Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Carefree, AZ

There are 22 dog-friendly hiking trails within 20 miles of Carefree. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners. Coming from out of town? Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in Carefree.

Pet Friendly McDowell Sonoran Preserve
McDowell Sonoran Preserve You and Fido are sure to enjoy McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, AZ, which provides plenty of dog-friendly activities. Popular hiking trails include Lost Dog Wash Trailhead and Kovach Family Nature Trail, each one a short half mile walk amongst towering saguaros and barrel cactuses. More adventurous hikers can explore Sunrise Trail East, a steep, rocky trail from which you can enjoy expansive views of Sunrise Peak. Please clean up after your dog and keep them on a leash at all times. See Details
Pet Friendly Thunderbird Conservation Park
Thunderbird Conservation Park Thunderbird Conservation Park, a 1,185-acre park in the Hedgpeth Hills, is a conservation area dedicated to preserving the desert environment in Glendale, AZ. It is pet-friendly and park activities include picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, jogging and bird watching. About 15 miles of multi-use, dog-friendly trails have been constructed, thanks to the efforts of many volunteer groups. See Details
Blue Wash Trail to Camp Creek Falls Leashed dogs and their owners can explore the pet-friendly Blue Wash Trail to Camp Creek Falls at Tonto National Forest in Cave Creek, AZ. This 2.8-mile out-and-back path features sandy walkways and a gentle incline, leading adventurers into a beautiful waterfall. Owners are encouraged to ensure Fido is comfortable with hikers and fellow four-legged companions, as this trail is highly trafficked by outdoor enthusiasts and horseback riders. See Details
Shaw Butte Hikers are welcome to take their leashed dogs on hikes up the pet-friendly Shaw Butte in Phoenix, AZ. Shaw Butte is a member of the Phoenix Mountain Preserves and lies directly north of North Mountain. A hike up this preserve offers great views of North Mountain, Piestewa Peak and Lookout Mountain as well as beautiful views of downtown Phoenix. Hikers can choose from a variety of trail difficulties. Phoenix leash laws apply on all hiking trails, and pets must be leashed at all times. See Details
Dreamy Draw Recreation Area Bring your canine friend to experience the diverse desert landscapes at the pet-friendly Dreamy Draw Recreation Area in Phoenix, AZ, offering everything from fantastic views to secluded valleys. Leashed dogs are permitted on some of the trails within the park, including the pet-friendly Dreamy Draw Nature Trail, but are not permitted at Piestewa Peak. See Details
North Mountain The pet-friendly North Mountain in Phoenix, AZ is an easily accessible mountain and is a member of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Your pup is welcome to join you on a summit climb or a hike on an array of trails at all levels of difficulty. Hikers enjoy a great view of the downtown Phoenix skyline. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Make sure to bring plenty of water both for yourself and for Fido. See Details
Tom's Thumb Trailhead Take a hike with your dog to Tom’s Thumb in Scottsdale, AZ. There are a variety of pet-friendly trails for different skill levels, but the hardest of the trails is moderate to difficult. While hiking, you may see all sorts of wildlife, but watch out for rattlesnakes! To avoid the crowds and extreme desert heat, try to get there in the early morning. The trailhead has parking and restrooms, but no water, so make sure to pack plenty of water for both you and Fido. Dogs must be leashed at all times. See Details
Gateway Trailhead The Gateway Trailhead in Scottsdale, AZ, has a lot of different options for hiking and education. It is pet-friendly and family-friendly. Children can receive a passport at the trailhead and get stamps at other trails in the area to win a prize at the end. There are many different trails to choose from for all skill levels, starting with a kid-friendly 0.5 mile nature trail with educational games and signs along the way. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead, as well as restrooms and water fountains. Make sure you pack plenty of water for yourself as well as for Fido. Dogs must be leashed at all times. See Details
Sunrise Trail The Sunrise Peak Trail in Scottsdale, AZ is a great trek for more experienced hikers. This pet-friendly totals four miles in length, with a 1,100 foot elevation change. The trail is steep and rocky, and uphill almost the entire way, but when you reach the top, you can see incredible views of the McDowell Mountains and the granite formations in the area. This trail is less crowded than other nearby trails due to the difficulty. There is free parking and a water fountain at the trailhead, but no restrooms. Make sure to pack plenty of water for both yourself and for Fido. All dogs must be leashed. See Details
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead Lost Dog Wash Trailhead in Scottsdale, AZ, is a great choice for families, beginners, or more experienced hikers. This pet-friendly spot offers many different trails for all different skill and fitness levels, so that you can pick the hike that works best for you and your dog. At the longest, the trail is just under five miles long with only a 350-foot elevation change. This hike has plenty of options that are easy enough for children, including several short educational nature trails. Trails are clearly marked and the trailhead has plenty of parking, as well as restrooms and water fountains. Make sure to bring plenty of water both for yourself and for Fido. There is no shade, so it gets very hot. Dogs must be leashed at all times. See Details
Lookout Mountain Preserve Enjoy hiking the variety of trails through the pet-friendly Lookout Mountain Preserve in Phoenix, AZ. This mountain is a smaller cousin to the more popular North Mountain area, located just to the south. Though lower in elevation than nearby summits, it provides a chance to hike to a peak and enjoy vistas without the crowds and steep elevation gains of nearby Piestewa Peak and North Mountain. Your pup is welcome to join you but must be leashed at all times. See Details
Desert Vista Trailhead at Sonoran Preserve Spend a day hiking the pet-friendly Desert Vista Trails at Sonoran Preserve in Phoenix, AZ with your dog. There are several trails that branch off from the trailhead, ranging in distance of anywhere from one to six miles. The trail starts in a housing subdivision, but you quickly find yourself in what seems like the middle of nowhere, giving you the comfort of being near civilization while still feeling relatively secluded. Take photos of the owls that nest along the trails here, but make sure to watch out for more dangerous desert fauna, especially rattlesnakes. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Bring plenty of water both for yourself and for Fido. See Details
Marcus Landslide Trail Take your dog to Marcus Landslide Trail to enjoy sweeping views of the Sonoran Valley in Scottsdale, AZ. This pet-friendly trail was created by the second largest landslide in Arizona, and as a result, there are incredible rock formations, many of which are marked by educational signs explaining their geological significance. The trail is just under four miles long, including an optional .7-mile loop, with only a 300-foot elevation gain. Come in spring to see the wildflowers bloom. Make sure to bring plenty of water for both yourself and for Fido, as there is no shade and no water at the trailhead. Dogs must be leashed at all times. See Details
Apache Wash Trail From September until May, enjoy the dog-friendly Apache Wash Trail on the north side of Phoenix, AZ. There are a number of different trails for you to choose from, ranging from easy to moderate level. You can spend time here birdwatching, enjoying the local wildflowers or simply getting exercise for you and your dog. This trail is also used by mountain bikers and horses, so keep a watchful eye out for those. Dogs must be leashed at all times while hiking, and make sure to bring lots of water for both yourself and Fido. See Details
Scottsdale Ranch Park and Tennis Center Scottsdale Ranch Park and Tennis Center is a pet-friendly attraction in Scottsdale, AZ. In addition to its tennis courts, you can take Fido for a walk around beautiful The Desert Garden. The garden was designed to enhance the understanding of the Sonoran Desert, of botanical processes, and of the geology and soil materials indigenous to the nearby McDowell Mountains. There are also several picnic ramadas you can reserve, or you can just stop by if one is free for a bite to eat. Dogs must be leashed at all times and they are not allowed on the tennis courts. See Details
Brown's Ranch Trailhead For over 176 miles of mapped, identified, and maintained trails, stop at the Brown's Ranch Trailhead in Scottsdale, AZ. This pet-friendly spot offers trails for any skill level and access destinations such as Granite Mountain, Cholla Mountain, Brown's Mountain, and Cathedral Rock. At the trailhead, there is a large parking lot with bathrooms and water, as well as interactive exhibits about the history of the Preserve. While you’re hiking, keep an eye out for local wildlife, as well as mountain bikers and horseback riders. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Make sure to bring plenty of water for both yourself and for Fido. See Details
McDowell Mountain Regional Park McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a dog-friendly recreational area in Scottsdale, AZ. Bring Fido out to for a day of bonding and exercise. There are over 40 miles of hiking, with range in length from 0.5-miles to 15.3-miles and range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Those looking for an easy hike should try the North Trail at 3.1-miles. Those looking for a good workout for themselves or their dogs should try the Pemberton at 15.3-miles. All trails are multi-use unless otherwise designated. Be sure to bring plenty of water for both you and Fido. See Details
Ruth Hamilton Trail at Piestewa Peak Park Ruth Hamilton Trail at Piestewa Peak Park in Phoenix, AZ is a pet-friendly popular pathway just over 3 miles in length that intersects with the Quartz Ridge Trail. There is a nice observation bench at the intersection. The western section of this trail offers several switchbacks and is moderately rocky, but once the hiker reaches the peak the trail descends and levels out. Although short, it offers tremendous views of the downtown corridor and the northern Sonoran mountains. Wildflowers are abundant during the spring. See Details
New River Trail New River Trail is a dog-friendly, multi-purpose trail in Peoria, AZ, that's 13.5 miles in length. Dogs are welcome on the trail, as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after. The trail runs alongside the often dry, New River. Users can continue their journey along the Skunk Creek Trail. See Details
Deem Hills Recreation Area The pet-friendly Deem Hills Recreation Area in Phoenix, AZ offers a variety of hiking trails for you and your dog to enjoy, as well as an off-leash dog park. Composed of Precambrian granite and Tertiary age volcanic rocks, this site is ancient history waiting to be explored. The Deem Hills Circumference Trail is 5.73 miles long and traverses the entire recreation area, providing wonderful views of the area as well as the opportunity to view the wild and varied Arizona Upland vegetation. There are many other trails to choose from as well, providing enjoyable hikes for a variety of fitness levels. Pets must be leashed at all times. See Details
Carefree, AZ, US