Updated for 2026 with current trail conditions, parking pass requirements, restaurant recommendations, and pet-friendly accommodation options in Sedona.

Dog-Friendly Sedona: Red Rock Adventures With Your Dog

Sedona, Arizona, is one of the most visually dramatic places in the United States, and the good news for dog owners is that nearly all of it is accessible with a four-legged companion. The red sandstone formations, the desert trails, the creek swimming holes, and the small-town dining scene all welcome dogs in ways that make Sedona feel like it was designed for adventure with your pup.

I brought my Australian Shepherd, Canyon, to Sedona for a week-long hiking trip and came away convinced it is one of the top five dog-friendly destinations in the country. The Coconino National Forest, which surrounds the town, allows dogs on virtually every trail. The restaurants have patios with red rock views. The hotels and vacation rentals cater to pet travelers. And the landscape itself is unlike anything your dog has ever experienced.

Why Sedona Works for Dogs

• National Forest access: Most of Sedona’s famous trails are in the Coconino National Forest, which allows dogs on leash on nearly all trails (with a few exceptions in Wilderness areas)
• Mild climate (outside of summer): Fall, winter, and spring offer comfortable hiking temperatures
• Creek access: Oak Creek provides swimming and wading opportunities for dogs
• Outdoor dining culture: Sedona’s restaurants emphasize patio dining with spectacular views
• Vacation rental culture: Abundant pet-friendly rental homes with yards and hiking access

Dog-Friendly Trails

Easy Trails

Bell Rock Pathway

• Distance: 3.6 miles out and back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Features: A wide, flat pathway along the base of Bell Rock with stunning views. One of the most iconic formations in Sedona. Dogs on leash. This is a great warm-up hike or sunset walk.
• Parking: Bell Rock Vista parking area (Red Rock Pass required, $5/day or $15/week)

Crescent Moon/Red Rock Crossing

• Distance: Variable (0.5-2 miles of paths)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Features: The classic view of Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek. Dogs can wade and swim in the creek. Multiple picnic areas. One of the most photographed spots in Arizona.
• Parking: Crescent Moon Ranch parking ($12 per vehicle)
• Note: Dogs must be on leash in the picnic areas but can wade in the creek

West Fork of Oak Creek

• Distance: 6.2 miles out and back
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Features: A spectacular canyon hike through fall foliage (October is peak), with multiple creek crossings
• IMPORTANT: Dogs are NOT allowed on West Fork Trail from June through September (and in some years, year-round). Check the Coconino National Forest website for current pet restrictions. When dogs are allowed, they must be on leash and the creek crossings may require carrying smaller dogs.

Fay Canyon Trail

• Distance: 2.4 miles out and back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Features: A gentle trail into a box canyon with towering red rock walls. Less crowded than more famous trails. Dogs on leash.

Moderate Trails

Cathedral Rock Trail

• Distance: 1.2 miles out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (steep rock scrambling)
• Features: One of Sedona’s most famous hikes, climbing to the saddle between the twin spires of Cathedral Rock. Stunning views. Dogs ARE allowed on leash, but the trail involves steep rock face scrambling. Only bring dogs that are comfortable with heights and uneven rock surfaces. Some sections may require lifting your dog.
• Tips: Go early morning to avoid crowds and heat. Carry water for both of you.

Soldier Pass Trail

• Distance: 4.2 miles out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Features: Passes the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools (natural rock pools that hold water after rain). Dogs on leash. Good shade in sections.
• Parking: Limited (12-car limit at Soldier Pass trailhead). Arrive early or take the Jordan Road approach.

Boynton Canyon Trail

• Distance: 6.1 miles out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Features: A beautiful canyon trail that passes a vortex site. Box canyon with towering walls, forest sections, and excellent birding. Dogs on leash.

Munds Wagon Trail

• Distance: 6.4 miles out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Features: Climbs to a saddle with panoramic views of Sedona’s red rocks. Less crowded than other trails with equally impressive scenery. Dogs on leash.

Strenuous Trails

Bear Mountain Trail

• Distance: 4.8 miles out and back
• Difficulty: Strenuous (2,000 feet elevation gain)
• Features: One of the most challenging trails in Sedona with the best summit views. Panoramic 360-degree views from the top. Dogs on leash but this is only for very fit, experienced hiking dogs. Significant exposure and scrambling.

Doe Mountain Trail

• Distance: 1.4 miles out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (short but steep)
• Features: Climbs to the flat top of a mesa with 360-degree views. The summit is flat and open. Dogs on leash. Relatively short but the climb is steep.

Trail Tips

Red Rock Pass

A Red Rock Pass is required for parking at most trailheads in the Sedona area. Costs as of 2026:

• Daily Pass: $5
• Weekly Pass: $15
• Annual Pass: $20

Passes are available at trailhead kiosks (self-pay), the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, and various local businesses. America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Passes are also accepted.

Hiking Safety

• Water: Carry at least 1 liter per hour of hiking for yourself and your dog. Desert dehydration is real and dangerous.
• Heat: Avoid hiking between 10 AM and 4 PM from May through September. Rock surfaces can exceed 150F on hot days, burning paw pads.
• Rattlesnakes: Present throughout the Sedona area from March through November. Stay on trails, watch where you step, and keep your dog on a short leash. Rattlesnake aversion training is recommended for dogs who will be hiking in the Southwest.
• Cactus: Prickly pear and other cactus species line many trails. Dogs stepping on cactus pads or spines is painful and common. Carry pliers or a comb for spine removal.
• Leash requirements: Dogs must be on leash on all Coconino National Forest trails. This is enforced, and fines can be issued.

Oak Creek Swimming

Oak Creek runs through Sedona and provides several swimming and wading spots for dogs.

Grasshopper Point (3 miles north of Sedona on 89A): A popular swimming hole in Oak Creek Canyon. Dogs allowed. $12 parking fee. Beautiful swimming in a narrow canyon setting.

Slide Rock State Park (7 miles north on 89A): A famous natural rock slide and swimming area. Dogs are NOT allowed in the swimming area but are allowed on leash in other parts of the park.

Crescent Moon/Red Rock Crossing: As mentioned above, dogs can wade in Oak Creek here with Cathedral Rock as a backdrop.

Various creek access points: Along Oak Creek Canyon (Highway 89A north of Sedona), numerous pull-offs provide creek access. Dogs can wade and swim at most spots.

Dog-Friendly Dining

Sedona’s restaurant scene takes full advantage of the setting, with patios and terraces overlooking red rock formations.

Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Elote Cafe (Uptown area): One of the most acclaimed restaurants in Sedona, specializing in Mexican-influenced cuisine. The smoked chicken enchiladas and elote (fire-roasted corn) are legendary. Limited outdoor seating, dogs welcome on the patio. No reservations; get there early.

The Hudson (Uptown): Contemporary American food with one of the best patio views in Sedona. Dogs welcome on the lower terrace. Views of Snoopy Rock and other formations.

Creekside American Bistro (Creekside area): Located right on Oak Creek. The patio overlooking the creek is one of the most pleasant dining spots in town. Dogs welcome. American bistro menu with steaks, seafood, and salads.

SaltRock Southwest Kitchen (Uptown): Southwestern cuisine with a large patio and red rock views. Dogs welcome outside. Good margaritas.

Hideaway House Pizza (Uptown area): Pizza with a spectacular patio view. Dogs welcome outside. The view alone is worth the visit.

Sedona Beer Company (Highway 179 area): Local craft brewery with a taproom and outdoor area. Dogs welcome on the patio.

Oak Creek Brewing Co. (Page Springs, 10 minutes south): A brewpub in the wine country area south of Sedona. Large outdoor area, dogs welcome. Good beer and pub food.

Verde Valley Wine Country

The Verde Valley south of Sedona has developed a thriving wine region, and many tasting rooms welcome dogs.

Dog-friendly wineries and tasting rooms:

• Page Springs Cellars: One of Arizona’s most respected wineries. Dogs welcome in the outdoor tasting area with creek views.
• Javelina Leap Vineyard: Dogs welcome on the patio. Beautiful setting with vineyard views.
• Alcantara Vineyards: Larger estate with expansive grounds. Dogs welcome in outdoor areas.

The wine route along Page Springs Road is a pleasant drive with multiple dog-friendly stops.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Hotels and Resorts

Kimpton Amara Resort and Spa (Uptown): The most upscale pet-friendly option in Sedona. No pet fees, no size restrictions. Creekside location, infinity pool, and an excellent restaurant (SaltRock). Provides pet beds and bowls.

L’Auberge de Sedona (Creek-side): A luxury resort on Oak Creek. Dogs under 40 lbs welcome in cottage rooms for a fee. Stunning creekside setting.

Best Western Plus Inn of Sedona: Hilltop location with panoramic red rock views from every room. Dogs welcome for a fee. Great value.

GreenTree Inn Sedona: Mid-range option in a central location. Pets welcome.

Vacation Rentals

Sedona has excellent vacation rental options on Airbnb and VRBO. Many properties feature:

• Fenced yards (rare in Sedona but available)
• Hot tubs with red rock views
• Direct trail access
• BBQ and outdoor living areas
• Pet fees ranging from $50-150 per stay

Properties in the Village of Oak Creek (south of Sedona proper) tend to be more affordable and equally scenic.

Camping

Manzanita Campground (Oak Creek Canyon): A beautiful campground along Oak Creek with sites among the pines. Dogs on leash. Reservable through Recreation.gov. One of the nicest campgrounds in Arizona.

Pine Flat Campground (Oak Creek Canyon): Another Oak Creek Canyon campground with creek access. Dogs on leash. First-come, first-served.

Dispersed camping: Available in the Coconino National Forest outside of designated areas. Free, but check regulations regarding fire restrictions and minimum distances from water sources.

Best Times to Visit

Season	Temperature	Conditions
Fall (Oct-Nov)	Highs 65-80F	Best season. Perfect hiking weather, fall colors in Oak Creek Canyon, manageable crowds
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Highs 50-60F	Cool but pleasant. Occasional snow on higher formations (beautiful). Fewer crowds.
Spring (Mar-May)	Highs 65-85F	Excellent hiking. Wildflowers in April. Crowds increase toward May.
Summer (Jun-Sep)	Highs 95-100F+	Too hot for midday hiking. Monsoon thunderstorms July-August. Only hike very early morning.

For dogs, October through April is the ideal window. Summer heat is genuinely dangerous for desert hiking.

Budget Planning

Category	Estimated Daily Cost
Hotel/resort	$150-400
Vacation rental	$120-300
Camping	$22-30 per site
Dining out	$30-70
Red Rock Pass	$5/day
Wine tasting	$15-25 per tasting
Gas	$10-20

Sample 4-Day Itinerary

Day	Activities
Day 1	Arrive, Bell Rock Pathway sunset hike, dinner at The Hudson
Day 2	Morning Cathedral Rock hike, afternoon at Crescent Moon/Red Rock Crossing (creek swimming), dinner at Elote Cafe
Day 3	Verde Valley wine tasting (Page Springs Cellars, Javelina Leap), afternoon Boynton Canyon hike, sunset from Airport Mesa
Day 4	Fay Canyon morning hike, brunch at Creekside American Bistro, Soldier Pass Trail, departure

Final Thoughts

Sedona is a landscape that must be experienced to be believed. The red sandstone formations, the desert light, the contrast of green creek corridors against rust-colored stone, it is visually overwhelming in the best possible way. And sharing it with your dog, watching them wade in Oak Creek beneath Cathedral Rock or trot along a trail through towering sandstone walls, adds a dimension of joy that is hard to describe.

Canyon thrived in Sedona. The trails challenged him, the creek cooled him, and the restaurant patios gave him front-row seats to some of the most beautiful views in the American West. If you are planning a hiking trip with your dog, Sedona belongs at the very top of your list.

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