BringFido’s Ruff Guide to Utah

Posted by Jason Halliburton

Thinking of journeying with your Jack Russell on a trip to Utah? If so, he’ll be one happy dog. The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the dog-friendliest things to do in the Beehive State, as well as the rest of the country. And we've assembled it all in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Order your copy today and save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code BEEHIVE.

For a preview of the book, here are a few of our editors' top picks for dog-friendly things to do in Utah:

Experience the Natural Beauty

Brigham City, UT
"Is it Bear River or Bare River?" Photo by @livipulsi

You and your canine companion can witness all the beauty and wonder nature has to offer at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, located just west of Brigham City on the northeastern arm of the Great Salt Lake. Established in 1928, this 74,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge is the permanent and winter home to over 270 species of birds. Pack your camera and take the 12-mile Auto Tour that loops through the refuge’s native wetlands to observe and photograph countless feathered friends in their natural habitat, including American White Pelicans, Black-necked Stilts, and Tundra Swans. Although not allowed inside the refuge’s Wildlife Education Center, Fido can stretch his legs on the 1.5-mile walking trail located behind the facility. The Auto Tour Loop is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, road conditions and weather permitting.

After your four-legged ornithologist puts away his binoculars, drive three miles to the Best Western Brigham City Inn & Suites for a restful night’s stay. The hotel features modern rooms with separate sitting areas, refrigerators, and complimentary Wi-Fi. You can take a dip in the indoor pool, enjoy a soothing soak in the on-site hot tub, and fill up each morning at the complimentary breakfast buffet.

Adventure on a Custom Tour of Kanab

Kanab, UT
"I'm keeping all four paws and my tail on the ground!" Photo by @ff_hughes

With so many natural wonders in the Kanab area, choosing the best way to spend your time there can be challenging. Let the team at Dreamland Safari Tours help you plan the best adventure for you and your pup. The company offers more than 30 different day tour options and can customize a trip that suits your interests. Where else can you hike through a mystical slot canyon, hunt for petroglyphs, and walk in the footsteps of a dinosaur? If you’re lucky enough to get your paws on a permit to hike to the famous ‘Wave’ in the Paria Canyon Wilderness, Dreamland Safari Tours can guide you there. If not, your furkids will love playing at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Just be prepared for a bumpy offroad 4x4 adventure through deep sand.

Steeped in retro 1960s era charm, the Quail Park Lodge in Kanab has the vibe of a traditional roadside motel but offers some upscale amenities you’d only expect in a higher-end hotel. All rooms include plush bedding, spa-quality bath products, and pillow-top mattresses with triple-sheeted bedding. Pet blankets are provided, and there is an on-site pet relief area.

Explore the Colorado River

Moab, UT
Doggy paddle on the Colorado River. Photo by @panamacas

Let your dog paddle the Colorado River with Moab Rafting & Canoe Company. Whether you and your canine compadre plan to paddle the rapids to the edge of Arches National Park in a single afternoon or set off on a multi-day adventure with overnight camping, the staff at Moab Rafting & Canoe Company will help you design the perfect trip. Choose from a variety of self-guided excursions and outfit your canoe with everything you need for the trip. Camping gear rentals include coolers, sleeping bags, tents, dry bags, water jugs, and more. You can even rent a ‘Full Kitchen Box’ with everything you’ll need to prepare meals along the river (except the food). Overnight trips are suitable for humans with moderate wilderness skills and pups with some camping experience. Rates for self-guided trips vary based on the length of your expedition.

Hit the roaring rapids and then go glamping at Under Canvas Moab. From March to October, pups can join you beneath the desert skies in a luxury tent outfitted with a wood-burning stove, private bathroom, and hot shower. Nestled in the shadow of the towering redstone plateaus of Arches National Park, it’s the perfect spot to relax and stargaze in solitude.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Photo by Linda Segerfeldt


If this Ruff Guide to Utah preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our new book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use discount code BEEHIVE to save 50% on your copy. Happy Travels!

Have you been to dog-friendly Utah? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @pbj_pack.