Exploring Cross E Ranch with Your Dog

If you’re looking for dog-friendly activities near Salt Lake City, you absolutely must add Cross E Ranch to you and your dog’s calendar. Located just north of Salt Lake City International Airport and a mere 15 minutes from downtown, Cross E Ranch is an agricultural oasis in the heart of the metropolitan area. Every year, the ranch opens its gates to guests (and their pups!) for their beloved spring and fall festivals, offering a unique blend of rural charm and pet-friendly fun.

From strolling together through picturesque fields to soaking in the beauty of rural life, Cross E Ranch is a perfect dog friendly adventure for the entire family. The spring festival is a vibrant celebration featuring adorable baby animals and a stunning array of tulips set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. In the fall, the ranch transforms into an autumn wonderland with a challenging corn maze, a charming pumpkin patch, and plenty of seasonal delights.

One of the ranch’s biggest draws is its delicious food, with their cider donuts earning a special place in visitors’ hearts. It’s also an ideal spot for capturing those picture perfect moments with your pup—whether it’s a candid shot in the tulip fields or a playful pose in the pumpkin patch, Cross E Ranch is a social media haven.

For families, the ranch offers a wide variety of activities, from archery and a ropes course to a corn pit and slides, ensuring fun for all ages. And with tickets priced under $25 per person and no ticket required for dogs, it’s an affordable day out that provides both social and mental stimulation for your pet. Here’s what you can expect when you and your dog pay a visit.

1. Planning your visit
2. Fall Festival
3. Spring Festival

Planning your visit to Cross E Ranch

As a working ranch year-round, Cross E Ranch can become quite lively during public festivals, which may be overstimulating for even the most well-behaved dogs. It’s important to honestly assess how your pup might react to the combination of farm animals and families with young children. To ensure a positive experience, consider visiting on less busy weeknights and be prepared to keep your dog on a short leash.

For a successful dog friendly visit to Cross E Ranch, there are a few things you should bring with you:

• Sturdy leash- dogs must remain leashed at all times
• Poop bags- there are none on site
• Water bowl- the ranch provides bottled water for free (yes, FREE!)
• Treats- a tasty reward for food motivated pups
• Bug spray- mosquitos are plentiful

Tickets must be purchased in advance on Cross E Ranch’s website. The ranch is located at 3500 N 2200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 and on site parking is free.

Dog Friendly Fall Festival

Cross E Ranch’s Fall Festival is a beloved autumn tradition for many Utahns, drawing visitors year after year. The festival usually runs from mid-September to late October. In 2024, it will kick off on Friday, September 20th, and wrap up for the season on Wednesday, October 30th. Festival highlights include a corn maze, pumpkin patch, seasonal treats, cozy fire pits, and wagon rides.

Dogs are welcome in nearly all areas of the event. We recommend starting with the dog-friendly corn maze, where your pup can enjoy a long walk to settle in. After working up an appetite, head to The Grill at +E, which offers a variety of classic American fare like burgers, chicken strips, and corndogs at an affordable price. Say hello to the farm animals as you wander toward the wagon ride pick up location for a scenic ride through the nearby fields. Back at the central entrance of the farm, take advantage of several photo opportunities and visit the adjacent farm market before treating yourself to something sweet. Apple cider donuts, caramel apples, and kettle corn are perfect indulgences to enjoy around the fire pit.

Before you leave, shop for pumpkins from the displays near the exit or at Grandpa’s Pumpkin Patch in the southwest corner of the west parking lot.

Dog Friendly Spring Festival

Formerly known as the Baby Animal Festival, Cross E Ranch’s signature springtime event is all about celebrating everything cute and cuddly. As the weather warms, the ranch welcomes an array of baby animals, including goats, cows, bunnies, chicks, llamas, and more. While the Spring Festival offers the same family-friendly attractions and delicious food that Cross E Ranch is known for, the main attraction is the chance to interact with the baby animals.

This spring event provides a hands-on experience, inviting visitors to enter the pens to pet and play with the newborn animals. However, dogs are not allowed inside the pens and may be restricted from some areas entirely. If you plan to interact with the animals, it’s a good idea to bring someone who can stay with your dog outside the pens.

For budding phone photographers and Instagram aficionados, the real dog-friendly highlight is Cross E Ranch’s expansive tulip fields. The vibrant blooms create a stunning backdrop against downtown Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front, perfect for capturing memorable photos with your pup.

Final thoughts

Cross E Ranch offers a truly unique and memorable experience for dog owners looking for pet-friendly activities near Salt Lake City. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant tulip fields in the spring or navigating the corn maze in the fall, this agricultural haven provides the perfect blend of rural charm and fun for the entire family—including your furry friend. With affordable pricing, a variety of seasonal attractions, and plenty of opportunities to capture picture-perfect moments, Cross E Ranch is a must-visit destination for those seeking a dog-inclusive adventure. Plan your visit, pack your essentials, and get ready to make lasting memories with your pup at this beloved Utah gem.