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Dog-Friendly Grand Canyon: A Guide To Your Stay

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Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is home to a breathtaking natural wonder carved by the Colorado River. The canyon is 277 miles long and over a mile deep. Its layered red rock formations reveal millions of years of Earth’s geological history, creating a dramatic landscape. This stunning national wonder is a place I recommend having on your bucket list. 

Is the Grand Canyon Dog-Friendly? If you are traveling with your dog and want to stop at the Grand Canyon, yes, it is a dog-friendly national park. There are dog-friendly accommodations and outdoor activities for you and your pup. 

I recently spent two nights at Grand Canyon National Park during a cross-country road trip and was pleasantly surprised at the comfortable accommodations for my pup and me.

a dog standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon
My pup, Puka, is all smiles at the Grand Canyon

Basics of Bringing Your Dog to Grand Canyon National Park

  • Keep your dog on a leash six feet long or shorter
  • Pets are not allowed on park shuttle buses 
  • Pet are not permitted below the canyon rim
  • The south rim is the more dog-friendly rim of the park
  • Pick up after your dog and dispose of their waste in trash cans
  • Respect nature and wildlife
  • Carry plenty of water for you and your dog
  • Be mindful of the sun on yourself and your dog from the warm weather of the park.
  • Don’t keep your dog unattended in your car during high temperatures
  • Avoid walking during the day, or get booties for your dog’s paws to protect them from the hot pavement.
  • If you need to kennel your dog, secure a reservation at the Grand Canyon Kennel

Read More About Traveling and Hiking With Your Dog:

Dog-Friendly Hotel Stay in Grand Canyon National Park

The Yavapai Lodge, located inside the park on the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park, has dog-friendly rooms for an added fee per pet. You must book a dog-friendly room at reservation, and there are limited rooms, so book in advance. I stayed there with my pup, and I highly recommend the accommodations. 

The best part about staying at the Yavapai Lodge was the location. It is in the middle of the south rim and has easy access to views of the canyon, a grocery store, deli, restaurants, and a lodge from the hotel. You do not have to leave the park and re-enter each day, which is a bonus since there are often long lines to get through the park gates.

During my cross-country road trip with my dog, I wasn’t expecting much from the Yavapai since it was rated as a 2-star hotel. I was pleasantly surprised to find the hotel room very comfortable, clean, and friendly staff. The rooms appeared recently upgraded, with air conditioning, a coffee maker, a mini fridge, and more. Each room also had a dog kennel; you could leave your pup unattended as long as it was kenneled.

Pet-friendly hotels are outside the Grand Canyon National Park:

Please read each hotel’s website individually to review their pet policy.

What trails are dogs allowed at Grand Canyon National Park?

 a dog standing next to the rim of the Grand Canyon

Dogs are allowed on the South Rim Trail at Grand Canyon National Park. This trail is a 13-mile one-way path along the south side of the Grand Canyon, a 26-mile round trip. There is plenty to see on the trail’s 13 miles, and you and your pup can walk for quite some time if you complete the entire trail.

What if You Need a Dog Kennel or Boarding At Grand Canyon?

A kennel for dogs and cats is located inside the park on the South Rim near Maswik Lodge. The kennel provides both day and overnight boarding for animals. 

Despite Grand Canyon National Park being highly pet-friendly to a national park, you can’t take your dog everywhere. If you want to hike into the canyon or do more strenuous activities, consider leaving your dog at the kennel in the park. 

The kennel has a reservation system and required vaccinations, which you can learn more about here.

Pet-Friendly Dining Options

I found one dog-friendly restaurant inside the park. This central spot is the Yavapai Tavern, which has an outdoor patio and bar food for your pup.

The dining options inside the park aren’t anything special. I recommend packing food in with you or getting to-go food from the deli and grocery store.

Best Sunset Spot at Grand Canyon with Your Pup

the sun setting over the Grand Canyon
View of the sunset over the Grand Canyon from Mather Point

There are many iconic places to watch the sunset from the Grand Canyon. Mather Point is a stunning location for sunset that is easy for your dog to access, as it sits on the south rim trail. There is also a parking lot next to Mather Point but go early because it fills up quickly. 

Dog-Friendly Grand Canyon: Final Thoughts

The Grand Canyon offers many dog-friendly options to make your stay comfortable and memorable. You can board your dog during the day at the on-site kennel or walk your pup around the rim trail. I hope you enjoy your stay at the Grand Canyon with your dog. 

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