The giant dog statue outside Big Dog’s Brewing Company in Las Vegas isn’t a trophy for being crowned the best pet-friendly brewery in Nevada, but it’s definitely a sign of the brewery’s attitude towards canines. One of the first establishments of its kind to open in southern Nevada, the classic beer on draft has been tried and tasted by people from near and far since 1992. Pull up a seat on the large pet-friendly patio and sip dog-themed drinks like a Leglifter Light, Red Hydrant Brown Ale or Black Lab Stout. Soak it up with Doghouse nachos or poutine fries from the kitchen. Take your own big dog to Barkin' Basin Dog Park at Wayne Bunker Park.

Book a stay at one of the area’s most popular pet-friendly hotels, La Quinta Inn & Suites Las Vegas Summerlin Tech.

Bring Fido to the most dog-friendly state park in Nevada, Valley of Fire State Park, located in the Mojave Desert just northeast of Las Vegas. Hike among 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops and keep your eyes peeled for petrified trees and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years. You may also spot wildlife like roadrunners, kit foxes, black-tailed jackrabbits, and if you’re lucky, a rare desert tortoise. The park is a popular place for taking Instagram-worthy photos of your pup. Shaded picnic areas are located throughout for a quick lunch and break from the heat.

After a day in the desert, put your pup’s posh paws up at NoMad Las Vegas and order her a treat from the hotel’s pet room service menu.

If you’re looking to escape the desert heat, head to Mount Charleston, the most dog-friendly attraction in Nevada, for some cool outdoor adventures with your pooch. Located less than an hour’s drive from downtown Las Vegas, Mount Charleston offers the chance to explore over 50 miles of hiking trails in a climate with temperatures averaging 20 degrees lower than Sin City. That means from November through April, there is snow on the mountain! The Bristlecone Trail is particularly great for snowshoeing, but the most popular wintertime activities are sledding, snowman building, and good old-fashioned snowball fights. In fact, there’s even a designated location for it at the Foxtail Winter Snowplay Area in Lee Canyon.

Following his mountain activities, your pooch will be happy to come home to a cozy cabin at the Mount Charleston Lodge & Cabins. Relax in a jetted tub, warm up by the fire, or unwind on a private balcony overlooking the mountain. Take Fido for a walk on the 1.4-mile Cathedral Rock Trail, which is located across the street from the cabins.

With a beautiful backdrop of the Ruby Mountains, Iron Horse RV Park in Elko is surrounded by mature green grass and lush landscaping, a rare site in the Nevada desert. This campground oasis welcomes Fido with a spacious dog park, a covered cabana with Adirondack chairs for his humans, and waste stations for easy cleanup. You’ll be near pet-friendly hiking trails at South Fork Recreation Area, and the fishing reservoir of Wild Horse State Recreation Area. Dogs of any size are allowed at RV sites for no additional fee.

The best dog park in Nevada, Link Piazzo Dog Park at Hidden Valley Regional Park in Reno is surrounded by stunning mountain views. Dogs of all sizes can feel safe at play in the small or large canine sections. Chill out on the park benches or underneath shade structures while your best friend spreads his wings and makes new four-legged pals. On hot days, thirsty pups can rehydrate at the water stations. Leashed dogs are also welcome to explore the larger 480-acre park beyond the fence.

Discover mountain and pasture views from the shady front porch of Vista Gardens, a quiet home in the countryside. This pet-friendly escape comes equipped with hardwood floors and a fenced area of yard for Fido to roam leash-free.

Narrow valleys with cave-like formations and cathedral-like spires formed over tens of millions of years await you and Fido at Cathedral Gorge State Park in Panaca. This dog-friendly photographer’s paradise includes over five miles of trails through soft bentonite clay, formed by volcanic eruption. Take your leashed pup on a short hike to Nevada’s best trail to hike with your dog, Moon Caves, where you’ll find a maze of slot canyons to explore. Plan your visit for late afternoon or early evening when the sun hits the caves just right, illuminating the walls with a golden hue. If you’re up for more slot canyon exploring, keep the adventure going with another short hike to dog-friendly Cathedral Caves.

Camp among the spires at Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground, or venture 10 minutes up the highway to Pioche and relax in this one-bedroom home. You’ll also be near more dog-friendly trails at Echo Canyon State Park.

The Retreat on Charleston Peak, the best dog-friendly B&B in Nevada, is a “pawradise” for dogs who want to get away from the lights of Sin City. From the Presidential Suite to standard stays, pups are welcome in a variety of rooms that all feature hardwood floors for easy cleanup and access to a shady outdoor space. This elegant, rustic lodge in Kyle Canyon is a short walk from Mount Charleston, which boasts 50 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails.

Calling all big dogs in the Battle Born State to attend Nevada’s can’t miss dog event of the year, Big Dog's Dogtoberfest in Las Vegas. Purchase a Dogtoberfest pint glass to sample a selection of more than 50 different beers, then soak it up with something from the Wisconsin brat cookout. Humans and dogs are invited to dress up in seasonal and spooky outfits to try to win prizes. Live music provides the soundtrack for attendees to enjoy and a portion of the proceeds goes towards The Animal Foundation, one of the highest-volume single-site animal shelters in the United States.

Discuss your favorite pours with your paws up at nearby La Quinta Inn & Suites Las Vegas Summerlin Tech.

If our Best of Nevada preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!