Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Arizona

Get a glimpse of ancient history at the Petrified Forest National Park, a dog-friendly attraction in Petrified Forest National Park, AZ. Hike the many trails, enjoy the vistas provided by scenic overlooks, or go backpacking in the wilderness area with your favorite furry friend. Pets must be leashed whenever outside of a vehicle, and are permitted in all areas of the park except for buildings and areas closed to the public. Park officials ask that pets not be permitted to interact with wildlife or investigate dead animals, nests or burrows.

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.

More than 2,000 dog-friendly acres of natural wonderland await you and your pup at Cattail Cove State Park in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Relax, hike, bird-watch, enjoy the dog park, or have a picnic at this beautiful park on Lake Havasu. Fido must be leashed at all times on the trails, but may be off-leash at the designated dog beach. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the developed beaches for human use.

White Tank Mountain Regional Park is dog friendly. Leashed pets are welcome at this stunningly beautiful public park. Take the hike out to a waterfall in the middle of the desert. Nearly 30,000 acres makes this the largest regional park in Maricopa County. Most of the park is made up of the rugged and beautiful White Tank Mountains on the Valleys west side.

Montezuma Castle National Monument is a pet-friendly attraction in Camp Verde, AZ. Pets are welcome on the paved trails but must remain on a leash under six feet. Please pack accordingly, as the park hits extreme temperatures. Never leave your pup in the car or tied up anywhere when visiting, but be sure to sign Fido up to be a Bark Ranger!

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.

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the seven natural wonders of the world in Arizona. Fido can join you as you view some of the world's most spectacular examples of erosion. Just keep your furry friend on a leash as you explore the north and south rim and pack supplies for your pup! Please note that pets aren't permitted below the rim or on park buses.

Buckskin Mountain State Park is a dog-friendly recreation area in Parker, AZ. Bring Fido along to see the stunning views of the Colorado River along the Parker strip, an 18-mile stretch between Parker Dam and Headgate Dam. Mountains line the river on both the Arizona and California sides, and the wildlife is as varied as the recreational opportunities along the river. Dogs must be leashed at all times and are welcome on the campgrounds for no additional fee.

Watson Lake Park is a pet-friendly spot in Prescott, AZ. Dogs are welcome to join their owners on this beautiful trail of stunning scenery. The scenic park allows access to Watson Woods, as well as the boulders of the Granite Dells. The lake is a popular recreation area for pups and their owners who want to get out on the water or complete a round of disc golf. Please note there is a parking fee.

Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye, AZ is pet friendly. This 8,700 acre mountain preserve is located in the southern White Tank Mountains. The park is home to numerous trails to explore with your leashed pooch.

Dogs are welcome to join you on the trails at the pet-friendly Papago Park in Phoenix. AZ. Enjoy the Sonoran Desert habitat and the sandstone buttes that set this park apart from the other natural attractions in the area. The trails are generally known to be easy treks with little elevation gain, making it the perfect place for families or beginner hikers. Pets must be leashed at all times.

West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead is a dog-friendly, well-maintained three mile trail in the Coconino National Forest. The trail goes through the Oak Creek canyon with many different plants for your pooch to see and sniff, and in several places the trail crosses a beautiful creek. Your dog must remain on leash at all times, and you may be subject to ticketing and fines if you do not comply. Please contact the USDA Forest Service for current rates and fees regarding use of the trail, as well as fire danger level.

Buffalo Park is a pet-friendly recreation area in Flagstaff, AZ. Fido is welcome to join you on the two-mile gravel loop trail with fitness stations and picnicking space while you enjoy the scenic mountain view. The park also features a bridge that connects to additional pathways and offers wooded trails.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park in Morristown, AZ, is a dog-friendly destination with trails up to 4 miles, perfect for all endurance levels. Pups can enjoy walks while taking in scenic views, and during warmer months, the calm waters around Fireman’s Cove, Coles Bay, and Humbug Cove provide a great spot to cool off. Please note that the lake is man-made, and safety is key as the landscape fluctuates. A day pass is required for entry.

South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix, AZ, has over 51 miles of dog-friendly trails for you and your pup to explore. Not a hiker? Take the Summit Road to Dobbins Lookout for amazing valley views or to Gila Lookout for a view of the Gila River Valley. Once a month, Silent Sunday is observed, a day in which the park's main access roads are reserved for non-motorized uses, and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the roads. Phoenix leash laws apply to all hiking trails, and pets must be leashed at all times.

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.

Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Trail is a pet-friendly hiking destination in Flagstaff, AZ. You may experience a wide variety of bird, insect and animal life on this unique trail. There are two trails located at this site. A short paved loop that is ADA accessible, and a longer loop with a native surface on flat terrain. Both options provide an educational interpretive experience. Please be sure to keep your furry friend on a leash when visiting.

Bring Fido to the dog-friendly Little Horse Trail No. 61 in Sedona, AZ. Leashed pups are welcome to join you on this trail, where you'll both be surrounded by the familiar red rock that Arizona is famed for. This 3.4-mile out-and-back trail is for all levels of hiker. Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park at the trailhead.

With a variety of trails to choose from, several of which lead into the Superstition Wilderness, you and your pup will find plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails to enjoy at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, AZ. Some of the guided hikes also permit dogs to join the fun. Dogs must be leashed at all times.

Sweetwater Preserve Trailhead is a dog-friendly set of trails around the foothills of Tucson, AZ. There are a variety of trails that are great for all levels of hikers. Although dogs are permitted on the trails, so are horses and mountain bikes which means you and Fido need to be extra careful and they must be on a leash. The trails are plentiful, allowing a lot of freedom for dogs to explore.