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8 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Arizona (2025 Guide)

Dog Outdoors Hiking in Woods Mixed Breed Labrador Rescue Puppy on a Sunny Day in the Park

From pastel-colored rock formations to the Grand Canyon itself, Arizona is home to some of the world’s most gorgeous natural landscapes. If you’re itching to get outside and your pup is too, know that there’s no shortage of trails in the Grand Canyon State to tackle.

Finding appropriate dog-friendly trails to hike can be challenging, but we managed to find a handful of perfect spots. Check out the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Arizona here, and mark your calendar for your next outing!

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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: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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 on the rocky western side, and mind the sandy slopes on the eastern side
  • Carry 1 gallon of water per person, plus 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 from 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!
  • Stunning views 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

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Final Thoughts

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, as the Arizona sun is unlike anything else.


Featured Image Credit: N K, Shutterstock

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