10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Utah You Can Visit in 2026

Utah has some of the most stunning landscapes in the US, from the breathtaking Zion National Park to thousands of miles of other prime hiking trails. The arid desert and lush plant life meet together in Utah’s most beautiful trails, but it’s hard to choose which to visit. Not all are very welcoming to man’s best friend either, so it’s important to find dog-friendly trails before you start packing. Let’s take a peek at some of those down below so you can get started ASAP.

The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Utah

1. Adams Canyon Trail

• Trail length: 3.8 miles
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Leashes may be required in some areas
• Don’t miss out on the 40-foot waterfall at the end of the trail!
• Weather warning: may get bogged down in snow or slush during the winter and early spring

2. Dino Cliffs Trail

• Trail length: 1.8 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• An easy stroll through picturesque sandstone formations
• Dogs must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash
• Pack sunscreen for this one—there’s precious little shade on the trail

3. Mount Olympus Trail

• Trail length: 7.8 miles
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Precipitous heights and especially tricky portions make this best for experienced hikers
• Pack plenty of supplies for this hike, as it can take more than a day to complete

4. Professor Creek/Mary Jane Canyon Trail

• Trail length: 8.4 miles
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Pack water-friendly gear
• The sun gets intense during the summer, so come prepared

5. Grandstaff Trail

• Trail length: 5.7 miles
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Half-day hike through a wonderland of sandstone formations
• Features the 6th-longest natural rock span in the US: Morning Glory Natural Bridge!

6. Corona Arch

• Trail length: 3.0 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• The trail starts out easy but has a steep sandstone climb near the end
• This area has a lot of visitors yearly, so be kind and leave it nicer than you found it

7. Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail

• Trail length: 0.8 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Start with the short interpretative trail and then explore the dunes with your dog
• Check out diverse wildlife like beetles, salamanders, newts, and more
• Start early to beat the heat

8. Black Dragon Wash Trail

• Trail length: 1.8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Short but with a few steep sections, so make sure to wear footwear with good traction

9. Grotto Falls Trail

• Trail length: 0.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Features a stream and waterfall chamber within the grotto
• The shallow creek along the trail may overflow with runoff during early spring

10. Red Reef Trail

• Trail length: 2.2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Gently sloping trail ideal for canine and human newcomers alike
• Expect to get wet
• Suitable for swimming during the rainy spring season

In Conclusion

Utah has some of the most majestic desert scenes you can hike along with your devoted dog at your side. From the short Grotto Falls Trail to the more demanding Mount Olympus Trail, there are tons of great hiking trips to be spent in Utah’s rugged wilderness.

See Also:

• 8 Hocking Hills Dog-Friendly Trails You Can Visit

• 6 Pet-Friendly Hotels Near St. George, Utah

Featured Photo Credit: Osadcha Olga, Shutterstock