Zion is one of Utah’s most scenic natural wonders. From spectacular mountain vistas to high-altitude forests, there’s much to see and explore in the Zion region with your pup. But it’s important to know which areas are off-limits to pets. At Under Canvas, we love our furry friends and believe outdoor adventures are even better with dogs. For that reason, all our locations are dog-friendly, including Under Canvas Zion. Check out our list of the best things to do near Zion National Park for a tail-wagging good time.
Dog-Friendly Things to do in Zion National Park
Take a Scenic Drive
Zion Canyon Scenic Byway
You and your pup are in for the ride of a lifetime cruising through Zion National Park. With 54 miles of stunning soaring cliffs and views of famous landmarks including the Virgin River, Angel’s Landing, the Court of the Patriarchs, and Twin Brothers mountain, to name a few. While you can only drive through Zion Canyon a few months out of the year (the free shuttle runs March through November) you can always drive along the Mount Carmel Highway to experience epic views.
Mount Carmel Highway
This 12-mile highway is one of the most scenic drives in the national park system and connects the south and east entrances of Zion National Park. You’ll see massive colorful rock formations and pass through the historic 1-mile-long Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel made in the 1920s. The drive is located on the east side of the park where you’re likely to spot bighorn sheep.
Enjoy a Picnic with a View
The Grotto Picnic Area is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic with impressive views. The area is complete with barbecue amenities and is one of the best places to visit in Zion.
Hike the Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail starts across the street from the Visitor Center and is the only dog-friendly trail in Zion National Park. It’s a paved 3.4-mile roundtrip trail that travels along the valley floor, providing beautiful views of the Virgin River and the surrounding red rock cliffs. You’ll want to hike it during the cooler times of the day or bring dog booties to protect your dog’s feet from the hot pavement. Remember to bring plenty of water for you and your dog.
Dog Boarding Near Zion
If you want to explore areas in the park that are not dog-friendly, there are dog boarding and daycare centers nearby where your pup can play and get pampered while you explore the best of Zion. Book your stays in advance since kennels often book up.
Zion Canyon Canine Recreation Center & Spa
90 E State St, Hurricane, UT 84737
On The Spot Play and Stay
1545 W State St, Hurricane, UT 84737
Dog-Friendly Things to do Near Zion
While most areas and trails in Zion National Park are off-limits to dogs, there are plenty of dog-friendly hikes near Zion and places to explore that offer incredible views of petrified dunes, lava tubes, panoramic viewpoints of stunning red and white rocks, and water access.
Hike Snow Canyon State Park
This 7,400-acre scenic park is tucked amid lava flows and soaring sandstone cliffs in a strikingly colorful desert environment.
Whiptail Trail
Distance: 5.5 miles round trip
This trail is a staple in Snow Canyon. The easy trail follows a paved path and provides scenic views of the surrounding red and orange cliffs.
West Canyon Rim Trail
Distance: 8 miles round trip
This out-and-back trail is considered easy and takes an average of 2.5 hours to complete. You’ll find other hikers, bikers, and horseback riders on this trail.
Explore Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow State Park is famous for its red sand beaches, striking red rock formations, and a 1,322-acre reservoir. It’s the perfect place to picnic, lounge on the beach, and splash around in the warm, blue waters. Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards can be rented from Sand Hollow Rentals at the south end of the park.
Visit a Dog Park
There are dog parks in Springdale, Utah where your pup can let loose and play with other pups. We recommend checking out George Barker River Park for beautiful views of Zion and a place for your dog to swim and play in the water when it’s hot. It’s also a great place to hike nature trails and catch the sunset.
Chow Down at Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Springdale, Utah
When you stay at Under Canvas Zion, you can enjoy convenient and delicious food options from Grab-and-Go lunch to a chef-prepared dinner with locally-sourced ingredients at Embers Café. There are other dog-friendly restaurants with open-air patios nearby where you and your pup can enjoy a delicious meal. Here are a few of our recommendations if you’re heading into town:
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
95 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
Chill brewery with original burgers, handcrafted ales, and local beers, with outdoor seating and live music.
Deep Creek Coffee Co.
932 Zion Park Blvd UNIT 3, Springdale, UT 84767
Laid-back local coffee shop with delicious coffee and organic foods made with love.
Camp Outpost Co.
709 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
Casual American dining with world-class rotisserie, a spacious outdoor patio, and a fire pit.
MeMe’s Cafe
975 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
Homestyle cooking all day, every day from breakfast crepes to barbecue.
Adventure-filled days and relaxing, star-filled nights await you and your furry friend at Under Canvas Zion. Make your dog-friendly glamping trip even more special with our Pendleton Pooch Enhancement. When you add it to your reservation, your pup will get a Pendleton dog bed and dog bowl to use during your stay, along with dog treats, a dog toy, and a dog bandana to keep. It’s important to note that temps can be hot in the summer so exercise caution when exploring Zion in the summer months.
Photo Credit: Andy Fortson @andyfortson @juliettethehusky