Exploring Grand Canyon National Park is likely on your bucket list. And it’s probably on your pup’s too. Laying eyes on the vast geological wonder will have you “ooh”, “aah”, and “woof” with excitement. It’s important to know where you can explore together since certain areas of the canyon are off-limits to pets. Luckily, dogs are welcome at all Under Canvas locations including Under Canvas Grand Canyon so you and your pup can explore by day and relax in your safari-inspired tent by night. If you want to experience the seventh wonder of the world with your pup, check out our list of the top five paw-some things to do.
Visit The Grand Canyon’s South Rim
Just 30-minutes from Under Canvas, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for epic views of the 6,000-feet deep canyon. The 12-mile paved South Rim Trail includes the iconic Yavapai, Hopi, Mojave, and Mather Points for sweeping canyon vistas. To protect your dog’s precious paws, hit the trail early in the day to avoid the heat. Dog booties or paw wax can give your dog added protection against paved concrete trails.
It’s important to know dogs must be leashed at all times and are not permitted to go below the rim. For adventures below the rim, reserve a spot at the Grand Canyon Kennel located in the park near the South Rim. Here, your dog will enjoy a relaxing day in a cooled kennel while you hit the trails and head into the Grand Canyon.
Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger
Many of the national parks have a B.A.R.K. ranger program where you and your pooch can learn how to explore the dog-friendly areas of America’s national parks to the fullest. One of the perks of this short program is earning a super cool keepsake for your dogs like a badge or dog tag with the park name after “woof”-ing their way through the pledge. Stop by the Grand Canyon National Park visitor center for more info.
Drive Through a Wildlife Park
Visit Bearizona in Williams, Ariz. for a dog-friendly drive-thru wildlife park. See a variety of North American animals including black bears, bobcats, and tundra wolves from the comfort of your vehicle. You can drive through the park as many times as you like during your visit. Afterwards, grab a meal, craft beer, and a fresh bowl of water for your pup at one of the local digs in Williams. Many of them have pet-friendly patios.
Hike to a Picturesque Picnic
The Shoshone Point Trail in the national park is an easy 2-mile out-and-back hike with rewarding views and only a handful of other hikers. The unpaved hiking trail takes you through ponderosa pines on the way to a picturesque overlook with a lesser-known view of the Grand Canyon. This is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset picnic with your pup! Order a camp-prepared lunch from Under Canvas to pack for your adventure and enjoy it at the covered picnic area, where you’ll be steps away from a peninsula that juts out over the canyon for a striking panoramic view. Make sure to pack plenty of water for both you and your pup and practice the leave no trace principles.
Take in the View from Above
For a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon, hike the 3.3-mile out-and-back Red Butte Trail in the Kaibab National Forest near Grand Canyon, Ariz. Just outside of the park, this moderate hiking trail takes you up a butte with a fire tower on the top. The lightly trafficked trail offers a nice break from the crowds in the park and incredible views during the trek. Once you’ve reached the top, climb the tower for epic views of the surrounding landscape.
Adventure-filled days and relaxing, star-filled nights await you and your furry friend at Under Canvas Grand Canyon. 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 take home.