Dog-Friendly Sedona: Where to Stay, Hike, and Eat
Sedona often gets four paw reviews for being dog-friendly. As one of the most dog-friendly communities in the nation, it’s worth exploring the options. Whether you’re planning a Sedona wedding, elopement, or special event, we understand that sometimes family dogs are as much part of the group as everyone else.
From scenic hiking trails and creekside walks to pet-welcoming patios where your pup may get more attention than you do, Sedona is a dog-lover’s dream. If you’re looking for dog-friendly Sedona ideas during a getaway, you’re barking up the right juniper tree.
Outdoors for Dogs in Sedona
Arizona’s Red Rock Country is perfect for people, but downright delightful for dogs. The smells, the sounds, the sights — it’s a sensory wonderland. However, there are some limitations on where dogs can go. It largely depends on which piece of public land you want to explore.
Dogs in Arizona State Parks
Arizona State Parks decides pet-friendly access based on different factors, from safety to the environment to guest experience. Here are a few of the Arizona state park dog access rules near Sedona.
- Slide Rock State Park: Pets are only allowed between October 1 and April 30; no pets in the swim area year-round; on a leash and supervised at all times.
- Red Rock State Park: No dogs allowed.
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park (Cottonwood): Leashed dogs allowed on trails and in the lagoons. No dogs in park buildings.
Most parks won’t allow pets to be left in cars alone, even when the weather isn’t hot.
Dogs in National Forests
Coconino National Forest forms an impressive 1.8 million-acre footprint around Sedona and across Northern Arizona. While National Forests offer more dog-friendly options than National Parks, you can’t assume that all trails and areas are open to dogs.
The forest footprint is divided into three ranger districts, four heritage sites, and 10 wilderness areas. Before you choose a trail, check with the ranger district or the forest website to see if there are any dog restrictions. Heritage sites do not allow dogs.
Most trails allow leashed, under control dogs at all times. Owners do have to pick up the pet waste immediately and carry it with them to a trash receptacle.
Dogs at National Park Service Sites Near Sedona
In general, National Park Service properties can be less dog-friendly than national forests. However, check with each location ahead of time.
Near Sedona, Montezuma Castle National Monument allows dogs on trails and in parking areas. Same with Tuzigoot National Monument. Keep dogs on a leash and pick up after them. You might get your dog designated as a B.A.R.K. Ranger if you follow the rules!
Closer to Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument allows pets on the Rim Trail only. At Sunset Crater National Monument, dogs can only go on the paved portion of the Lava Flow Trail or other paved road/parking lots. No dogs (except service animals) allowed at Wupatki National Monument.
Best Hikes for Dogs
Considering most trails around Sedona are dog-friendly, you can choose the best one for your pet based on fitness level (you and them). Consider if your dog can scramble rocks, handle potentially steep ledges, or be calm when a lot of people are around you (for the more popular trails).
Some of the favorite dog-friendly hikes include:
- Fay Canyon: 2 miles round-trip, minimal elevation change.
- Boyton Canyon: 6 miles out-and-back, 930 feet elevation change.
- West Fork: 3 miles, optional (and more difficult) full loop is 14 miles. Plenty of shade and water crossings.
- Airport Loop Trail: 3.5 miles, 535 feet elevation change. Go early in the morning to see the sunrise.
- Doe Mountain: 2 miles, 500 feet elevation change.
- Huckaby Trail: 3 miles, includes water crossings and boulder hopping.
Dog-Friendly Sedona Restaurants
A good guideline for dog-friendly restaurants around Sedona is if there is an outdoor patio or porch that doesn’t require walking through the main dining room. While there are many pet-friendly places to eat around Sedona, we’ve leashed up a few that have specific dog menus.
Creekside American Bistro
With shaded patio seating beside Oak Creek and some of Sedona’s best red rock views, Creekside American Bistro is one of the top dog-friendly dining spots in town. The restaurant welcomes pups on its outdoor decks and even offers a dedicated dog menu.
Expect elevated comfort food, brunch favorites, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels very Sedona without trying too hard.
Open Range Grill & Tavern
For dogs who appreciate a good patio view as much as their humans, Open Range Grill and Tavern is a solid Uptown Sedona pick. The relaxed restaurant pairs red rock views with Southwest-inspired comfort food, plus a dedicated dog menu for pups hanging out on the outdoor patio. It’s especially popular after hikes, when both humans and dogs are ready to refuel without giving up the scenery.
Rascal Sedona
Inside The Wilde Resort & Spa, Rascal Modern American Diner & Bar puts a playful, upscale spin on diner comfort food while staying surprisingly welcoming to dogs. Pups are allowed on the covered patio, and yes, there’s a dedicated dog menu because Sedona takes canine hospitality almost as seriously as vortexes.
Expect creative brunch dishes, craft cocktails, live music on select nights, and a relaxed atmosphere that works equally well after a hike or before a sunset adventure.
The Secret Garden Cafe
Hidden inside Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Secret Garden Cafe feels more like a leafy courtyard escape than a typical restaurant stop. The shaded garden patio is dog-friendly year-round, making it a favorite for travelers grabbing brunch, coffee, cocktails, or a relaxed dinner with their pup after exploring Sedona.
The menu leans fresh and locally inspired, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options tucked between comfort food favorites.
Dog-Friendly Lodging in Sedona
It might appear that Sedona’s accommodations have gone to the dogs in all the best ways. Many hotels, resorts, and rentals offer pet-friendly rooms. Plus, some of the pampering the pups can get might surprise you. Here are just a few of the favorite pet-friendly options in Sedona.
Enchantment Resort
Avoid being in the dog house on vacation when you bring your pup to Enchantment Resort. While the location is excellent for access to dog-friendly trails, pups get a present when they arrive. Plus, the rooms come with bowls and a fluffy dog bed. Turn your dog’s pawprint into art at Artist Cottage, or dine with them at one of three on-site restaurant patios. $250 pet cleaning fee
L’Auberge de Sedona
More than dog-friendly, L’Auberge is downright dog-loving. In additional to dog-friendly rooms, guests get food and water bowls, a goodie bag, and dog beds. Dogs also get to enjoy three outdoor dining areas. The L’Apothecary Spa also offers pet psychic readings. $100 pet fee per night.
The Wilde
Book the “Paws and Relax” package to get a dog-friendly lodging option at The Wilde. Dogs get a welcome pack, and owners get free waste bags. The restaurant, Rascal’s, offers a dog menu of food options. $75 pet fee waived when booking the package.
El Portal Sedona Hotel
The El Portal Sedona Hotel is a boutique lodging option that includes two greeter dogs waiting for you. Rooms can include fenced patios for the pups. Plus, with no pet fee, that’s more money to spend on treats! El Portal regulary gets a nod from top publications for its pet-friendly approach.
Dog-Friendly Tours Around Sedona
What’s the fun of bringing your pup on vacation if they can’t enjoy the experiences (safely) with you? We looked up some popular tours to find the most pet-friendly options. Contact the various tour operators for specifics on dog rules.
- Sedona Jeep Tours
- A Day in the West Jeep Tours
- Sedona Trolley Tours (allows small dogs)
- Wine Tours of Sedona (10% discount if you bring a dog)
- Sedona Off Road Adventures
- Gold King Mine Ghost Town
- Arizona Copper Art Museum
Always ask if a tour allows dogs, but keep in mind that tours going to ancient sites and inside for food likely won’t allow them. You’ll have much better luck booking a private tour so your pup can come along.
Dog-Focused Activities and Businesses Near Sedona
Sedona doesn’t just welcome dogs with their owners; some businesses cater to pets and those who love them. For example, you can get a psychic pet reading through Sedona Spirit Psychic Medium Robin Amanda.
Another dog-friendly Sedona option means a day at the spa. Sedona Infinity Spa offers Pet Halotherapy (salt room). At 4 Paws Canine Massage, your dog can get acupressure work or sound therapy. Another option is an Animal Reiki Session at Reiki Verde Valley.
Whether you want to bring your pup shopping or stop by a store to get a gift for the pets at home, here are some shops to consider:
It’s also worth pointing out that Tractor Supply Co. in Cottonwood offers DIY pet baths if your pup needs to be cleaned after a tough day on the trails.
Doggy Daycare & Boarding in Sedona
Sedona’s doggy daycare and boarding options mean you can explore without your furry friend without worry about their safety. Whether you need a few hours alone or overnight stays, several locations stand out for exemplary dog care during your visit.
Bark n’ Purr | Sedona
Bark ‘N Purr Pet Care Center is one of the area’s most trusted options for daycare, grooming, and overnight boarding. The family-owned facility has been caring for pets in Sedona since the 1970s and is known for its personalized attention, spacious boarding options, and experienced staff who work well even with anxious pets.
Hillside Canine Resort | Camp Verde
Hillside Canine Resort is a practical boarding option for Sedona-area visitors who need supervised care while they hike, tour, or visit non-dog-friendly spots. Boarding includes climate-controlled indoor rooms, standard, deluxe, and family suites, daily linens, 24/7 monitoring, and hourly play and potty breaks in more than 10,000 square feet of play yards.
Johnny’s Doghouse | Cottonwood
About 25 minutes south of Sedona in Cottonwood, Johnny’s Doghouse is a strong option for travelers needing daycare, overnight boarding, or grooming while exploring the region. The facility offers supervised play areas, overnight boarding by dog size, grooming services, medication administration, and daily photo updates for owners. It’s also open seven days a week for boarding and daycare.
Village Vet in Oak Creek
I’m never thrilled with the idea of my beloved Golden Retriever staying at a vet’s office. Sure, they’re safe, but will they have fun? The Village Veterinary Hospital in the Village of Oak Creek offers a pretty convincing “yes” to that concern.
Along with veterinary care, the facility provides overnight boarding, half- and full-day daycare, and monitored dog play groups, so pets are not simply sitting in kennels waiting for pickup. It’s a solid option for travelers who want the added reassurance of an on-site veterinary team while still giving their dogs exercise, interaction, and structured care during a Sedona trip
Dog Parks in Sedona
While exploring Seonda’s Red Rock Country with a dog is fun, those leash laws might make you think your furry friend is missing out. Don’t worry — off-leash options can help, even if you’re just trying to burn some energy before the heat of the day or warm-up for a long hike on the trails.
Riverfront Park | Cottonwood
Riverfront Dog Park in Cottonwood is one of the better off-leash options near Sedona for dogs that need room to actually run instead of politely shuffle around a tiny fenced corner. Located inside Riverfront Park along the Verde River, the fully fenced dog park includes separate areas for large dogs and small or shy dogs.
A training space used for obedience work and K9 programs is also available. Water stations, seating areas, shade, and plenty of open space make it especially convenient.
Sedona Dog Park at Posse Grounds Park | Sedona
Located at Posse Grounds Park, Sedona Dog Park is the city’s main off-leash area and one of the most convenient places for visitors staying in town. The fenced park includes separate sections for large and small dogs, shaded seating areas, water stations, and wide-open views of Sedona’s red rocks.
Its central location near hiking trails, sports courts, and community facilities also makes it easy to fit into a busy Sedona itinerary without driving far out of the way.
Willow Creek Dog Park | Prescott
About two hours southwest of Sedona, Willow Creek Dog Park in Prescott is one of Northern Arizona’s larger and more developed off-leash parks. Its location near Watson and Willow Lakes also makes it an easy stop during a Prescott day trip or road trip loop through central Arizona.
The fenced space includes separate areas for large and small dogs, agility equipment, shaded ramadas, benches, water stations, and plenty of open room for dogs that still somehow have energy after a mountain hike.
Bringing Your Dog to Sedona: FAQs
Can dogs swim in Sedona swimming holes?
Each swimming hole in Sedona has its own rules. Most are dog-friendly, especially those in the national forests. Slide Rock State Park bans dogs in the swimming area. Always check ahead of time to ensure dog-friendly access is allowed.
Are dogs allowed at the vortex sites?
Most vortex sites in Sedona are dog-friendly. There might be scrambles, like Cathedral or Bell Rocks, that are too much for dogs. Also, respect the spiritual nature of the land. I know I always have to remind myself that not everyone on a trail is as enamored with my dog as I am.
Are dogs allowed at Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village?
Yes, well-behaved leashed dogs love to explore Tlaquepaque. You’ll love the restaurants on site that are dog-friendly, too. Look for fresh water sources near the restrooms.
Are dogs allowed at Amitabha Stupa in Sedona?
Dogs are allowed at Ambitbha Stupa as long as they are well-behaved, not reactive, and on a leash. Please respect the private spaces of people enjoying this spiritual site.
Can Dogs Ride the Sedona Shuttle?
Yes, dogs can ride the Sedona Shuttle, but there are restrictions. Small dogs must typically travel in a carrier or crate that can safely fit on your lap. Larger dogs on a leash will need to be muzzled. Service animals are allowed under ADA guidelines.
Dangers to Dogs Near Sedona
We’ve gone through the safest places for dogs, but every climate and environment brings risks. This isn’t meant to scare you off. Instead, it just helps you plan for the realities of visiting Sedona with a dog.
Wildlife
Sedona’s red rock scenery is also home to wildlife that may see an off-leash dog as a threat, competition, or even prey.
- Rattlesnakes: Most active in warmer months. Dogs that sniff rocks, brush, or shaded crevices are most at risk for bites.
- Scorpions: Usually hidden under rocks, wood, or gear left on the ground. Stings are painful and may cause swelling or distress.
- Coyotes: Common around Sedona, especially at dawn and dusk. Small dogs can be vulnerable if left off-leash.
- Mountain Lions/Bobcats: Rare encounters, but these predators live throughout the region. Keep dogs close on quieter trails.
- Black Bears: Occasionally spotted in Northern Arizona forests and canyon areas. Food and scented items can attract them.
- Javelina: Often mistaken for wild pigs, but far more aggressive when startled or protecting young.
- Horned Lizards: The “horny toad” is onery and can shoot blood from its face. The liquid is noxious to dogs, and the sharp horns and spines can hurt any dog that tries to eat one.
Plants
When hiking the wild trails around Sedona, you’ll encounter a variety of native plants that use formidable physical or chemical defenses.
- Jumping Cholla: Segments break off easily and cling to fur, paws, or noses with painful barbed spines.
- Prickly Pear: Large spines are obvious, but tiny glochids can embed in skin, mouths, and paws for hours.
- Foxtails: Sharp seed heads can work into paws, ears, noses, or skin and may require veterinary removal.
- Silver Leaf Nightshade: A common desert plant with toxic berries and leaves that can make dogs seriously ill if eaten.
Your dog should know the “leave it” command to avoid interacting with these or other potentially dangerous plants on the trails.
Heat
Sedona’s desert heat can become dangerous for dogs much faster than many visitors expect. Summer air temperatures regularly climb past 100 degrees, but rocks, sidewalks, and pavement often become far hotter after hours in direct sun.
Dark slickrock surfaces can absorb and radiate heat, increasing the risk of burned paw pads and overheating. Dogs also cool themselves far less efficiently than humans, especially during strenuous hikes. Early morning outings are usually the safest choice.
How Hot Is Too Hot for Dog Hikes in Sedona? When in doubt, take off your shoes and socks and walk around for a few seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
Never leave a dog in a hot car. Not only is your pet at risk of heat stroke or death, but it’s also against the law.
Terrain
Sedona trails can be tougher on dogs than they first appear. Slickrock surfaces may look smooth, but they can be steep, uneven, and surprisingly rough on paw pads over long hikes. Walking on some of the rocks can be like walking on gritty sandpaper.
Loose gravel, sharp volcanic rock, cactus debris, and narrow ledges can also slow dogs down, especially older pets or shorter-legged breeds. Some trails include creek crossings where currents, slippery stones, or sudden deeper pockets of water may catch dogs off guard.
Keep an eye on footing, bring extra water, and know your dog’s limits before choosing a trail that looks easy on Instagram but feels very different on four paws.
Can Dogs Come to Sedona Weddings or Elopements?
We’ve worked with plenty of people who bring their furry friend to the wedding. After all, they are part of the family, right? If you’re looking to plan a dog-friendly elopement, wedding, or special event, let us know. We can help find the most dog-friendly locations and the safest options, depending on the time of the year.
Should You Bring Your Dog to Sedona?
Honestly, if more places were as dog-friendly as Sedona, I might travel more. Sedona goes beyond just tolerating dogs; they make them feel as special a guest as any two-legged visitor.
That said, every dog is different. Some thrive on creek crossings, trail adventures, and patio naps under red rock views. Others may struggle with the heat, crowded trails, rough terrain, long drives, or overstimulation from busy tourist areas. Knowing your dog’s limits matters just as much as planning your own trip.
If you are not committed to cleaning up after your dog and carrying waste bags until you find a trash can, this isn’t the place for you.
Pictures like this one do NOT show the proper way to dispose of a pet’s waste.
You’ll also need to be okay with the leash laws. Even if your dog is well-behaved, non-reactive, and under voice control, the distractions and landscape can pose harm to the environment, other guests, and your dog.
If you follow all the rules, Sedona becomes one of the best destinations in the Southwest to experience with your pet. The views are incredible. The trails are unforgettable. And for your dog, the endless new smells alone might qualify as the greatest vacation of their life.
