5 Fun Places to Take Your Dog This Summer

Like people, dogs enjoy adventures. In Arizona, there are a wide variety of destinations that your dog can go to with you to escape the heat! Whether you are up for a big journey or a day-trip, there are plenty of places that welcome you and your pup. Luckily, Arizona has more dog friendly road trips than you can shake a stick at: hiking, fishing, boating, and other adventures are available for pet lovers in Arizona. If you’re looking to go beyond hiking and take on some great summertime road trips that include your best friend, here are some of the best day trips with dogs and the best road trips for dogs.

Preparing for Dog Friendly Road Trips

When it comes to road trips with dogs, preparation is key. If your dog is one of those who gets car-sick easily, it might be wise to find some soothing treats or medications that can help them while they travel. Also be sure to bring a leash and some water with you so that when you stop along the way, your dog will still have what they need to stay comfortable. You might even consider investing in a portable water bowl for the way back home! With these tips in mind, here are five fun places for summer road trips with your dog:

1. 1. Sedona: Dogs are allowed in most state parks and forests, so you can make this a day trip or weekend trip with your canine companion. There are plenty of trails in Sedona where you can bring along your furry pal, but if you want to get a taste of what the area has to offer while avoiding the crowds, consider one of these lesser-known options: Soldier Pass Trail is one of the easiest trails in Sedona and offers great views of Castle Rock and Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole, both of which are great places for your pup to cool off after a long hike. If you’re looking for more challenges on your trip, Bell Rock Pathway provides an off-road adventure on one side and stunning scenery on the other. This trail is also great if you plan to visit a vortex or do some meditation while you’re there—you can walk it as many times as you’d like.
   2. The Meteor Crater Natural Landmark: You and your dog can make the journey to this one-of-a-kind hole in the ground. The Meteor Crater Natural Landmark is a 550 feet deep impact crater that was created 50,000 years ago by an asteroid, making it one of the best preserved meteorite craters in the world. Your dog will love exploring all of the terrain and sights of this unique road trip destination.
   3. Stoneman Lake: Located near Flagstaff, Stoneman Lake is a great spot for a picnic and a hike with the pup. The loop around the lake takes about an hour, but there are also longer trails that branch off from it. This area is wide open with plenty of room for your dog to get some exercise. It’s also an ideal place for fishing, so if you want to catch your own lunch, bring your gear and maybe even a kayak.
   4. Jerome: This one is a little more off the beaten path, but well worth a day trip with your pup! Located in north-central Arizona, Jerome was once a booming mining town during WWII. Nowadays it’s home to independent artists and other bohemian types who are always ready for a good time (and a new friend). It’s not very big so you can walk it easily, and there’s lots of water access for your dog
   5. The Grand Canyon: You can’t get much more exciting than this one! The Grand Canyon has tons of places where you can hike and explore with your dog, and there’s plenty of space to enjoy (and plenty of shade!) The South Rim entrance is the most popular, and features the Mather Campground. There are no dogs allowed on the shuttle buses and some trails, so check out the information here before heading out: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/pets.htm

These are just five of the best road trips for dogs, so if you are planning a summer dog friendly road trip, be sure to include some of these spots on your itinerary. And don’t forget that there’s an app for that! Actually, numerous apps are available for both Android and Apple products.

IMPORTANT NOTE! Remember to keep in mind the temperatures at your destination to ensure no one gets overheated (you or your pup!), that you always have adequate shade and hydration for everyone, and that the ground temperature is safe for those paws! There are plenty of destinations statewide which will welcome your dog with open paws, just be sure to check for any updates before you head out. Happy trails!

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.