Utah’s wild spaces are made for you and your four legged hiking buddy. From red rock canyons to alpine lakes, these trails deliver views worth loading the car and grabbing the leash. You will get clear directions, trail vibes, and pup friendly tips for a smooth day outside. Pick a trail, pack water and treats, and chase those jaw dropping vistas together.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail – Salt Lake City, Utah
This urban edge classic traces the foothills above Salt Lake City with nonstop views. You and your dog can cruise mellow singletrack, pause for skyline photos, and catch sunset colors washing over the valley. Spring brings wildflowers and buzzing bees, while fall turns the scrub oak into warm copper.
Trailheads dot the corridor, so you can choose a short out and back or link longer segments. Surfaces are mostly packed dirt with occasional rocky patches, making it friendly for paws. Bring extra water since shade is limited and watch for mountain bikers.
Leashes are required in most sections, and etiquette matters on busy evenings. Start early for cooler temps. The vistas feel huge without a long drive.
Millcreek Canyon Trails – Millcreek, Utah
Millcreek Canyon is a dog lover’s playground with cool pines, rushing water, and flexible rules. Depending on the day, some trails allow off leash on odd days and leashed on even days, so always confirm current policies. You will find shady climbs, mellow creek strolls, and big ridge views.
Popular options include Pipeline for an easy contour and Grandeur Peak for a challenging summit. The canyon runs cooler than the valley, making summer hikes more comfortable for pups. Streams offer splash breaks, but still pack water and a collapsible bowl.
Parking fills fast on weekends, so arrive early or late. Expect a fee at the canyon gate. Keep dogs under control around wildlife and yield to uphill hikers.
Red Pine Lake Trail – Sandy, Utah
Red Pine Lake serves up classic Wasatch drama with forested switchbacks leading to an emerald basin. The hike is moderately strenuous, so pace yourself and your pup, especially on warm days. Granite slabs and roots keep you mindful underfoot, but the alpine water payoff is worth it.
Start at White Pine trailhead and climb steadily through shade before views open toward jagged summits. Snow can linger into early summer, so traction may help. Dogs are allowed here, unlike neighboring watershed areas, which is a huge perk for hikers with pets.
Bring extra layers for breezy lakeshore rests. Filter water if needed, and keep dogs leashed near other groups. Sunrise or late afternoon light makes the basin glow.
Snow Canyon State Park Trails – Ivins, Utah
Snow Canyon packs red rock drama into an easy to reach state park near St. George. Trails weave across petrified dunes, black lava fields, and creamy Navajo sandstone, delivering textures your camera will love. Dogs are permitted on designated routes, so double check signage before committing.
Favorites include the paved Whiptail Trail for a smooth stroll and Petrified Dunes for playful scrambling. Desert heat is serious, so start early, carry more water than you think, and watch hot rock temperatures on paws. Shade pockets are rare.
Park facilities make logistics simple with bathrooms, maps, and clear markers. Keep your pup leashed to protect delicate habitats. Golden hour lights up the cliffs, turning a simple walk into a glowing scene.
Bryce Canyon Rim Trail – Bryce Canyon City, Utah
The Rim Trail strings together Bryce Canyon’s world famous hoodoos into a breathtaking promenade. Dogs are allowed on paved surfaces and certain sections, so confirm current rules and stick to designated areas. You will still score sweeping amphitheater views without dropping into steep switchbacks.
Sunrise is the star here, painting the spires with cotton candy light. The path is mostly gentle, perfect for an easy stroll while snapping photos. Elevation sits high, so bring layers and go slow if you feel the altitude.
Facilities near the overlooks make logistics simple. Keep your leash short around crowds and watch edges near drop offs. Even a short segment delivers unforgettable geology and big sky drama.
Bell Canyon Trail – Sandy, Utah
Bell Canyon offers a quick escape with a steep start that mellows near the reservoir. You will hear water and spot granite walls framing the valley, perfect for a close to town reset. The lower reservoir is a sweet turnaround if you want a shorter outing.
Dogs are allowed on leash, and the packed dirt can be sandy or rocky in spots. Shade comes and goes, so carry water and take breaks. Weekends get busy, making early mornings your friend for parking and calm.
Stay on trail to protect sensitive watershed boundaries nearby. Respect anglers along the shoreline and give space at narrow sections. Golden reflections on the water make photos pop without much effort.
Donut Falls Trail – Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
Donut Falls feels like a storybook stroll ending at a quirky waterfall pouring through a circular hole in the rock. The shaded path runs along a lively creek that keeps things cool for you and your pup. Expect families, slick rocks near the falls, and plenty of photo ops.
While Big Cottonwood has watershed restrictions, this trail allows dogs to the falls area, so verify current rules before heading out. Keep your leash on and avoid letting pups wade where signs prohibit it. Footing near the splash zone can be wet and uneven.
Go early to find parking and quiet. Bring towels for muddy paws. The short distance to a unique payoff makes this a repeat favorite.