From the Verde River greenway at our doorstep to the red-rock trails around Sedona, the Verde Valley is a dog's paradise on a leash. Here are the best leashed trails, where to buy the Red Rock Pass, and the one Sedona park that turns dogs away at the gate. Read the water and trail safety note first, then bring home a happy, dusty pup and book a fresh groom.
The Verde River and Oak Creek are the heart of it, but warm, still water can grow blue-green algae that is dangerous to drink, so keep your dog out of scummy or standing pools and rinse with clean water after a swim. On the trails, watch for rattlesnakes from spring through fall, carry water, and remember the valley floor heats up fast in summer even when Sedona and Flagstaff stay cool. Not sure about the heat today? Drop your dog with us for the day instead.
Sources: AKC, AVMA, Arizona Game & Fish, NPS Tuzigoot.
This one trips up a lot of visitors. Red Rock State Park in Sedona is a nature preserve that does not allow dogs, and the rule is strictly enforced. People drive thirty minutes with their dog and get turned away at the gate. It is easy to confuse with the Coconino National Forest red-rock trails, which DO allow leashed dogs, and with Slide Rock State Park down the canyon. If your plan includes Red Rock State Park, leave the dog with us for the day and enjoy the preserve, then pick up a freshly groomed pup on the way home.
Distances are approximate drive times from our shop on Cherry Street. Keep dogs leashed at six feet and pack out waste.
The local flagship. More than twenty miles of shared-use trails along the Verde River, with riparian forest, fishing lagoons and easy low loops. A small entry fee applies.
Or a play day →A short paved loop around a hilltop Sinagua pueblo with sweeping valley views and the Tavasci Marsh nearby. Leashed dogs welcome outside the visitor center. Little shade, so go early.
Or a play day →An easy, wide red-rock trail in the Village of Oak Creek with iconic Sedona views, about 3.6 miles. Coconino National Forest, so leashed dogs are welcome. Red Rock Pass needed to park.
Or a play day →About 3.4 miles to Chicken Point with classic red-rock scenery, a favorite Coconino National Forest hike. Leashed dogs welcome. Carry water; shade is limited.
Or a play day →A shaded, creekside trail north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon with many shallow water crossings, about 9.5 miles round trip. Cooler in summer, but watch the water and rinse off after.
Or a play day →A paved loop trail past the famous cliff dwelling near Camp Verde, with leashed dogs welcome outside the visitor center. A gentle, scenic option at the south end of the valley.
Or a play day →The Red Rock Pass is required at many Sedona trailheads, about 5 dollars a day, 15 a week, or 20 a year. Details from Coconino National Forest, Arizona State Parks and NPS Montezuma Castle. Confirm current fees and rules before you go.
We are right in the middle of the valley on Cherry Street, an easy stop on the way back from Sedona or Camp Verde. Wash off the red dust and creek mud with a fresh groom, or leave your pup for daycare while you hike the no-dog spots. Picked up some Verde Valley perfume? We do a de-skunk and de-odor treatment too. Palms out front, pines on the horizon, your dog gets the island treatment either way.
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Verde River and trail safety, before you hike
Important: Red Rock State Park does NOT allow dogs