Boasting twelve national parks and monuments, Utah has been sculpted by wind, water, and time, making it the perfect canvas for your next pet friendly adventure. From the snow-capped Wasatch peaks in the north to the red rock canyons and sandstone desert in the south, the state's diverse scenery thrills even the most seasoned travelers. Take a step back in time on the Pony Express and Mormon Pioneer Trails, celebrate one of the greatest technological achievements of the 19th century at Golden Spike National Historical Park, and explore the ruins of six prehistoric villages at Hovenweep. Or appreciate the urban buzz in Salt Lake City, Park City, and St. George, each with their own enticing foods scenes, fantastic shopping, and rousing nightlife. Any way you slice it, Utah is a place you have to see to believe.
Best Time To Visit
With elevations ranging from 2,000 to 13,000 feet, Utah has loads of microclimates ensuring the weather is always perfect somewhere in the state. Most tourists visit during summer, so if you're hoping to avoid the crowds, plan your pet friendly trip for spring or fall. Both seasons enjoy lovely daytime highs in the 70s and plenty of sunshine. Hotel rates are also better during these shoulder seasons in the popular tourist towns like Moab, Park City, and St George. Utah's cold winters are a busy time in the Wasatch Mountain ski resorts like Park City and Snowbird. In Canyon Country, which only gets a few dustings of snow each year, you'll find lodging bargains during the winter months when hardly anyone ventures out to the national parks.
Things Not To Miss
Experience the sandstone masterpieces rising above the surrounding landscape at Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park on the Utah-Arizona border.
Covering almost 2 million acres, every inch of Dixie National Forest is pet friendly! And with 1,600 miles of trails and hundreds of miles of scenic byways and drives, you and your pet could explore it for a lifetime.
Get an up-close view of Victorian-era replica locomotives, walk or drive on the original railroad grade, and see the location where the last spike was driven to complete the first transcontinental railroad across the United States at Golden Spike National Historical Park. Be sure to ask how your pet can become a BARK Ranger during your visit!
Learn about Utah’s agricultural history and early farm life at Wheeler Historic Farm in Murray, then hit the trails through 75 acres of natural landscape.
Peruse the shops, stroll the parks, tackle the trails, and visit historic Temple Square--you and your pet will find plenty to do together in Salt Lake City!
Hike past Native American ruins on your way to the 126-foot Lower Calf Creek Falls in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Experience the stunning landscape in Moab where you can choose from 20 hikes that are dog friendly and off-leash.
