfect spots. Check out the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Arizona down below and mark your calendar for your next outing!

The 8 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Arizona

1. Elden Lookout Trail

🗺️ Address:	📍 Flagstaff, Arizona
🕐 Open Times:	24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 Off-Leash:	Yes, in certain areas

Trail length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Moderately steep route to the lip of Mount Elden
Heavy snow and ice make this trail inaccessible during winter

2. Treasure Loop Trail

🗺️ Address:	📍 Apache Junction, Arizona
🕐 Open Times:	8am to 5pm
💲 Cost:	$10 per vehicle parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash:	No

Trail length: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Short hike through desert rock formations and arid scrubland
Visit after a rainy spell to check out sloped fields of colorful wildflowers
Easily followed and well-maintained trail

3. Pass Mountain Trail

🗺️ Address:	📍 Mesa, Arizona
🕐 Open Times:	5am to 10pm
💲 Cost:	$7 per vehicle parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash:	No

Trail length: 7.7 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Beware of loud gunshots from the nearby gun range
Watch your footing during the rocky western side and mind the sandy slopes on the eastern side
Carry 1 gallon of water per person, plus dog food and extra water for your dog

4. Bulldog Saddle Trail

🗺️ Address:	📍 Mesa, Arizona
🕐 Open Times:	Dawn to dusk
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 Off-Leash:	No

Trail length: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Quick, easy hike starting at the city limits of Mesa

5. Horseshoe Bend Trail

🗺️ Address:	📍 Page, Arizona
🕐 Open Times:	24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:	$10 parking fee per vehicle, $5 for motorcycles
🐕 Off-Leash:	No

Trail length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
A short, relaxing walk with various views of the famed Horseshoe Bend at various angles
No water or other amenities on-site—bring plenty of water and food for the trip
Stay on the well-maintained and clearly marked trail

6. Shaw Butte Trail

🗺️ Address:	📍 Phoenix, Arizona
🕐 Open Times:	24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 Off-Leash:	No

Trail length: 4.2 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Gets steep—keep your dog close and watch your step!
Views to die for of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and city
Restrooms and water fountains available at the nearby North Mountain Park

7. Bell Rock Trail

🗺️ Address:	📍 Sedona, Arizona
🕐 Open Times:	24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:	Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required; fees hover around $5 per vehicle per day
🐕 Off-Leash:	No

Trail length: 3.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Wide, easy-to-follow pathway along hard rock surfaces
Boasts elevated views of the renowned Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the prevailing Sedona area

8. Hieroglyphic Trail

🗺️ Address:	📍 Gold Canyon, Arizona
🕐 Open Times:	24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 Off-Leash:	No

Trail length: 4.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Easy uphill hike through wildflower fields into rocky canyons
Trail ends at ~15,000-year-old pictographs by the ancient Hohokam peoples

Conclusion

Arizona’s best known for the Grand Canyon, but don’t just visit it once and stop there! Consider checking out Horseshoe Bend, Bell Rock, or any of the state’s other numerous dog-friendly hiking trails. We highly recommend bringing way more water than you’d need, and plenty of sunscreen too—Arizona sun is unlike anywhere else.

Featured Image Credit: N K, Shutterstock