When people think of Arizona, they think of one of two things: Western films or the Grand Canyon. But regular visitors to the Grand Canyon State know there is another golden nugget: Sedona.
Sedona is home to gorgeous red rock country and a wacky history of magnetic healing vortexes. It’s an excellent spot to add to your travel list, whether you plan to take a hike or just visit local shops. Question is, what’s the deal if you are traveling with a dog?
Not all places in Sedona are pet-friendly. And, if you’re hiking with a dog, you need to know the right trails.
Read on as we discuss everything you need to know if you bring a dog on vacation to Sedona.
General Guidelines for Traveling With a Dog
Good practice for those who bring a dog on vacation applies just as much to Sedona as anywhere else. By law, you must have your dog on a leash at all times in public. Unfortunately, you won’t be letting Fido roam around, even if strangers are friendly.
Depending on the size of your dog, we recommend holding them as long as you can. This gives you a better handle on anything they might be tempted to do.
Naturally, you are responsible for your dog’s behavior. Do everything in your power to prevent them from having a scrap with another furry friend. Don’t let them lick a stranger that didn’t ask for it.
Keep a roll of disposable black bags on hand. The second your dog does their business, clean it up. The hot sun could memorialize their poo on sidewalks and streets–and that’s to say nothing of the smell!
Considerations for Your Dog’s Comfort
Arizona is hot, and Sedona can often get quite close to 100°F in the summer months. It goes without saying that you should provide your dog with protective booties. Oven-hot concrete and asphalt can be quite painful for their delicate paws.
Further, keep a portable water bowl on hand and water to fill it with. Unlucky for us, dogs can’t speak English and say “I’m thirsty!” So pay close attention to how much they’re panting and keep them topped off with water.
Dog-Friendly Hotels
Sedona is way out there, so you’ll need a place to stay for the night. The city is, on the whole, friendly to those traveling with a dog. However, not every hotel is pet-friendly.
To make things easier, here are a few hotels ideal for traveling with a dog. Note, some hotels may charge you a pet fee, so check beforehand!
- Sky Ranch Lodge: luxury, couple-oriented, with the best views and open balconies
- The Wilde Resort and Spa: resort experience with full spa and dog-specific amenities
- Amara Resort and Spa: family-oriented, secluded resort that includes dog-sitting/walking services
- El Portal: luxury, artsy hacienda that accommodates families
- L’Auberge de Sedona: French resort with a spa and extra-special dog amenities
Pet-Friendly Restaurants
Sedona is as much about nature as gastronomy. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, many of which are pet-friendly. Here are a few options if you are traveling with a dog:
- The Secret Garden Cafe: simple fare with a great ambiance–primarily pet-friendly!
- Hideaway House: upscale resto with some excellent red-rock views
- Sedona Pizza Company: pizza for everyone, including vegans and those in need of gluten-free options
- Creekside: eclectic American cuisine with great views
Keep in mind, Sedona is wine country. It’s home to some amazing wine and beer tours, some of which are pet-friendly (hint hint, Wine Tours of Sedona). If you love a good Chardonnay, you can enjoy it and bring your four-legged friend along.
Hiking With a Dog
No trip to Sedona is complete without taking one of the many hiking trails. Sedona weather is much better than most places in Arizona, so you’re less likely to break a sweat. That said, not all trails are welcome for people hiking with a dog.
While traveling with a dog to Sedona, be aware of which hiking trails you can take. Here are a few options to get you started:
- Courthouse Butte Loop Trail: this 3.9-mile loop takes you around the famed Courthouse Rock
- Cathedral Rock Trail: climb up to the saddle of Sedona’s iconic Cathedral Rock for incredible views and an energy vortex
- Red Rock Crossing Trail: short and sweet walk with some wonderful views
- Devil’s Bridge Trail: 4.2 miles total to this famous sandstone arch, ideal for early morning/evening due to the lack of shade
- Slide Rock State Park: excellent place to swim and ride the natural water slides, with additional nature trails if you desire
How to Hike With a Dog
Hiking with a dog requires a bit of extra preparation. As we mentioned before, bring a water bowl and enough water for your dog. It never hurts to bring extra.
Remember, your dog has a coat of fur that it can’t take off. In Sedona, the heat is sometimes sweltering–especially on hiking trails–and this can feel like a furnace to them.
It pays to know how dogs cool off in hot weather. Rather than sweating like us humans, they use panting to regulate their body temperature. They also have sweat glands in their paws–so, take off their booties while on hiking trails.
Pay close attention to how your dog is doing at all times. If they slow down and start panting like crazy, they may need a break. Offer them water from the bottle; if they accept, pour more out into their bowl.
Find shade as much as you can. Make an effort not to push your dog beyond its limits. You’ll learn what those limits are and how to hike with a dog after the first loop!
Visit Wine Tours of Sedona
Sedona is a to-die-for bucket list destination, and it’s great for those traveling with a dog. Make sure you plan in advance on a pet-friendly hotel, and prepare for hiking with a dog. There are plenty of restaurants and wine tours that will gladly accommodate man’s best friend.
Wine Tours of Sedona does everything from raw chocolate tasting to red rock tours. Tell us what you would like to do in Sedona, and we will gladly accommodate. P.S., we love dogs and offer 10% off your tour price when you bring your dog!