A Grand (Canyon) Pawcation

If you’re like us then you love spending time with loved ones and that includes our four-legged family members. We understand that leaving them behind at home isn’t always the ideal option when planning a vacation.

Luckily, many of our National Parks are pet-friendly, and we’re here to curate a list of the best vacations out there, including paw-some adventures that you can enjoy with the whole family! And we’re starting with the grandest National Park of all, Grand Canyon National Park.

Stay at Yavapai Lodge

At the South entrance to the Grand Canyon, you don’t have to ruff it. You’ll find pet-friendly accommodations and lodging at Yavapai Lodge, where pet bowls for water and food along with in-room kennels are provided for their guests.

Things to do With Pets in Grand Canyon National Park

Tail Wagging Trails: At Yavapai Lodge, you’re surrounded by nature trails that are accessible for the whole family, and the South Rim is less than two miles away! Start your paw-venture at Mather Point and walk the Scenic Rim Trail at the South Rim of the canyon. This trail is approximately 13 miles in total. Along with it, you’ll find the famous Trail of Time, a relatively flat 2.83 mile-long paved path that is a geological timeline of the Grand Canyon’s history. It features rocks and exhibits of how the canyon is formed.

Don’t fur-get: Please be paw-lite and keep the pups leashed, above the rim and on established trails at all times.

Look Up, Pup: There is so much to see and do at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and some of our favorite things feature the vast transformations of the sky itself! Make time to catch the sunrise at Mather Point Amphitheater, where we highly recommend grabbing a warm blanket and snuggling with your fur-babies as you watch the colors of the canyon come to life. If sunrise is a bit too early for you then don’t worry, the canyon has a spectacular sunset that is a show within itself. And it doesn’t stop there. Conclude your evening with the stars and see if you can identify constellations in the Dark Sky of the Grand Canyon.

Barkventures: If you have an extra day we suggest taking a scenic drive to Desert View Watchtower where you and the pups can wander the grounds and view the historical landmarks. Plus, if their diet allows, they can enjoy an ice cream cone from the gift shop.

Eat on the Patio at Yavapai Tavern

Bone Appetite: After a day spent on the trails, you’re sure to work up an appetite. At Yavapai Tavern, you’ll find a pet-friendly patio that includes an exclusive watering-hole rightfully named the ‘Dog Tavern’ for your adventure pups, along with a wide selection of local drafts and delicious lunch and dinner options.

Pet-Friendly Adventures Outside of the Park

Outside of the Bark: Bearizona* is a drive-thru wildlife park and a popular attraction in Williams, Arizona, where you can observe wildlife in spacious, natural environments that foster memorable and educational encounters with animals.

*Mind your paws: Pups must be kept inside the car with windows rolled up at all times within Bearizona*

We guarantee our Grand Pawcation will provide moments to remember and a round-of-a-paws.