8 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Arizona (2026 Guide)
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!
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
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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Codee Chessher is a freelance writer whose motto is: there is nothing a well-worded sentence can't accomplish! He loves to write about pets, travel, DIY, and more. Codee's experience is varied, but the written word has always been his strongest and biggest passion.
