Finding dog-friendly hikes near Zion National Park means you can explore stunning red rocks and cool rivers with your pup right by your side.
Key Takeaways
- While only one trail inside Zion National Park allows pets, there are many beautiful trails nearby where your dog is welcome.
- You can find hikes for every skill level, from easy walks through sand dunes to moderate climbs with amazing views of the cliffs.
- Planning a pet-friendly Zion National Park itinerary is much easier when you have a home base that caters to dogs.
Zion National Park is famous for its stunning red rock canyons, towering cliffs, and incredible hiking opportunities. However, Pa’rus Trail is the only trail within the park that allows dogs. This 3.5-mile, easy out-and-back trail provides a great way to explore the park with your furry friend while enjoying sweeping views of the Virgin River and Zion’s iconic rock formations.
But if you’re craving more adventure, there are plenty of dog-friendly hikes near Zion National Park that offer diverse landscapes, scenic views, and plenty of open spaces for you and your dog to explore together.
5 of the Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Zion
If you’re looking to add more hikes for dogs to your Zion National Park itinerary, check out these hikes.
1. Eagle Crags Trail – Rockville, UT
For a moderate hike for dogs, the Eagle Crags Trail is a must-try. This 5-mile out-and-back hike near Rockville, UT, takes you through a mix of juniper forests and rocky terrain, offering expansive views of Zion’s cliffs in the distance.
Your dog will enjoy the variety of the trail, which includes some elevation gain and scenic overlooks. It’s perfect for an energetic dog who loves to explore rugged terrain. While the trail is mostly exposed, you’ll be rewarded with quiet solitude and a sense of seclusion. Just be sure to bring extra water, as there’s little shade on this hike.
2. Confluence Park Trails – La Verkin, UT
If you’re looking for a relaxing hike where your dog can cool off in the water, the Confluence Park Trails near La Verkin, UT, are ideal. Located only about 20 miles from Zion National Park’s main entrance, the 2–4 miles of trails along the Virgin River offer a perfect mix of shaded paths and open spaces for your dog to enjoy.
These trails are great for dogs who love water, as there are several places to let them splash around. The area is peaceful, with beautiful views of the surrounding desert, and the trails are flat and easy, making them suitable for dogs of all ages and energy levels.
3. Wire Mesa Loop – Springdale, UT
If you want a moderate hiking trail for dogs near Zion, check out the Wire Mesa Loop in Springdale, UT, a town that hugs the southern edge of Zion National Park. This 7.4-mile loop offers a bit more rugged terrain, with rocky sections and sweeping desert views that let you spot wildlife along the way.
The hike is popular with mountain bikers, so be sure to keep your dog on a leash to keep them safe and respectful of other trail users. As the trail is mostly exposed, bring plenty of water to keep your dog hydrated, especially during warmer months.
4. Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail – Kane County, UT
If your dog loves open spaces and new textures under their paws, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park near Kanab, UT, is a dream destination. This park is about an hour’s drive east of Zion National Park. The spot isn’t built around winding forest trails, but rather a vast sea of soft coral‑colored sand dunes rising up against red rocks. Dogs are welcome throughout the park on leash, so you can explore with your pup right by your side.
The most structured route you’ll find here is the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail, an easy ~1‑mile loop that starts near the observation deck and winds its way through gentle sandy terrain. This trail is nicely marked and a great way to let your dog experience the dunes without wandering aimlessly. It’s ideal for pups that like sniffing every inch of the landscape and for owners who want a short, scenic walk with minimal effort.
5. Snow Canyon State Park – Washington County, UT
If you’re looking for one of the richest collections of dog‑friendly trails near Zion, you have to head to Snow Canyon State Park near St. George, UT. This state park offers a mix of easy and moderate hikes, all set against the backdrop of red rock cliffs, lava flows, and petrified dunes:
- Whiptail Trail (5 miles) is a moderate hike that takes you through desert terrain and offers panoramic views of Snow Canyon. This trail is perfect for a dog that enjoys exploring the outdoors but can handle some elevation gain and rocky sections.
- Jenny’s Canyon (0.5 miles) is an easy, shaded trail that takes you into a narrow slot canyon, making it ideal for a quick and cooler stroll with your dog. The trail is short, but the cool canyon walls offer a welcome break from the sun.
- Petrified Dunes Trail (2 miles) takes you across smooth, rolling petrified dunes, with great views of the surrounding desert. This easy-to-moderate trail is perfect for dogs that enjoy exploring wide-open spaces and soft terrain.
- Lava Flow and Cinder Cone Trail (2 miles) offers a more rugged experience with volcanic rock terrain and lava tubes. The trail is moderate, making it a great option for dogs that love a bit of adventure and are comfortable with rocky surfaces.
- Red Cliffs Trail (2.5 miles) is a moderate trail that offers mixed terrain, taking you through the park’s backcountry with views of red cliffs and desert landscapes. It’s a great option for dogs that can handle different levels of terrain.
Snow Canyon follows the BARK program, so make sure to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.
Stay at a Comfortable Pet-Friendly RV Park Near Zion
Whether you’re hiking Zion’s dog-friendly trails, stargazing at Coral Pink Sand Dunes Park, or just relaxing by your rig, Settler’s Junction RV Resort ensures pets are part of every step of the adventure. We offer spacious RV sites, dog parks, and a complimentary pet wash station so your four-legged companions can enjoy the adventure just as much as you do.
If you want to explore Southern Utah with your pets by your side, book your stay at Settler’s Junction RV, a dog-friendly RV park near Zion.