10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Utah (2026 Guide)
Picture the scenery of a Western film: sweeping deserts, rocky canyons, implausibly gorgeous rock formations, and various types of brushland. That’s Utah to a T, from the majestic Zion National Park to the Colorado River.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, the Beehive State has plenty of hiking trails that will welcome you and your furry friend too. Considering how hot it gets during the warmer seasons, it would be a wise decision to bring plenty of water and to pack human and canine sunscreen. Let’s check out those spots here, including facts about each one, so you can figure out your next hiking trip ASAP!
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Utah
1. Professor Creek/Mary Jane Canyon Trail
| ️Address: | Moab, Utah |
| Open Times: | 24/7 year-round |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Trail length: 8.4 miles
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Expect to get wet; this ambling trail follows a creek and features a waterfall grotto
- Get there early to beat the afternoon heat and foot traffic
2. Grandstaff Trail
| ️Address: | Moab, Utah |
| Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Trail length: 5.7 miles
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Easy stroll along a creek and moderately rocky sections
- Sights of the Morning Glory Natural Land Bridge
- Named after William Grandstaff, one of the first non-Indigenous pioneers to settle in the Moab area
3. Grotto Falls Trail
| ️Address: | Payson, Utah |
| Open Times: | 24/7 year-round |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Trail length: 3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- One of the only waterfalls you can walk all the way around
- Don’t climb on the slick rocks around the waterfall
4. Adams Canyon Trail
| ️Address: | Layton, Utah |
| Open Times: | 24/7 year-round |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Trail length: 3.8 miles
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Dog booties highly recommended for the initial sandy portion
- Path becomes more treacherous during the spring due to runoff
- Get there early for a good parking spot because the trail gets quite crowded
5. Black Dragon Wash Trail
| Address: | Green River, Utah |
| Open Times: | 24/7 year-round |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Trail length: 1.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Famed for its ancient rock art wall panel
- Short but steep ascent with jaw-dropping views of the canyon and rock formations
- Relatively remote destination
6. Corona Arch
| Address: | Moab, Utah |
| Open Times: | 24/7 year-round |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Trail length: 3.0 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Popular Moab spot with a gentle incline that gets quite steep later in the hike
- Spectacular views of the Colorado River
- Keep your dog on a close leash during crowded times
7. Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail
| Address: | Kanab, Utah |
| Open Times: | 24/7 year-round |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
- Trail length: 0.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Unique pink sand dunes
- No shade, so bring plenty of water
- Start early to beat the heat
8. Dino Cliffs Trail
| ️Address: | Washington, Utah |
| Open Times: | 24/7 year-round |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Trail length: 1.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Your dog has to be on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times
- There’s little shade on this trail, so pack sunscreen and extra water!
- Easygoing stroll with fascinating natural scenery
9. Red Reef Trail
| ️Address: | Leeds, Utah |
| Open Times: | 24/7 year-round |
| Cost: | $5 parking per vehicle, $15 overnight camping fee |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Trail length: 2.2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pack footwear with good traction for the few tricky and steep descents
- Parking is limited, so get here early to make sure you get a spot
- Expect to get wet
10. Mount Olympus Trail
| Address: | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Open Times: | 24/7 year-round |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Trail length: 7.8 miles
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Treacherous, precipitous heights make this trail best tackled by seasoned hikers and fit, hardy canines
- Can take more than a day to complete
- Wide trail is easy to follow
Conclusion
If you’re into western landscapes, Utah has countless hiking destinations you need to save for later reference. The open landscapes of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail is a perfectly short, albeit sandy walk, while the most experienced hikers may want to test their mettle with the strenuous Mount Olympus Trail. No matter your skill level, there’s a trail for you in Utah’s sweeping landscape.
Featured Image Credit: thatrogersfamily, 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.
