A popular weekend getaway from Salt Lake City, Moab is a mecca for adventure seeking humans and their canine companions. Although Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are not particularly dog friendly, the town of Moab and its surrounding public lands welcome dogs with open arms!
Getting There
The most direct and scenic route from Salt Lake City begins on I-15 south from which you will hop onto US Route 6 and eventually head south on US Route 191.
Helper
Just off of US Route 191 is a historic mining town that is a great half-way stopping point between Salt Lake City and Moab. Parking is available on Helpers charming main street, where you can take a short stroll with your dog and either grab lunch at Balance Eatery & Pub or a coffee break at Happiness Within across the street. Both places offer dog friendly seating on their sidewalk patios.
Lodging
You will have no trouble finding dog friendly lodging in Moab as there are several campgrounds, hotels and vacation rentals in the area that are pet friendly. We’ve listed some of the best so you can spend less time researching and more time adventuring!
Dog Friendly Camping near Moab
Best enjoyed during the fall and spring seasons, Moab has some of Utah’s most scenic dog friendly campgrounds.
Kayenta & Wingate Campgrounds at Dead Horse State Park
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park and overlooking the Colorado River from 2,000 feet above, these campsites are high in demand. Offering a combination of RV and tent sites, you can either book your site well in advance or grab one of the few walk-in tent sites upon arrival. Click HERE for pricing and availability.
US Scenic Byway 128
The Bureau of Land Management has first-come-first-serve dog friendly campsites along the Colorado river on Scenic Byway 128. Campsites usually fill up in the mornings, so we recommend getting here early to wait for an open site. Many of these campgrounds have shady tree sites with walking paths to the river, which can be seen from google earth maps. Sites are about $20 per night and only accept cash or check payments.
Under Canvas Moab
Spend an unforgettable stay glamping with your dog in luxury tents under thousands of stars above the Utah desert at Under Canvas Moab. Just north of Moab off of 191, you have easy access to onsite hiking trails, Dead Horse State Park and downtown Moab. Dogs on-leash are allowed throughout the property for a fee of $25 per pet per night.
Dog Friendly Hotels in Moab
Choose between dog friendly hotels within walking distance to restaurants and shops in downtown Moab, along the Colorado River. No matter your budget, you’ll likely be able to find something that’s a great fit for both you and your dog.
Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
Treat yourself and your dog to a 5 star luxury stay set amongst towering red rocks overlooking the Colorado River 30 minutes outside of Moab. Dogs are welcome for $100 per stay per pet for up to 2 pets maximum. They have onsite pet sitters who are available upon request for those partaking in Moab activities that aren’t dog friendly. Click HERE to view rates and book.
Red Cliffs Lodge
Just down the road from the above property is another fabulously located dog friendly hotel on the Colorado River. This 3 star lodge has designated pet friendly rooms where you can bring your dog for $20 per night. Click HERE to book.
Budget Friendly Options
Wingate by Wyndham and La Quinta Inn & Suites are more budget friendly 3 star hotels that allow you to bring up to 2 dogs for no additional charge during your stay. Both hotels are located at the southern end of town within close proximity to the off-leash Bark Park, Mill Creek Waterfall trail and Kane Creek road.
More Dog Friendly Hotels in Moab
Dog Friendly Vacation Rentals in Moab
If you are traveling with a bigger group or would like more space, there are several dog friendly AirBnb and VRBO vacation rental properties you can book both in and around Moab. We’ve picked out some of the most dog friendly options for you.
Rustic Dog Friendly Home With Yard
3 bedroom | 2 bath | Sleeps 10
Located right in the heart of Moab, this open concept home offers a fully fenced private yard your dog can take advantage of. The home will accommodate dogs with a $40/night pet fee. Dogs and breeds must be disclosed. Rates start at $256 per night. Click HERE to view or book.
Relaxing Townhome near Spanish Valley
2 bedroom | 2.5 bath | Sleeps 7
If spending some relaxing time together is a priority, this townhome just south of Moab may be a good fit for your family. The fenced in patio features a hot tub, grill, and patio set, ideal for enjoying cool Moab nights. Bring up to 4 dogs for a fee of $20 per dog per night. Rates start at $124 per night. Click HERE to view or book.
Spacious Cabin with Views
3 bedroom + 2 lofts | 3.5 bath | Sleeps 17
Enjoy your own slice of heaven with family and friends at this cabin in Spanish Valley. With 4 decks, a hot tub, and large yard, there is no shortage of outdoor spaces for you and your dog to take advantage of. No pet limit or fee is listed- contact listing owner for details. Nightly rates start at $469. Click HERE to view or book.
Restaurants and Services
Dog Friendly Restaurants in Moab
Downtown Moab has a variety of dog friendly restaurants to choose from during your stay, but be prepared to wait for patio seating if you’re visiting on the weekend.
Moab Garage Grill
One of our favorite places for fast casual southwestern fare that you can enjoy on their dog friendly patio or to-go as patio seating is limited here. MENU
Gloria’s Corner Cafe
Great spot for breakfast and smoothies on their large and shaded dog friendly patio. MENU
The Blu Pig
Local BBQ joint with a dog friendly patio and nightly live music from March to November. MENU
Moab Food Truck Park
Dog friendly outdoor seating area with shaded picnic tables. FOOD TRUCKS
More Dog Friendly Moab Patios
Dog Services, Boarding, and Vets in Moab
Moab caters to its resident dogs and dog visitors alike with a variety of services available to accommodate your dog during your stay.
Moab Barkery
If you forgot any dog supplies at home or would like to treat your dog while on vacation, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Moab Barkery will be more than happy to help you out. This boutique pet store even has a self-serve dog wash station to wash your dog after a day of adventuring.
Moab National Bark
Open 7 days a week from 8am-5pm, Moab National Bark provides daycare and boarding service in Moab. This is a great option if you’re wanting to explore Moab’s National Parks or partake in another activity that isn’t dog friendly. Please click HERE for pricing and availability.
Animal Hospitals
We hope you do not have to utilize these services while you are in Moab, but if you end up needing urgent medical attention for your dog, there are two local animal hospitals to choose from.
- Mill Creek Animal Hospital is located in downtown Moab and provides 24 hour emergency care services.
- Moab Veterinary Clinic is another full service animal hospital 10 minutes south of Moab in Spanish Valley.
Things to Do
Hiking in Moab with Your Dog
While you can drive through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks with your dog, they are only allowed on established roads and parking areas. Fortunately you have access to public lands that you can explore beyond the parks, which feature a variety of beautiful and unique dog friendly trails.
Hiking in the Heat
Keep in mind that the majority of hikes in the area are without shade or water so be prepared to hike earlier in the day and bring plenty of water for you and your dog.
A couple products we love:
Dead Horse State Park
All of Utah’s State Parks are dog friendly as is the case for Dead Horse, which allows leashed dogs in campgrounds and hiking only trails. This park is also home to Dead Horse Point, one of the most spectacular vistas in Moab, where viewings of sunrise and sunset are equally impressive. Be sure to check out the state’s guide to Traveling with Pets to Utah State Parks .
Length: 4.2 miles RT
Elevation Gain: 1,469 ft
Trailhead: 40 min drive from Moab off of Utah Scenic Byway 128
From the drive to the trailhead to the end of the hike, this entire journey is breathtaking. Our favorite time to hike this trail is in the morning as the towers that you will be hiking beside provide protection from the sun as it begins to rise. Partway through the hike there is a tricky ladder section that you can hike around if you have a larger dog. You will need to walk past the ladder to the hikers left where you can come down through a small slot canyon to get to the other side.
Length: 2.4 miles RT
Elevation Gain: 482 ft
Trailhead: 20 min drive from Moab off of Utah Scenic Byway 279
You don’t have to go to Arches National Park to experience one of the incredible natural arches in the area! This is one of the busier hikes in Moab outside of the national parks so we would recommend getting here early.
Length: 1.8 miles RT
Elevation Gain: 65 ft
Trailhead: 10 min drive from Moab off of US Route 191
This hike features a beautiful waterfall with a few different watering holes for your dogs to cool off in. Please note that this hike is very accessible and tends to get crowded during the warmer months.
Professor Creek and Mary Jane Slot Canyon
Length: 8.4 miles RT
Elevation Gain: 541 ft
Trailhead: 35 min drive from Moab off of Utah Scenic Byway 128
Bring your water shoes for this slot canyon hike as the majority of the trail follows a creek bed before ending up at the waterfall. You will want to check the weather before starting this hike as this trail can be prone to flash flooding during rainstorms.
More Dog Friendly Hikes Near Moab
The Dog Friendly Colorado River
Minutes from downtown Moab, the Colorado river flows year-round and can best be experienced from March to October. You can either bring your dog with you on a float trip down the river or hang out with your dog at one of the sandy beaches along the shoreline.
Dog Friendly River Float
For dog friendly float trips, you can use your own watercraft and shuttle system or rent from Moab Rafting and Canoe Company, who offer dog friendly day and multi-day trips.
While there are many different floating routes to choose from, we recommend the below routes on the section of the Colorado River closest to Moab for accessibility and gentle rapids.
- Sandy Beach River Access to Moab Bridge Boat Launch: 12 miles
- Big Bend Campground to Moab Bridge Boat Ramp: 7 miles
We strongly advise that your dog wears a life jacket during the river float. The Ruffwear Float Coat is our favorite for its bright visibility, durable construction, and easy grab handle. Click HERE to shop.
Dog Friendly Beaches
If you’re not quite up for a float down the river with your dog, there are several sandy beach areas along the Colorado River shoreline that are accessible by vehicle. This is a good dog friendly afternoon activity where you can both cool off with a refreshing swim in the river. The best Colorado River Access Points Near Moab are Sandy Beach River, Take Out Beach, and 6 mile beach.
Kane Creek Road
Get away from crowds on this stunning drive west of downtown Moab. Any passenger vehicle can access the first section of this paved road with plenty of dog friendly scenic stopping points, trails and campgrounds. After about 5 miles it becomes a washboard dirt road that eventually turns into an off-roading adventure best suited for 4×4 vehicles with high clearance.
Please tag #DogFriendlySLC in your photos so we can follow along on your Moab adventures!
This post contains affiliate links which result in Dog Friendly SLC making a small commission. By shopping products we recommend, you ensure that we can keep finding dog friendly places in Salt Lake City and northern Utah. We appreciate your support!
This post may contain affiliate links which result in Dog Friendly SLC making a small commission. By shopping products we recommend, you ensure that we can keep finding dog friendly places in Salt Lake City and Utah. We appreciate your support!
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