A seldom asked question is are dogs allowed in the Grand Canyon?? The answer is Yes. Several locations of the Grand Canyon allow visitors with their dogs.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Canyon. Keep reading to learn more.
Pictures can not capture everything, and words can not describe the magnificence of the Grand Canyon.
It is a stunning sculpture that stretches about 277 miles from Lees Ferry to Grand Wash Cliffs. Visiting the site will always bring memorable moments, and you will never be the same no matter the number of times you visit.
A dusting of snow, the bright green of spring, clouds, and sunlight will make each trip to the Grand Canyon unique and leave you wanting to visit again.
Grand Canyon South Rim
Dogs and other pets are not allowed below the south rim on any Grand Canyon trails. This includes the South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail, which are among the popular trails leading down to the Colorado River.
However, there are twelve miles of trail along the South Rim that is pet friendly. It starts near Grand Canyon village and ends at Hermits Rest. Your leashed dog can freely hike along this trail because it is paved the entire way.
Since pets are not permitted on the park shuttle bus, you can travel along the rim and stop at the overlooks where dogs are allowed.
There are no dog-friendly accommodations along the South Rim Trail. Therefore, you should only go as far as you can handle with your dog.
If you want to take several hours or a day exploring the trails where dogs are not allowed, then Grand Canyon Kennel South Rim is one of the best places to consider.
The South Rim Trail is open throughout the year from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm and allows dogs and cats. You can make arrangements at Maswik Lodge. However, you will have to provide proof of vaccination for you to be allowed in with your pet.
Dog-Friendly Things To Do At The Grand Canyon
One of the best things about visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with a dog is that it will be permitted on the Rim Trail. It can be very difficult to walk the whole length of the trail with your pet and return along.
If you can not manage, you can walk for a few miles and come back as you take photos on the way. You can also return to the trail later on to enjoy the view of the changing colors at sunset.
You must remember that your dog must stay on a leash all the time. The leash should not be longer than 6 feet in length.
Dogs are also allowed on the Greenway Trail. This trail connects the Market Plaza, Village, the main Visitor Centre, and Tusayan precincts. It is a bicycle path that looks more practical than sightseeing nature.
You can drive the 20-mile drive east of the Visitor Center to the Desert View. This drive is open to private vehicles throughout the year.
Along the way, you can stop at some of Moran Point, Navajo Point, Grandview Point, and Lipan Point. Dogs are permitted at the paved lookouts. Naturally, dogs are not allowed at Desert View on the watchtower and inside the building.
Summer Warning
If you are visiting the Grand Canyon during the summer, keep an eye on the temperatures. It is good to hike in the evening and early morning hours.
Pay attention to the temperature of pavements, especially if they are not shaded. In addition, make sure you have plenty of water both for yourself and your dog.
The North Rim is not dog-friendly like the South Rim. Leash dogs are only permitted on the Greenway Trail at the North Rim. It connects the North Kaibab trail with the portion of the Arizona Trail north to the park entrance station.
What To Skip When Visiting With Your Dog
If you visit the Grand Canyon with your dog or any other pet, then they will be allowed to go below the rim. This rules out the adventurous hiking options at the Grand Canyon. Those who have their hearts set on undertaking one of these hikes should look into the South Rim Kennel.
Dogs are also naturally not allowed on park shuttle buses. This rules out visiting the lookouts west of the Village and up to Hermits Rest which includes the popular sunset spot of Hopi Point.
What To Keep In Mind When Visiting The Grand Canyon With Your Dog
Besides the rules and regulations surrounding leash and access laws, a trip to the Grand Canyon with your canine friend means being aware of the harsh environment where its sits.
Elevation
The Grand Canyon sits at about 6700 feet. Therefore, you will have to be aware of the altitude sickness for yourself and your pet. There are possibilities that either you or your dog, or both, can develop some illness.
Heat
During the summer, the temperatures at the Grand Canyon can rise above 100°. You will realize that there is limited shade. Therefore, you should know how to keep your canine friend cool when it is hot and adjust your hikes accordingly.
Inclement weather
The Grand Canyon usually experiences seasonal monsoonal thunderstorms from around July to the end of September. Although they may appear to be excellent, they can be dangerous too.
Therefore, make sure that you check the weather before going out for a hike with your canine friend. You should go indoors the moment you see clouds or hear thunder at a distance.
The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is spring and fall. There are usually fewer crowds during this time, and temperatures typically range from about 50° up to 60° during the day.
Grand Canyon Dog-Friendly Hotels
The Grand Canyon has limited dod-friendly accommodation options. It has only one hotel in the South Rim Village that is dog-friendly. There are other options found in the town of Tusayan, 20 minutes from the South Rim Village.
If you plan to travel during the covid pandemic, here is what you can do to stay safe and enjoy your visit:
- Wear your face mask appropriately
- Be with a hand sanitizer, and make sure you wash your hands from time to time
- Fill up gas before leaving
- Before your trip, check the official websites for any latest updates on policies, the status of the local business, and closures.
- Come with your food from home and reduce trips to the local shops
- Go for a hotel that will allow free cancellation just in case you will want to change your plans.
The Grand Canyon Pet Policies
Like any other public place and national park, the Grand Canyon has several pet policies that you must adhere to. Here are a few rules and regulations that you should be aware of before you decide to visit the Grand Canyon with your dog.
- Leashed dogs are welcome on the Greenway trail and Rim trail at the South Rim. The leashes should not be longer than six feet.
- The Trailer Village, Desert View Campground, the Mather Campground, and several developed areas in the park are dog friendly.
- Dogs are not allowed to go below the rim, on the shuttle buses, or inside the buildings.
- Yavapai Lodge has dog-friendly rooms available for visitors and allows up to two dogs per room. However, you will have to pay $25.
Challenges That Come With Visiting The Grand Canyon With Your Dog
Here are some of the challenges that come with visiting the Grand Canyon with your pet.
Trail paths can be very rough.
Since pets do not wear hiking puts like human beings, the rocky and hot trails can be hazardous for their paws. The ground at the Grand Canyon can sometimes get as high as 180 degrees.
They suggest that the visitors should hold the palm of their hand to the ground for about six seconds. If you can not do that, then the ground is too hot for your pet to walk on.
Hikes can be too long.
According to officials at the park, it is easy for hikers to descend deep into the Grand Canyon and end up on an intense hike than what was intended at first.
Some dogs can not handle long walks, and park officials do not suggest carrying them.
It can be very crowded.
While you may love your pet and want to walk with it from one place to another, there are many other people who may not react well to dogs. The Grand Canyon can sometimes get crowded at sometimes.
There are other animals at the park.
There are several animals at the Grand Canyon, such as squirrels, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. Your visit can turn dangerous if your dog encounters some of these animals.
Conclusion
If you have been asking yourself whether dogs are allowed at the Grand Canyon, there you have an answer. Some park sections allow hikers to visit with their dogs and other pets. You should be aware of these areas before visiting as well as the rules and regulations that apply.