Dogs at Grand Canyon National Park

What to know about Grand Canyon’s dog rules, rim-access trails, kennel options, fees, and smart tips before you visit with your pup.

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Grand Canyon National Park AZ (Southwest) Dog Policy

Grand Canyon is one of the more dog-friendly national parks on the South Rim, but pets must stay leashed and cannot go below the rim. Most dog access is limited to rim-side trails, developed areas, campgrounds, and specific greenway routes.

Leash Required Yes, dogs must be leashed; NPS advises always using a leash and kennel/trail pages specify a 6-foot maximum where pets are allowed.
Dogs on Trails Limited. On the South Rim, leashed dogs are allowed on trails above the rim. They are not allowed below the rim on inner canyon trails.
Dogs in Campgrounds Yes. Leashed pets are allowed in Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and Trailer Village.
Restricted Areas Inner canyon trails below the rim, park shuttle buses, and most park lodging except designated pet-friendly rooms at Yavapai Lodge.
Entrance Fee Standard entrance pass: $20–$35, valid for 7 days.
Kennel Available Yes. Grand Canyon Kennel on the South Rim offers day and overnight boarding; no kennel is available on the North Rim.
Pet-Friendly Lodge Yavapai Lodge is the only in-park lodge with pet-friendly rooms.
North Rim Access Very limited. Leashed pets are only allowed on the Bridle Path/greenway and the portion of the Arizona Trail north to the entrance station when the North Rim is open.

If you want to hike below the rim, ride shuttle buses, or stay somewhere that is not pet-friendly, the South Rim kennel is the main in-park option for boarding your dog. At Tuweep, leashed pets are only allowed on established roads and in the campground. Always bag waste, respect wildlife, and keep dogs out of the canyon below the rim.

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Dog-Friendly Trails

These are real Grand Canyon routes and rim sections where leashed dogs are allowed according to NPS pet guidance for above-rim trails and greenways. Distances below reflect the named section or route commonly described by NPS.

Rim Trail: Mather Point to Yavapai Geology Museum

Paved

0.7 miles one way, easy. A short paved rim walk with constant canyon views and one of the simplest dog-friendly options on the South Rim.

Leashed dogs allowed on South Rim trails above the rim; keep pets out of shuttle buses and away from the canyon edge.

Mather Point / Yavapai Point, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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Rim Trail: Mather Point to Grand Canyon Historic Village

Paved

2.5 miles one way, easy. A longer paved rim walk linking Mather Point with the Village, with overlooks, rest areas, and access to the Trail of Time corridor.

Leashed dogs allowed on trails above the rim on the South Rim.

Mather Point to Grand Canyon Village, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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Rim Trail: Grand Canyon Historic Village to Hermits Rest

Mixed paved and dirt

7 miles one way, moderate. A scenic westward rim route with long views, fewer crowds in places, and limited water along the way.

Leashed dogs allowed along the rim trail above the rim; dogs are not allowed on Hermit Trail or any trail descending below the rim.

Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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Trail of Time

Paved

2.83 miles total, easy. A relatively flat interpretive walk along the Rim Trail between Yavapai Geology Museum and the village area, designed as a geologic timeline.

Leashed dogs are allowed because this route follows the South Rim above-rim trail corridor.

Yavapai Geology Museum to Grand Canyon Village, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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Hermit Road Greenway Trail

Mixed paved and dirt

About 7.8 miles one way, moderate. This rim-side route parallels Hermit Road and works well for shorter out-and-back walks between viewpoints.

Leashed dogs are allowed at overlooks and along the rim trail/greenway, but not on Hermit Trail or shuttle buses.

Hermit Road corridor, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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North Rim Bridle Path

Hard-packed

1.9 miles one way, easy. A forested greenway connecting Grand Canyon Lodge, the campground, Backcountry Information Center, and North Kaibab Trailhead.

Leashed pets are permitted; this is the only North Rim trail that allows leashed pets. Check current North Rim closure status before visiting.

North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

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Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon National Park AZ (Southwest) with Your Dog

Grand Canyon’s elevation and dry climate can dehydrate dogs faster than many visitors expect, even on rim walks. Bring more water than you think you need, plus a collapsible bowl, and avoid the hottest part of the day. South Rim paved sections can still get hot and sunny, especially in summer, so protect paws and watch for signs of overheating. Keep your dog well back from the edge, since many overlooks have steep drop-offs and uneven footing. Wildlife is another reason to keep a short leash: elk, mule deer, ravens, coyotes, and other animals can stress or surprise pets. Because dogs are not allowed below the rim or on shuttle buses, plan your day around above-rim walks, developed areas, or use the South Rim kennel if you want to hike inner canyon trails. If you are heading to the North Rim, verify current seasonal openings and closures before you go, because access there can be limited and pet-allowed routes are much fewer. Always bag waste and dispose of it properly.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations

Tusayan

About 7 miles south of the South Entrance

The closest gateway town to the South Rim, with pet-friendly lodging and services convenient for park visits.

Williams

About 60 miles south

A classic Route 66 town with dog-friendly hotels, dining patios, and easy access to Grand Canyon trips.

Flagstaff

About 80 miles south

A larger mountain city with parks, pet-friendly stays, and more dining and veterinary options.

Valle

About 30 miles south of the South Entrance

A small stopover community useful for road-trippers heading to or from the South Rim.

Page

Roughly 135 miles northeast

A good add-on destination for travelers combining Grand Canyon with other northern Arizona sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed at Grand Canyon National Park?

Yes, dogs are allowed in Grand Canyon National Park, but access is limited. On the South Rim, leashed dogs are allowed on trails above the rim, in developed areas, and in certain campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed below the rim.

Can I take my dog on Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail?

No. Pets are not allowed below the rim on inner canyon trails, including major corridor routes such as Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail. Service animals assisting a person with a disability are treated differently under federal rules.

Are dogs allowed on the Rim Trail at Grand Canyon?

Yes. Leashed dogs are allowed on South Rim trails above the rim, which includes the Rim Trail and its popular sections such as Mather Point to Yavapai and the village corridor.

Can dogs ride the Grand Canyon shuttle buses?

No. Pets are not allowed on park shuttle buses.

Is there a kennel at Grand Canyon National Park?

Yes. The Grand Canyon Kennel on the South Rim offers day and overnight boarding for dogs and cats. Proof of current vaccinations is required, and reservations are recommended.

Are dogs allowed in Grand Canyon campgrounds?

Yes. Leashed pets are allowed in Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and Trailer Village on the South Rim.

Which in-park lodge allows dogs at Grand Canyon?

Yavapai Lodge is the only in-park lodge with pet-friendly rooms according to the park’s pet policy page.

Are dogs allowed on the North Rim?

Only in very limited areas. Leashed pets are allowed on the North Rim Bridle Path/greenway and a portion of the Arizona Trail north to the entrance station when the North Rim is open, but there is no kennel on the North Rim.