The Grand Canyon is on most travelers’ list of places to visit. And there’s a reason.
There is no place like it.
When we started full-time travel, we looked forward to camping at The Grand Canyon National Park. There are some adjustments you will have to make in order to bring your dog with you, but it’s an experience that will be worth it.
We made reservations weeks ahead at the Trailer Village RV Park. Trailer Village RV Park is the only in-park RV park with full hookups and it’s incredibly close to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Set within a high desert landscape, the Trailer Village RV Park has paved pull-through sites which are perfect for vehicles up to 50 feet long. It is also open year round and most importantly, allows pets.
This campground is an authorized concessioner of the park.
If you have a shorter RV or tent and do not require any hookups, you can also stay at the Mather Campground. Reservations are strongly recommended from mid-March through mid-November and can be made here.
Are the campgrounds full of amenities and activities? Absolutely not. But you are visiting the Grand Canyon to explore. We thought of our campsite as a home-base for dinner and campfires. Plus, you’ll be able to meet lots of wildlife visiting the campground too!
Hiking on the paved, South Rim Trail is a dog friendly activity you will both love. Views you will never experience anywhere else is yours to be had on this trail. Great for elderly dogs, hike as little or as much as you want. Be aware that at times, this trail is very popular. So we tried to stay away from shuttle areas which were more congested.
Peanut Butter Brickle and Digby Pancake’s List Of Why You Should Take Your Dog to Grand Canyon National Park
• The Trail Of Time! The Trail of Time is a relatively flat 2.83 mile long paved walk. It is designed to be a geologic timeline. Each meter walked on the timeline trail signifies one million years of Grand Canyon’s geologic history. Walking the trail gives you an appreciation for the magnitude of geologic time. Bronze markers mark your location in time; every tenth marker is labeled in millions of year! Along the timeline trail are a series of rocks and exhibits that explain how Grand Canyon and its rock formed.
• Standing near a lookout on the South Rim Trail will bring you closer together. You will truly feel small and inspired.
• Campground to relax at in the evening time. Wildlife to look at and able to walk to the lodges and explore the grounds outside.
Boy Person and Girl Person’s List Of Why You Should Take Your Dog to Grand Canyon National Park
• Seeing the expressions on our dogs’ faces when they looked out over the Grand Canyon was something we will never forget.
• The Trailer Park campground is within walking distance to Grand Canyon Village and lodge where WiFi is available if needed.
• Being able to camp with the dogs within the park enabled us to do a few trails ourselves without wasting time driving.
• Most tourists only spend five to seven hours at the Grand Canyon. Camping at the park let’s you slow down and truly appreciate where you are.
Where can I visit with my pet at Grand Canyon National Park?
Pets must be leashed (up to 6 feet) at all times.
On the South Rim, leashed pets are allowed on trails above the rim, Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, Trailer Village, and throughout developed areas.
Yavapai Lodge is the only in-park lodge that has pet friendly rooms.
Pets are not permitted:
Below the rim (inner canyon trails).
On park shuttle buses.
On the North Rim, leashed pets are only allowed on the bridle trail (greenway) that connects the North Kaibab Trail, and the portion of the Arizona Trail north to the park entrance station.
At Tuweep, leashed pets are only allowed on established roads and the campground.
Doing your research ahead of time to know what you want to see and including your dog if allowed is key. Yes, there is a kennel available at the park. But perhaps take the time to do activities with your dog you may normally not do.
Truly appreciate what you see and not rush to see it all. We all have limited time with our dogs. Make their trips count.
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