Traveling with your dog can be full of fun and great memories. But, it can also be stressful if you don’t plan ahead. After all, you can’t count on everywhere you go being dog-friendly. With some research and planning beforehand, you can make sure the trip you plan to take will be awesome for both you and your dog. If you’re headed to the “Beehive State”, use this Utah dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

5 Dog-Friendly Activities in Utah

Making sure you have things to do on your trip itinerary that your dog can enjoy with you is essential to dog-friendly travel. Take a look at some of these dog-friendly activities in Utah to see if any should make it onto your trip itinerary:

1. The Wave

The Wave-Coyote Buttes in Kanab is an unforgettable experience. Because this once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experience is so popular, you and your dog need a permit to hike at The Wave. Also, there is a lottery system in place because there are only 20 permits issued a day. Although your dog’s permit doesn’t count towards the daily limit, they still need one in order to hike with you.

And, you’ll need to plan far ahead and then cross your fingers. You can register on the Coyote Buttes website for the permit lottery. From the online lottery, 10 permits are issued 4 months in advance. You can also register in-person for the walk-in lottery. 10 permits are issued from this lottery for next-day use.

With a little planning and a little luck, you’ll be able to hike The Wave with your dog. Just be sure to bring water and sun protection for you both! Dog booties might also be a good idea to help protect your dog’s sensitive paw pads from hot desert surfaces and debris.

2. Memory Grove Park

If your travels bring you to Salt Lake City, Memory Grove Park is a great place for you and your dog to stretch their legs and enjoy nature. Your leashed dog is welcome to join you and can be off-leash once you reach the dirt trail. Plus, there is a creek that empties into the park that provides a pond for your dog to splash around in.

3. Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

If you plan to spend some time in Zion National Park on your trip to Utah, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway can be a fun thing to do. You and your dog can take in the gorgeous landscapes and wildlife from the comfort of your car.

And, if you want a break and need to stretch your legs, you can stop and hike on the Pa’rus Trail. You’ll need to get a permit if you want to drive through the tunnel.

4. Moab Rafting & Canoe Company

If you’re a fan of water and your travels bring you to Moab, the Moab Rafting & Canoe Company can be a great resource for your paddling needs. Not only do they offer day and multi-day canoeing trips on both the Green River and the San Jan River, but they’re also dog-friendly! Just make sure you bring a life jacket for your pooch because they don’t provide them.

5. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is known for its beautiful views and the biggest collection of hoodoos, which are unusually-shaped pillars, in the world. Plus, there are plenty of things to explore and see throughout Bryce Canyon National Park.

Your leashed dog is welcome to join you on the campgrounds and any of the paved surfaces including roads, trails, and viewpoints. However, they are not permitted inside buildings, inside state park transportation, on unpaved trails, or on unpaved viewpoints.

4 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Utah

After a day full of fun and adventure, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have a place where you can relax, rest, and rejuvenate for the next day. But, a lot of hotels and inns are not dog-friendly.

It’s important to do your research, plan ahead, and book early to make sure you have a place to stay that will welcome both you and your dog with open arms. Here are some dog-friendly hotels in Utah to start your research:

1. TownPlace Suites by Marriott Saint George

If you’ll need to stay overnight in or near Saint George, consider booking a room at the TownPlace Suites by Marriott Saint George. Two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $50 for one night. For two nights, it goes up to $75 and increases again at three nights or longer to $100. A grassy relief area is located on-site and waste bags are provided. However, you cannot leave your dogs unattended in your room.

2. Best Western Butch Cassidy Inn

If you need somewhere to stay closer to Beaver, take a look at the Best Western Butch Cassidy Inn. In this dog-friendly hotel, you are welcome to bring up to two dogs up to 80 pounds. There is an additional pet fee, which is $20 per night and per dog.

There is a grassy relief area on-site and there’s a park across the street. Waste bags are available at the front desk if you forget to bring your own. Also, your dog cannot be left unattended in the room. Since Best Western is a chain hotel, if you need to stay somewhere else, you can check to see if there is one nearby and call to see if they have any dog-friendly rooms.

3. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Orem

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites is a dog-friendly option if you need to stay in Orem. As a chain hotel, you may be able to find one close to another location if you’ll be staying somewhere else. You’ll just need to call to make sure that location is also dog-friendly.

For the Orem location, two dogs of any size are welcome to stay with you. There is an additional pet fee, which is $20 per dog and per night. If you need to bring more than two dogs, you may be able to get approval to do so from hotel management ahead of time.

You can leave your dog unattended in your room. But, you will want to make sure your dog is well-behaved and quiet when you’re not around as you will be responsible for any disruptions or damages. Dog-friendly rooms are located on the first floor and have easy access to a grassy relief area. And, both treats and waste bags are provided for your convenience.

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites Orem

Another dog-friendly option in Orem is La Quinta Inn & Suites. As another hotel chain, you may be able to find one of these nearby if you’ll need to stay somewhere else overnight. Even if it’s the same chain, it’s always a good idea to check and make sure the location you’re interested in is dog-friendly too.

For the Orem location, you are welcome to bring two dogs of any size with you for your stay. There is no additional pet fee. Plus, you can leave your dog unattended your room; you just need to leave a contact number with the front desk. A grassy relief area is located on-site and waste bags are provided.

3 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Utah

You can always hit drive-thrus and convenience stores to get some grub with your dog. But, this can get really boring, really fast. Plus, it often means you miss out on the local flavor. Instead, try stopping by one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Utah if your travels bring you nearby:

1. Moab BARKery

This stop can be for you, but it is mostly all about your dog. Should your travels bring you near Moab, make sure you stop by the Moab BARKery. In addition to pet supplies, a self-service pet bathing station, and more, this BARKery also provides a wide variety of food and treats for your dog. It’s a great place to pick up any gear you need and to get some local flavors specifically for your dog.

2. Em’s Restaurant

If you’re in Salt Lake City and need something to eat, consider stopping at Em’s Restaurant. In addition to being near Memory Grove Park, it also offers dog-friendly seating on the roomy patio with a great view. Plus, they offer a varied and eclectic menu of American cuisine, so there’s something for everyone!

3. Rib and Chop House

The Rib and Chop House is a favorite lunch and dinner spot for locals and tourists alike in Saint George. It’s a classic American bar and grill that offers something for everyone on its menu.

From Caesar salads, fried green tomatoes, and gumbo to wings, steak, ribs, seafood, and more, there are a lot of flavors to choose from. And, you’ll want to leave room for dessert too. Plus. their front patio seating is gated, covered, and dog-friendly!

This Utah dog-friendly travel guide certainly doesn’t cover everything that’s available, but it’s a good place to start when you’re just beginning your research. If you’re headed somewhere else, check out the other dog-friendly travel guides available to help you plan a fun trip for both you and fido. Here’s to safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails no matter where your adventure takes you!