Dogs allowed on some Grand Canyon trails

Dogs are allowed on the North Rim's Bridle Path at Grand Canyon
National Park. Photo courtesy of Grand Canyon NPS.

The usual wisdom is that to leave the family dog at home if traveling to a national park. There is some good news for hikers traveling with a dog to Grand Canyon National Park this summer, however.

Dogs and other pets are allowed in the park, though owners still must obey strict rules. First, dogs always must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. In addition, they cannot go in hotel rooms or on park buses, so you may have to kennel them when you’re in those locations. Kennels (just for dogs and cats) are available only on the South Rim; there is a fee, and proof of vaccination is required. Leashed dogs are allowed at Desert View Campground, Mather Campground, Trailer Village, and the developed areas.

Queenie and Fido can go on a few park trails, if leashed. On the South Rim, those trails include any that are solely above the rim. On the North Rim, dogs are allowed only on the Bridle Trail connecting the lodge and the North Kaibab Trail and on the Arizona Trail continuing north from that point to the park entrance station. Dogs never are allowed below the rim.

Read more about day hiking the Grand Canyon in my Hittin the Trail: Day Hiking Grand Canyon National Park guidebook.