10 Summer Activities to do With Your Dog in Salt Lake City

Summertime is the best time! The warmer weather means the range of dog friendly activities is almost endless. More places are hosting dog friendly events, patios are open, and the snow melts in the mountains. If you are looking to have the best summer ever with your four-legged best friend, here are 10 things to do with your dog this summer in and around Salt Lake City.

Attend Yappy Hour

Golden retriever Scout sits on a grassy hill overlooking a pond at Liberty Park

Hosted each year but the Gallivan Events team, Yappy Hour is a Salt Lake City staple. Held 3-4 times per summer at various parks, attendees can look forward to shopping from local vendors, playing in the large off-leash area, and meeting plenty of other local pups. Of course it wouldn’t be Yappy Hour if there weren’t adult beverages available for purchase! The best part about this event is it’s 100% free to attend. Visit our Events page to check upcoming dates!

Visit the Lavender Farm

Golden retriever Scout smiles as he lays in a fully bloomed lavender field

Young Living’s lavender farm in Mona, Utah is a great way to spend a half day getting out of the city. About an hour south of Salt Lake City, the farm welcomes leashed dogs to enjoy the 1600 acres with their humans. The farm features a variety of garden spaces, a visitor center, horse barn, and, of course, a plethora of lavender. Plan your visit in June to see the beautiful purple blooms at their peak. The farm does occasionally close for private events so be sure to give them a call prior to your trip.

Ride the Gondola

Scout sits on a rocky mountain slope during spring with the Pineview Reservoir sitting far below

Stunning views await you and your dog at the top of Snowbasin Resort! Ride the gondola to the top of the mountain for some great hiking, lunch, and views that will take your breath away. Your dog may also be thrilled to find some leftover patches of snow to roll in. Dogs must remain on leash for both the gondola ride and hike. The Needles Gondola runs from 10am to 5pm and tickets are $25 each. If hiking isn’t really your thing, just hang out with your pup on the lawn on Sundays for Snowbasin’s Blues, Brews, and BBQ concerts!

Enjoy a Patio

Scout sits on a gravel patio surrounded by picnic tables and wine barrels. There is a large colorful mural in the background noting “Welcome to Fisher.”

Whether you’re looking for brunch or breweries, Salt Lake City or Park City- we’ve got the the full list of dog friendly restaurant patios! There are 30+ patios approved in Salt Lake City to allow pups on their patios. Keep in mind that all dogs must remain on leash and have both a current rabies and city license tag on their collar. Looking for something nearby? Check out our map to find the closest eateries!

Get Some Sunshine at Sunflower Festival

Scout sniffs a beautiful sunflower in a field.

Around mid-July the sunflowers will bloom and Cross E Ranch hosts their annual Sunflower Festival! Featuring 20+ varieties of sunflowers covering 14 acres, the options for photos are endless. Leashed dogs can join you as you wander through the beautiful blooms. Tickets start at $9.95 and include one you-cut sunflower, with the option to purchase more stems at the event. Visit their webpage for up-to-date information on opening date, hours, and tickets.

Cool Off in the High Uintas

Scout sits on a large boulder that juts into a crystal clear creek surrounded by pines.

There is no better place to escape the summer heat than the Uinta Mountains. Locals often call them the “High Uintas,” referring primarily to the peaks along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (also known as US Highway 150). In addition to the plentiful lakes, you’ll also find the highest roadway in Utah at over 10,000 feet. Dogs are allowed off leash on national forest land but must remain on leash at trailheads and in campgrounds. Visit Mirror Lake for an easy 1.5 mile walk in this beautiful mountain area. Bring $6 or your America the Beautiful pass

Dog Walk Wednesdays

Scout sits in front of the wood and stone Ashton Gardens sign. There is ivy partially covering the sign and an array of summer flowers in front of it.

Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point has invited dogs and their owners to participate in Dog Walk Wednesdays each Wednesday this summer. Visit the beautifully landscaped, 50+ acre garden to get in some steps for both you and your pup. The garden features a variety of plants, art, and a large koi pond. Be sure to bring both poop bags and water for your dog! Tickets are $20 each but you can save $5 by using this link.

Pick Up Treats at the Farmer’s Market

Scout sits on some stairs above the Park Silly Sunday Market on Main Street.

The farmer’s market is a great way to get in a walk and enjoy treats, produce, and other wears from local vendors. Many farmer’s markets welcome dogs on leash, including the Downtown Farmer’s Market (Saturday), Liberty Park Market (Friday), Wheeler Sunday Market (Sunday), and Park Silly Market (Sunday). Combine your visit to the market with lunch, brunch, or a nearby park to make a day out of it! Use our map to find dog friendly options near you.

Road Trip to Golden Spike

Scout smiles close to the camera in front of two vintage steam locomotives

Located about an hour and a half north of Salt Lake City is the Golden Spike National Historic Park. Here your dogs are welcome to join you as you view the replica steam locomotives and learn about the completion of the transcontinental railroads. Tickets are $20 per vehicle or free with your America the Beautiful pass. While you’re in the area, pop on over to the Great Salt Lake to visit the Spiral Jetty! Bring towels and plenty of water for your pup if you walk out on the salt.

Take a Paddle Board Class

Scout wears an orange life vest while he sits on a partially beached stand up paddle board at Deer Valley Resort

Test the balance of both you and your pup by learning to stand up paddleboard at our Dog Friendly SLC x Park City SUP’s SUP with your Pup classes! You’ll learn the best techniques for boarding with your dog from a world renowned instructor and have plenty of opportunity to practice. The cost is $65 and includes instruction, board rental, and human life vest. Already a pro? Consider taking your pup and paddleboard out to Causey, Tibble Fork, or Pineview Reservoirs.

Happy Summer!

 

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