Whether you’re an AZ native or just visiting for a couple of days, if you have your furry friend with you, you need to check out these hiking spots! They are all approved for pets and I made sure to include the difficulty level of each trail referenced in the article, so you know what you’re getting into ahead of time!

Rillito River Park

Located in Tucson, AZ, this trail is for those of you who want to take your pet for a stroll, but not necessarily trek through the woods to do it! Rillito River Park is a multi-acre park that provides paved walkways that zigzag across the landscape for beautiful scenic views! Keep in mind, this is Arizona, so the paved walkways do get hot in the summer months! If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to hit this trail in the morning or evening when it’s cooler so your furry friends’ feet don’t burn!

South Mountain

One of my personal favorite hiking spots is South Mountain, located in Phoenix, AZ. South Mountain is located behind residential areas, but don’t let that fool you! This path swerves up and down through the hills of the beautiful dessert. It is not paved and is very rocky. This path is also known for its wildlife (snakes, scorpions, etc.) but as long as you stay on the trail itself, you and your pet are perfectly safe! They recommend keeping your pet on a leash, but it is not required, just keep a close eye! South Mountain offers several trails with varying difficulty levels so just be sure you view the map before hitting a trail!

Coconino National Forest

This Flagstaff forest is ideal for anyone who loves an array of scenic views! Although it is titled as a nationalforest, Coconino actually offers both traditional forest views (pine trees, shrubbery, bushes, etc.) as well as stunning red rock mountain views. It’s ideal for photographers and adventure seekers alike! The trail itself isn’t all too hard to maneuver and is clearly marked! You just have to keep your dog on a 6ft leash due to the wildlife!

Blue Wash Trail

If you (or your dog) are water-bugs, you have to go to Blue Wash Trail in Cave Creek, AZ. Although long, this trail is easy to walk and the beginning of it is even paved. The best part of this trail isn’t even the beautiful mountains that you get to walk through, it’s that at the end of it, there’s a natural waterfall that is perfect for cooling off in! Dogs are not required to be leashed here unless they are aggressive, and you may even run across some people riding horses along the way, which is pretty neat!

If none of these suits your interest, take a peek at Lookout Mountain in Phoenix, The Grand Canyon, or Slide Rock State Park in Sedona! No matter where you take your pup, they are sure to love the beautiful trails, getting some exercise, chasing some leaves, and enjoying quality time with you!