Canine companions deserve to get out and explore Phoenix, too. For you, and the four-legged friends in your life, we've compiled a dog-friendly Phoenix guide to top hiking trails, parks and restaurant patios around the city.
Of course, pet-friendly hotels are also an important factor in your next visit and we have you covered on places to stay, too.
Before we get into pet-cifics, we're kicking this list off with a top attraction that's home to both trails and an excellent patio (Gertrude's). Check out Dog Days at the Garden, in both spring and fall, where the Desert Botanical Garden invites you to bring your pup along at no additional charge. The perfect op-paw-tunity to walk the trails, heel for photo ops and meet other dog lovers. Dog Days begin at 8 a.m. (7 a.m. for members) on select dates. The last dog admissions take place at 10:30 a.m., and the event ends at 11 a.m.
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
480-941-1225
Dog-Friendly Trails
Back to Top of ListWaterfall Canyon Trail in White Tank Mountain Regional Park
This well-maintained 1.9 mile hike through the White Tank Mountains offers easy activity for you and your pup. With an abundance of rocks to clamber over and a shallow pool perfect for a dip, dogs and owners alike can engage with the scenery (although only the humans might appreciate the ancient petroglyphs located throughout the trail). Parking at this regional park is $6.
13025 N. White Tank Mountain Road., Waddell
623-935-2505
Go John Trail in Cave Creek Regional Park
Rated as a moderate hike, this rocky trail loops through Cave Creek Regional Park and features impressive landscapes, blooming wildflowers and a forest of towering Saguaro cactuses. The incline makes it a desirable workout for trail runners, if you and your dog are up for a 5.9-mile race. Expect to pay $6 for parking.
37900 E. Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek
623-465-0431
Lost Dog Wash Trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Don’t let the name scare you away from tackling this trail: Follow the path and keep your dog leashed, and neither one of you will have to worry about getting lost. The Lost Dog Wash Trail offers a scenic stroll through a natural desert wash, and is suited for hikers of all skill levels and their pets. Fill up on water or rest your paws under shade ramadas at the trailhead facilities.
12601 N. 124th St., Scottsdale
480-998-7971
Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail in South Mountain Park/Preserve
Located in the country’s largest urban park, the Hidden Valley trail (accessible from Mormon Trail) boasts an exerting climb, gorgeous views of the valley, fascinating rock formations and tunnels, petroglyphs and an awesome photo opportunity at Fat Man’s Pass. This narrow passageway between two large, granite boulders dares hikers to try and squeeze through. If you or your pup won’t fit, there is a way around as well.
8610 S. 24th St., Phoenix
602-262-7393
Lookout Mountain Trail
This short (but sweet) 1-mile summit trail is a local favorite. Lookout Mountain features beautiful desert scenery without the large crowds you may find at nearby peaks. With a steady incline from start to finish, this trail is great for hikers and their canines looking to get some quick exercise without sacrificing the stunning views.
15800 N. 16th St., Phoenix
602-495-5458
Dog-Friendly Patios
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O.H.S.O.
O.H.S.O. offers the best of both worlds for dog owners: Spent grain from the restaurant’s craft brewing process at the Arcadia location is used to make homemade biscuits, so you and your dog can essentially enjoy the same treat while you kick back on the patio. The locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley are all beloved with pet owners enjoying craft brews, great happy hour deals and the company of other fine four-legged friends.
Postino WineCafé
For the humans: Monday or Tuesday after 8 p.m., get any house bottle of wine plus a board of bruschetta for $20. For the dogs: Pleasant smells, endless water bowl refills and plenty of affection. Postino has five dog-friendly locations throughout the Greater Phoenix region, all occupying trendily restored neighborhood buildings and offering Italian-style favorites.
Cibo Pizzeria
Pop in for a Neopolitan-style pizza, and enjoy a lush patio experience under the trees and globe lights with your dog. The ambiance and wine options will encourage you to stay a while in this slice of urban respite.
603 N. Fifth Ave., Phoenix
602-441-2697
Morning Squeeze
This brunch spot not only embraces your pet on the patio, but has developed a menu for them: While you're digging into "dream" omelet, waffles, eggs bennie and the rest, your pooch can choose from a lean chicken chow hound scramble, pup cakes pancakes with sausage gravy, and doggie biscuits.
4233 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-945-4669
Uncle Bear's Brewery
The namesake of this brewery was a well-traveled lab mix named Bear, and the restaurant itself is an ode to his favorite hangouts to relax after being on the go - garage, backyard and kicking back at home. You'll find milk bone-shaped tables, a fittingly pet-friendly patio and locally brewed craft beer (plus a big menu).
612 E. Germann Road, Gilbert
480-867-1585
32 Shea
Your furry friend may not understand your love of mimosas, but we do. Enjoy brunch at this local community gathering hotspot on their shady dog-friendly patio, which features a water station to keep dogs hydrated. The restaurant’s proximity to the Phoenix Mountains Preserve makes it a great spot to refuel and refresh after a hike.
10626 N. 32nd St., Phoenix
602-867-7432
The Farm Kitchen at The Farm at South Mountain
If you’re in the mood to soak up some sunny weather on a picnic, skip packing your own lunch and let The Farm Kitchen provide a fresh basket of food and scenery. Leashed dogs are welcome to sit with you in the farm’s pecan grove. Don’t skimp on dessert –the pecan pie is made from-scratch from the grove.
6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix
602-276-6360
Pedal Haus Brewery
This Tempe brewery is fresh from a remodel and boasts a massive patio. And what would a proper hangout spot be without the dogs? Enjoy some canine company in the dog-friendly area, play yard games, warm up at fire pits and enjoy the menu of food and craft beer. They even sell their own branded dog collars with a built-in bottle opener (now, that’s man’s-best-friend material).
Joe's Farm Grill
Nestled in the 12-acre Agritopia community and urban organic farms, Joe's Farm Grill features harvest from fruit, veggies and herbs grown outside its doors. The menu is stacked with fresh takes on comfort foods such as hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches and grilled pizza. Tip: Hit up nearby Cosmo Dog Park first, then bring your pup to relax in the grass here.
3000 E. Ray Road, Gilbert
480-563-4745
Haus Murphy's
Satisfy a hankering for pretzels, schnitzel and bratwurst at Historic Downtown Glendale's Haus Murphy, where authentic German fare is the claim to fame. If you opt for the outdoor table seating in the Biergarten, your dog can join you. Ask for a sausage for them!
5739 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
623-959-2380
Dog Parks
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Cosmo Dog Park
Take your friend for some fresh air and a swim at Cosmo Dog Park. Named after Gilbert’s first police dog, Cosmo’s signature feature is a large lake perfect for cooling off and chasing down water toys. The 17-acre park also features four separate fenced areas, some with agility structures, and two washing stations to get pets clean before the car ride home. Don’t forget towels.
2502 E. Ray Road, Gilbert
480-503-6200
Steele Indian School Park Dog Park
Located just north of Indian School Road in Central Phoenix, Steele Indian School Park is a great option for downtown dwellers. This park covers 2.5 acres of land and features amenities such as solar night lights, drinking fountains inside the off-leash areas and cute paw-shaped pathways.
North of the parking lot on the west side of Seventh Street, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix
602-495-0739
Papago Park
There are plenty of ways for you and your pup to explore Papago Park. You can keep the leash on and hit the trails that cross inside and around the distinct red butte formations, or choose to let your dog run free in the gated off-leash section located at the corner of College and Curry.
Park Access: 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
602-495-5458
Dog Park: 1000 N. College Ave., Tempe
480-350-5200
Chaparral Off Leash Area
Let your pet run free with like-minded friends in this 3-acre park’s designated active dog or passive dog areas. The sections all feature grassy lawns, benches, shade trees, water fountains and play structures. It’s a popular park, but the generous size gives pups some space to meet and greet, and is perfect for playing fetch with long throws.
5401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale
480-312-2353
Paseo Vista Dog Park
Grab a Frisbee and head on over to Paseo Vista Recreational Area. The dog park’s large size and clean grounds make it a local favorite, and suited for dogs of all shapes and sizes to enjoy some running room. If you’re looking to stretch your legs too, the nearby Consolidated Canal pathway is accessible from the park.
3850 S. McQueen Road, Chandler
480-782-2754
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