Calling locals and global travelers alike to the red-hued landscape of the American Southwest. Moab is a gateway to not one, but two, iconic national parks teeming with natural stone arches, high desert wildlife and sweeping vistas that have evolved at nature’s hand over millions of years.
While the land that lies within Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park is off-limits to four-legged visitors, travelers with a dog in tow can experience much of the same beauty found within the national parks from the public lands surrounding Moab. Here, we’ve put together a guide of the best way to experience Moab with man’s best friend.
Dog-friendly Hikes Near Arches National Park
While Utah’s famed Delicate Arch may be off-limits to dogs, there are numerous dog-friendly hikes near Moab that offer up-close views of the striking geologic formations and natural arches for which the area is known.
Grandstaff Canyon and Morning Glory Natural Bridge
Distance: 5 miles round-trip
Located just east of Moab off Scenic Byway 128, Morning Glory Natural Bridge can be reached by following the Grandstaff Trail. This picturesque hike above the banks of Colorado River follows a much smaller, year-round stream with numerous creek crossings on the way to Morning Glory Bridge – the sixth largest natural rock span in America.
Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail
Distance: 2.3 miles round-trip
Located just west of Moab along the Potash Road, the short hike to Corona and Bowtie Arch follows a clearly marked slickrock trail to the spectacular, partly free-standing arches. Aided by ladders bolted to the rock and cables where the trail steepens, Corona and Bowtie Arch are particularly good treks for children or beginner hikers in search of photogenic arches near Moab.
Fisher Towers Trail
Distance: 4.4 miles round-trip
Following a single-track trail to a viewpoint overlooking the Fisher Towers, this trail offers visitors a glimpse of the geologic diversity of Utah canyon country. Composed of dark red Cutler and Moenk sandstone, the Fisher Towers are a soaring sight of fins, spires and jaggedly cut rock formations shaped by erosion. This instagrammable trail winds through the towers themselves, giving hikers an up-close look of the dramatic structures and, on occasion, rock climbers ascending the red rock formations.
Mill Creek Trail
Distance: 1.6 – 7 miles round-trip
This water-rich trail is an ideal warm weather, dog-friendly hike. Just over one mile from the trailhead lies the Mill Creek Waterfall, forming one of Moab’s most popular swimming holes for both dogs and their owners. The trail is also famed for its petroglyphs and pictographs along its canyon walls, left behind by ancient inhabitants whose rock art remains intact today. Continue past the waterfall up the north branch of the canyon where one of the main panels of rock art can be found in an alcove above Mill Creek.
Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon Trail
Distance: 8 miles round-trip
Trailing an active stream bed into a gradually narrowing canyon, the Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon Trail is among one of the best dog-friendly hikes near Arches National Park, culminating at a double-spouted waterfall with numerous creek crossings along the way.
5 Safety Tips for Hiking with Your Dog in Moab
- Dogs are required to be on-leash at all times and remain on marked trails.
- Bring plenty of water for you and your pup! Southern Utah is no stranger to high temperatures and sun exposure – especially during summer months. We recommend carrying a collapsible water pouch or container for your dog to drink from, and enough water for all parties.
- Leave no trace. Remember to bring waste bags to pick up after your on-leash hiking companion.
- You’re in rattlesnake country. Keeping your dog on-leash is the first step to preventing an encounter with a rattlesnake. Snakes prefer sunny, exposed areas therefore paying attention to your surroundings while on the trail is key. If you do encounter a rattlesnake, immediately give it space and wait for it to move off trail.
- Leaves of three, let it be. Poison Ivy is known to inhabit many trails in Moab wilderness. Familiarizing yourself with the green foliage, particularly if hiking the Grandstaff Trail to Morning Glory Bridge, can help you avoid an uncomfortable encounter with the shrub (or climbing vine).
Moab’s Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants
There are many dog-friendly restaurants in Moab for filling up after a day spent on the trails. A few of our favorite tasty hangouts include:
The Blu Pig
811 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
For savory barbeque food and live music seven nights a week.
Eddie McStiff’s
57 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
For award-winning beer, cocktails and an inclusive menu of vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan dishes alongside specialty burgers, sandwiches and entrees.
Moab Food Truck Park
39 W 100 N, Moab, Utah 84532
For a wide variety of mobile eateries serving up everything from waffles, donuts and spruced-up hot dogs to Chinese, tacos and pizza by the slice.
Milt’s Stop and Eat
356 S Mill Creek Dr, Moab, UT 84532
For a classic American diner serving grass-fed beef and buffalo burgers, homemade fries and old-fashioned malts.
Zax
96 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
For specialty pizzas, locally brewed beer and a beloved local vibe.
Plan Your Adventure
Our on-site Guest Experience Coordinator can point you and your pup in the right direction for your next Moab adventure, or help you arrange a guided trip during your stay.
Every Under Canvas resort location is pet-friendly. For details on our nightly pet fee and on-site pet policy, please see our FAQ page.