Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Zion National Park

In-Park: Pa'rus Trail

Pa'rus Trail (3.5 miles out-and-back, Springdale, Washington County): the only leash-friendly trail inside Zion National Park. Paved and accessible, it follows the North Fork Virgin River through the lower canyon from the South Campground to Canyon Junction. The red Navajo Sandstone walls rise hundreds of feet on both sides — an extraordinary visual even on a flat, easy walk.

The trail connects to the park shuttle system at Canyon Junction, allowing you to ride the shuttle to the Visitor Center while your dog walks the riverside path in both directions. Start early — the trail gets crowded from 9 a.m. onward in peak season.

Snow Canyon State Park (St. George, Washington County)

Snow Canyon State Park (20 miles from Zion via UT-9 and I-15, St. George) is the best dog hiking alternative to Zion. ALL trails in Snow Canyon allow leashed dogs — a complete contrast to Zion. The Petrified Sand Dunes Trail (1.5 miles) and the Canyon Overlook Trail (3 miles) are both spectacular on red and white Navajo Sandstone.

Johnson Canyon Trail (4.5 miles round-trip): a dog-friendly canyon hike through 500-foot-high Navajo Sandstone walls. Early morning light on the canyon walls turns them orange and amber — one of Utah's best photography hikes with a dog.

Three Ponds Trail (1.5 miles round-trip): a gentle trail to seasonal water pockets in the sandstone. Dogs are allowed and the flat terrain is accessible for dogs of all fitness levels.

Virgin River Corridor BLM Trails

Grafton Road Hike (5.5 miles round-trip, Rockville, Washington County): follow the paved and gravel Grafton Road from Rockville along the Virgin River to the historic Grafton ghost town. The road passes through BLM land where dogs are allowed. River access points along the way allow dogs to cool off in the Virgin River.

Gooseberry Mesa (near Hurricane, Washington County): a slickrock mesa on BLM land south of Zion with outstanding trail network views of the Zion Plateau. Leashed dogs are allowed throughout. The mesa is above 5,000 feet, making it cooler than the canyon floor.

Bryce Canyon Area Dog Hikes

Red Canyon Trails (Dixie National Forest, near Panguitch, Garfield County): the Red Canyon corridor on US-12 between Zion and Bryce Canyon allows leashed dogs on all trails. The Birdseye Trail and Buckhorn Trail offer hoodoo scenery similar to Bryce Canyon without the park restrictions.

Bryce Canyon Rim Trail (paved section, Bryce Canyon City, Garfield County): dogs are allowed on the paved section of the Rim Trail between Sunrise and Sunset Points (1.5 miles). From this accessible section, the hoodoo amphitheater is fully visible — the classic Bryce view accessible with a dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs hike in Zion National Park?

Dogs are allowed only on the Pa'rus Trail — a 3.5-mile paved path along the Virgin River. All other Zion trails (including Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Emerald Pools) are off-limits to pets.

What is the Pa'rus Trail in Zion?

Pa'rus Trail is a paved, 3.5-mile trail along the Virgin River from the visitor center to Canyon Junction. It is the only in-park trail for dogs — flat, accessible, and scenic with canyon walls rising on both sides.

What dog-friendly trails are near Springdale, Utah?

The Virgin River Parkway Trail in St. George (12 miles), Snow Canyon State Park trails (St. George), and the Grafton Road area near Rockville have dog-friendly options near Zion.

Is the Grafton ghost town hike near Zion dog-friendly?

Yes. The Grafton Road to the Grafton ghost town (5.5 miles round-trip on a paved/gravel road) is on BLM land and allows leashed dogs. It follows the Virgin River through canyon scenery on the south side of Zion.