We recently took our beagle, Sniffy, to Grand Canyon National Park, and what a trip it was! The park offers breathtaking views, and while there are restrictions on where dogs can go, we were able to explore some incredible spots with Sniffy by our side. Here’s everything we learned and experienced while visiting the Grand Canyon with our furry friend, so you can plan your own adventure too.
Pet-Friendly Areas at the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon does allow pets in certain areas, and Sniffy was able to enjoy some of the best scenic spots with us. Of course, he was on his leash the entire time (as required), but he had a blast!
- South Rim Trails: The Rim Trail is a must if you’re visiting with your dog. It’s mostly paved, and you get those classic Grand Canyon views. We walked along with Sniffy and found plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the scenery.
- Mather Campground: This is where we camped with Sniffy. It’s pet-friendly, and we had no issues. Sniffy loved sleeping under the stars!
- Desert View Campground: Another great spot for camping if you’re on the east side of the South Rim. It’s quieter than Mather, and Sniffy enjoyed the extra space.
- Ten-X Campground: We didn’t stay here, but we heard it’s a good option just outside the park if you’re looking for more space and fewer crowds.
Here are some useful Google Maps links for planning your trip:
Restricted Areas for Pets
Although Sniffy had a great time on the Rim Trail and at the campgrounds, there were some places he wasn’t allowed. This is mainly for safety reasons, both for the dogs and the wildlife. Here are the restricted areas we had to avoid:
- Inner Canyon Trails: Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed on the trails that lead into the canyon, like the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. It’s way too dangerous for them, especially in the heat.
- Shuttle Buses: Pets are not allowed on the park’s shuttle buses, so we had to plan our walks accordingly and drive to the spots we wanted to see with Sniffy.
- North Rim: We didn’t visit the North Rim this time, but it’s important to know that dogs aren’t allowed on trails there either. They can stay in the parking areas and campgrounds, but no hiking.
Safety Considerations When Bringing Your Dog
The Grand Canyon can be tough on dogs, especially in the heat. We visited during a cooler time of year, but we still made sure to keep Sniffy safe by following these tips:
- Hydration: We brought plenty of water for Sniffy and ourselves. There are refill stations along the South Rim, which were super helpful.
- Wildlife: There are a lot of animals in the park, and Sniffy was especially interested in the squirrels! Keeping him on a leash was important to protect him and the local wildlife.
- Timing: We avoided walking in the heat of the day. Early morning and late afternoon were perfect times to explore the Rim Trail.
Pet-Friendly Kennel Services
While we didn’t use the kennel, it’s good to know the Grand Canyon Kennel is available if you want to explore places where dogs aren’t allowed. You need to book in advance and make sure your dog is up-to-date with vaccinations.
Our Tips for a Great Visit with Your Dog
- Bring Supplies: We packed food, water, bowls, and plenty of waste bags for Sniffy. Make sure you’re prepared for the day.
- Respect Other Visitors: Not everyone is a dog person, so we made sure Sniffy stayed close and well-behaved at all times.
- Plan Ahead: Visiting the Grand Canyon with a dog is easier during cooler months. The summer heat can be overwhelming for pets.
If you’re planning to stay outside the park, nearby towns like Williams and Flagstaff offer pet-friendly accommodations. We had a great time exploring Flagstaff as a base before heading into the park.
Our trip to the Grand Canyon with Sniffy was fantastic. With a little planning and sticking to pet-friendly areas, we were able to enjoy the stunning views and share the adventure with our dog. If you’re heading to the Grand Canyon with your pet, I highly recommend visiting in the cooler months and staying on the South Rim trails for the best experience!
