Four-Legged Friends Welcome! Discover the Beauty of Pet-Friendly Sedona with the Whole Family

Nestled in the heart of Arizona, the small city of Sedona is a must-see destination offering breathtaking natural beauty, a plethora of outdoor activities, a thriving arts-and-culture scene, and much more. While Sedona is sure to captivate human visitors, the city also has a reputation for being proudly pet-friendly, ensuring that a trip to Sedona will be an incredible experience for all members of the family.

Outdoor Adventures with Pets

Renowned for its stunning red rock formations, Sedona is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The area boasts a wide variety of hiking trails, with options suitable for all skill levels. Many of these trails are pet-friendly, allowing visitors to explore the enchanting landscapes alongside their four-legged friends. For example, popular options like West Fork Trail, Margs Draw, and Bell Rock Pathway offer easy-to-moderate treks that provide human and canine hikers alike with a close-up view of Sedona’s iconic scenery. Leashed dogs are also welcome at Slide Rock State Park, a refreshing destination that is named for a natural, smooth-bottomed “water slide” in Oak Creek.

In West Sedona, visitors will find a more low-key outdoor experience to enjoy with their pets: an amazing new dog park with breathtaking vistas of the red rocks. The park features separate areas for large dogs, small dogs, and senior dogs, as well as an expansive, completely fenced natural area—perfect for safely hiking off-leash!

For those who would prefer to explore Sedona by vehicle, jeep tours—which carry passengers to off-the-beaten-path destinations not accessible by most cars—offer the ideal balance of comfort and ruggedness. Many local jeep tour companies allow well-behaved pets to accompany their owners on these exciting excursions.

While Sedona’s landscape can be mesmerizing, it is always important to make safety a priority when exploring the outdoors—particularly when pets are involved. For example, be sure that pets have access to adequate food and water, consider carrying a first-aid kit, and remain vigilant about hazardous terrain and other animals that could pose a threat. Taking proper precautions will ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure for both humans and pets.

Exploring Sedona’s Arts and Culture Scene

After a long day on the trails, visitors and their furry companions can enjoy a relaxing stroll through Uptown Sedona. As the heart of Sedona’s vibrant artistic community, Uptown is teeming with galleries, boutiques, and a diverse selection of restaurants with cuisines for every palate. Many of these restaurants offer pet-friendly patios.

In the nearby Historic Arts District, visitors will find a bounty of additional shopping and dining options at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, which was built to reflect the charm of a traditional Mexican village. Leashed dogs are welcome to accompany their humans as they meander along Tlaquepaque’s magical cobblestone paths.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Sedona

When traveling with pets, finding a hotel that truly welcomes them—rather than merely accepting them—is the key to an enjoyable trip. El Portal Sedona Hotel, a twelve-suite luxury boutique inn located just steps from Tlaquepaque, proudly welcomes guests and their pets. As Sedona’s original pet-friendly hotel, El Portal never charges pet fees and is committed to providing personalized concierge service for all guests, both human and animal alike.

Upon arrival, pets will receive a welcome basket that includes a blanket, treats, and waste bags. Throughout their stay, pets can enjoy over 1,000 square feet of dog-friendly patio spaces, while their owners admire the hotel’s unique architecture and décor, which has been described by Sunset Magazine as having a “rustic elegance that beautifully captures the romance of the Southwest.” El Portal – a AAA Four Diamond Hotel – has also received acclaim specifically for its love of pets. For instance, Dogster Magazine has named El Portal the second most dog-friendly hotel in the country, and USA Today and 10Best.com ranked it number one in the “Best Pet-Friendly Hotel” category.

To learn more about what El Portal and Sedona have to offer guests and their pets, please visit https://elportalsedona.com/.