Living on the western slope of Colorado, every April there is an exodus west. As ski season nears closing day, mountain bikes are tuned and people head west for warmer weather. Moab is perhaps the most popular of these western destinations. But as we discovered this weekend, it isn’t just for mountain bikers or Jeepers. This colorful place is also a dog friendly Moab.
This trip to Moab we left our mountain bikes at home so that we could explore the area on foot with our furry family member. We had no problem at all finding a dog friendly hotel, and several dog friendly hikes. To our surprise, many restaurants in Moab have patios and most of those also welcome dogs.
Dog Friendly Hotels in Moab
Many hotels allow pets in Moab. And, of course, they are also welcome at campgrounds. It is best to check before you go. While Arches National Park will allow dogs in the park and at the campgrounds, dogs are not permitted on the trails.
Hyatt Pace Moab
We had accumulated a stash of Chase Ultimate Reward points to use for an upcoming bucket list trip to Norway. After booking that trip we had managed to have some points and miles left over. Hyatt is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards so I took a look at their website for hotels. Low and behold Hyatt Pace in Moab had rooms for just 12,000 points per night. As a bonus we discovered it is also dog friendly.
We walked into the hotel and my son gushed repeatedly about it being such a luxury hotel. Hyatt Place is one of Hyatt’s mid-level properties. But this one was really nice. It looks like it is fairly new.
The little things do matter, especially to kids. We were there Easter weekend. And, the hotel had a sign out to keep an eye out for Easter eggs on Saturday and Sunday. As a big Easter fan, that won over our son immediately.
We do like Hyatt Places for their morning breakfast. Our kids love the buffets. We love the ease of it, as well as the cost savings of not having to take our family of four to a restaurant for breakfast.
The heated pool and large hot tubs have an excellent backdrop for relaxation for the parents. But there’s also plenty of space for games for the kids. As a family friendly hotel there were plenty of other kids with which to make friends, and play games in the water on a sunny day.
Hiking Moab with Dogs
While Arches National Park doesn’t allow dogs on the trails, there are plenty of places to hike with your furry family member. Just remember to bring water for them too. Even in early season it started to get hot by mid-day.
Dead Horse Point State Park
While visitors flock to Moab for Arches National Park, this state park is one you won’t want to miss. Dead Horse Point State Park is home to views that are reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. This state park is just about 20 to 30 minutes or so outside of Moab. There is a $20 entry fee per car. Once you enter the park you can drive basically all the way up to the overlook that boasts stunning views down to the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park below.
There are hiking and biking trails. But most people come for the view. The park is open year round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Though I understand that in winter the roads can be a bit iffy.
There’s a variety of campsites if you want to spend the night. We eyed the yurts as we were heading to the overlook, thinking that would be a fun place to stay. I did check and some do allow dogs. So this is another great option of dog-friendly places to stay in the Moab area if you are looking for more of a glamping experience.
Insider Tip: Moab has plenty of great options for glamping.
Fisher Towers
Fisher Towers was the first hike we took on this dog friendly Moab trip. We passed it taking the back and scenic way along the river to Moab. The cool rock formations caught our interest. So, we headed back first thing the next morning. Surprisingly we didn’t see too many other dogs along the trail.
With the dog and two kids in tow we didn’t plan to do the entire 5.2 mile out and back route. So, I was pleasantly surprised at the breathtaking views from the portion that we did hike. The trail is generally pretty easy to follow. But there were a couple of times that I veered off course. Quickly realizing that I did, it was fairly easy to backtrack to get back on the trail.
It also seems to be an area popular with rock climbers. Some were attempting to summit the peak of one of the highest rocks. It was fun to watch as the sun peaked over the towers of red rocks.
Bring plenty of water for both you and your pup. It gets hot and dry as the sun rises.
Corona Arch
If you come to Moab, you will want to see one of the famous arches up close. Corona Arch is the one to hike to with your dog. There is also a second arch, Bowtie Arch that we didn’t go up to. But you can see it from the trail to Corona Arch.
Again, bring water for both of you. It heats up quickly. About three miles in and back, there is a lack of shade.
I will say I was surprised how many other dogs we did see on this hike. There is one steep area, with a ladder for humans. But a dog would have to be quite talented to climb up it. I was glad our dog had her harness on so that she could could just scale the steep rock next to the ladder with a little support from me and the harness.
Dining in Moab with Dogs
Many restaurants in Moab offer outdoor dining. We found that most of the restaurants with a patio welcomed dogs on the patio even if it wasn’t advertised.
Moab Food Truck Park
The Moab Food Truck Park is set in a dirt parking lot where picnic tables and sun shades have been installed in the center. About any type of food truck that you could imagine circles the parking lot. One of us had tacos, one a hamburger and the other two Chinese food. What a great way to satisfy every preference and be able to bring you dog along. There were a couple of water bowls set in the seating area,
Arches Thai
Right next to the Moab Food Truck Park is Arches Thai. Our kids love Thai food so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. They have a cute patio out back that welcomes dogs.
The food is great, and service was even better. It was a bit windy and the staff was ever so helpful making sure we were doing okay as the only customers out on the patio.
Sunset Grill
The views and interesting history of Sunset Grill sold us on rushing in after our drive to get up to one of their outdoor decks for a sunset dinner. They don’t advertise being dog friendly. But we called and were told it was fine for her to join us on the patio.
Our waiter was entertaining and the views spectacular. We did find the food a bit lackluster for the high price. But all-in-all we had a good time here.
Is Moab Dog Friendly?
We found Moab quite dog friendly. Of course, you must plan on activities that include your dog, especially if you are staying at a hotel. Most ask that you not leave your dog in the room. And, you certainly don’t want to leave your dog in the car the way that the day can heat up quickly.
Many people bring their campers. I do think that is an ideal way to visit Moab. That way your furry family member has a comfortable place to stay if you want to go do an activity not conductive to them being included.
