People traveling with dogs know that dogs are not allowed "below the rim" of the
Grand Canyon. If you want to travel down the trail to the bottom of the canyon with a four legged companion than a mule will have to do. This fact turns off many travelers with dogs in tow towards a visit to this very popular and awesome National Park. It need not be avoided. In fact, we consider the
Grand Canyon one of the most dog-friendly of the National Parks. What is not as often mentioned is that, while dogs are not allowed below the rim of the canyon, 98 percent of visitors do not hike below the rim. It's a very strenuous hike. What's more, all trails above the rim on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon allow dogs on leash. This includes miles and miles of trails along the rim with some of the most scenic views in the park. This is the Rim Trail. With outdoor tables and shops in Grand Canyon village, the canyon is a great vacation for you and your dog. We do need to mention that your pet-friendly vacation should be on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, not the North Rim.
The Grand Canyon is over 217 miles long, is 5 to 18 miles wide and is about 5000 feet deep. It was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. In the main area of the park there are 30 plus miles of the Rim Trail. This trail follows the rim of the canyon and passes Grand Canyon Village and multiple other sites of interest. The entire trail is a photographer's paradise. And a dog's too. The summers can be a bit hot for a dog, so bring lots of water for both you and your pup and limit the length of the hikes. The lodging in Grand Canyon Village does not allow dogs so if you are staying in a hotel at the canyon you need to stay outside of the park. The closest pet-friendly hotel is the Red Feather Inn just outside the South Gate and only minutes from the Village. The Canyon Plaza Resort at the South Gate also allows dogs up to 40 pounds. There are also many pet-friendly hotels in Williams, about 50 miles away. If you are camping in the park, your dog is welcome to camp with you either in the dry campgrounds or the Trailer Village in Grand Canyon Village for RVs, trailers and motorhomes. If you have kids you might consider camping at Flintstone's Bedrock City in Williams.
While in the park, there are a number of benches and outdoor tables where you can eat food from any of the food establishments in the park. Williams also has outdoor seats for dogs at a number of restaurants. If you are a fan of history, there is the Route 66 Place where you can eat and your dog is allowed at the outdoor tables.
While visiting the Grand Canyon you can explore part of the famous Route 66, which is known in folklore and served as the main route between Chicago and Los Angeles for most of the 20th Century. There is a Route 66 Driving tour of this area which was in the heart of the famous roadway.
We pointed out earlier that for 98 percent of tourists, dogs not being allowed down into the canyon didn't present much of a hardship. If you are in that 2 percent where the strenuous hike is important, then what can you do. Well, there is a kennel at the Grand Canyon where your dogs can stay. Or, better yet, if your dog is capable of long hikes and it is not too hot in the middle of summer, you and your dog can visit the Havasupai Indian Reservation just downstream along the Colorado River from the Grand Canyon National Park. Although it's not far by line of sight, it is a few hour drive to get there. However, dogs are allowed to hike with you down the 8 plus mile trail into the canyon. There is also an Indian village. Pets cost $20 per pet for the entrance fee to the reservation. There is no lodging or camping at the village
If you make the long drive from California, the Northwest, the East or anywhere else to Arizona and the Grand Canyon, be sure to allow time to visit Sedona. This pet-friendly tourist location has excellent pet-friendly lodging, a quaint small town to walk with your pet and jeep tours with spectacular view
