When couples ask me if their furry friends can join us on their Grand Canyon adventure, my answer is always “Yes!” It does require careful planning and can limit our locations and activities. But, if it’s pups you want with you then I’m totally in! Here are the ways we can plan an adventure with dogs at the Grand Canyon.
Is the Grand Canyon Dog Friendly?
My response to the commonly asked question of whether or not the Grand Canyon is pet friendly generally is a yes–if you know how to plan for it. That’s what I’m here for! I serve as your Grand Canyon elopement photographer, expert, and guide to bringing dogs into the park.
While other national parks are more restrictive, Grand Canyon National Park is a great location for traveling with dogs! The ease of access depends upon which spots you visit, the fluctuating crowds, and the weather. Below are the general rules to follow from the Grand Canyon pet policy:
- Pets must remain on leash at all times.
- Pets are not allowed on park shuttle buses.
- Pets cannot travel below the canyon rim (excluding service animals).
- No permit required for personal photography, one is only required when photographing your pups for commercial use.
Where to Enjoy Your Dogs at the Grand Canyon
Other restrictions are specific to different regions with the South Rim definitely being more dog friendly than the North Rim. The South Rim allows dogs on leash on all trails above the rim (many of which are paved) as well as Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and Trailer Village. There are 13 miles for hiking around with your dog and taking pup portraits at the South Rim Trail!
The South Rim
Luckily, even at the peak of summer, the South Rim is 7,200 feet above sea level and remains cooler than the rest of Arizona which sits at lower elevations. Summer temperatures can still reach extreme highs so I would recommend visiting during the cooler months of April-May or September-October.
Roads can close during the winter due to snowy weather while others open up to private vehicles such as Hermit Road making it accessible to dogs at the Grand Canyon. Hermit Road is open to private vehicles during the months of December through February otherwise it is inaccessible for pets when the road is for shuttles only. Here you can park then walk your dog along the rim with beautiful views of the river. This is one of the reasons why I love taking my dog to the park in the winter!
Also in the South Rim, Shoshone Point is a great location for dog walking, viewing the canyon and eating lunch. The walk is three quarters of a mile through the woods to a beautiful view. Sunrise is always quieter here than sunset and while it’s rare, you can sometimes have it completely to yourselves during the off season.
The North Rim
The North Rim only permits dog walking on the Bridle Trail (connected to the North Kaibab Trail) and part of the Arizona Trail that is north of the park entrance. It is a longer trail but is covered more by woods than great overlooks. The North Rim is open only between May 15th and October 15th.
There still are amazing locations to visit on the north side including some very primitive roads like Point Sublime Trail. This trail requires specific preparations including a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance, lots of water, extra gas, a chain saw (to cut trees that often fall over the roadway) and a permit if you want to camp with a Grand Canyon view.
Grand Canyon Best Places to Stay with Pets
- Yavapai Lodge is the only Grand Canyon dog-friendly hotel that sits inside of the park.
- The Squire at Grand Canyon is another pet-friendly destination just outside of the park entrance.
- You can also board your pets at the Grand Canyon Kennel on the South Rim which requires proof of current vaccinations. There are no kennels on the North Rim.
- Campground at Tuweep (North Rim).
How to Enjoy Your Dogs at the Grand Canyon
So many activities can include dogs at the Grand Canyon from your elopement or wedding to an engagement or surprise proposal. Dogs (and humans) will fare differently in the heat or cold depending upon the breed so it’s your choice deciding when to visit. I loved capturing Calvin and Sophia’s January proposal photos with their dog Maple!
They also wanted to do a few shots below the rim so I just held onto Maple while they went below and I took photos from above. It can be hard to hold a leash and take photos from above, but I am certainly willing to try! Did I mention that I love dogs?! Another option is bringing along a friend to care for your pup while we shoot photos with just the two of you. It’s nice to have photos of couples with and without their dog!
Another way to immerse into the national park experience with dogs at the Grand Canyon is to join the Bark Ranger Program. As you and your dog fulfill the B.A.R.K. rules (Bag waste, Always leash, Respect wildlife, Know where you can go) you can collect park memorabilia and participate in pet events within the parks.
The park makes bringing your dog along fairly easy to accomplish and always completely worth it!
Ready to bring your dog to the park? Let’s start planning!
Vendors
Destination | Grand Canyon National Park
Photographer | Terri Attridge Photography
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