Top 10 Pet-Friendly Destinations in the Southwest
Known for its arid climate, breathtaking views, and unique landscapes, the Southwest is a must-visit region—and it’s incredibly welcoming to dogs. From Phoenix to Lake Tahoe, here are the Southwest’s best places to explore with your pet.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is a sprawling desert metropolis packed with pet-friendly attractions. Jodie Snyder, author of “Happy Dog Phoenix,” notes that for seven months each year—October through April—the weather is ideal for walking, hiking, or running with your dog. “You’re never more than 30 minutes away from getting out into nature with your dog,” she says.
Head to South Mountain Park—the largest municipal park in the country—and hike up to Dobbins Outlook for one of the city’s most stunning panoramic views. For lodging, FurPetVo’s recommended choice is Hotel Palomar, a stylish, dog-friendly property offering plush pet beds, food and water bowls, and absorbent mats.
Grab lunch at Short Leash Hot Dogs, where dogs are welcome on the shaded patio and can enjoy water stations while you savor gourmet hot dogs served on naan. And don’t miss Gilbert’s Cosmo Dog Park—a nationally recognized 17-acre destination featuring a lake, four fenced play areas, pet drinking fountains, two dog-washing stations, and dedicated play zones.
Sedona, Arizona
With its iconic red rock formations and lush greenery, Sedona offers dramatic scenery perfect for scenic strolls with your dog. The city’s dog park sits beneath shady patios and benches, offering peaceful views of the surrounding landscape.
For upscale accommodations, L’Auberge de Sedona stands out as a luxurious, pet-friendly retreat. Guests stay in private cabins with patios, and upon arrival, dogs receive food, a cozy bed, water bowls, and a goodie bag filled with toys, treats, and biodegradable poop bags.
Sky Ranch Lodge is another top-rated option—just steps from the popular Airport Loop Hike and offering sweeping mountain vistas. After your adventure, unwind at Creekside Sedona, a modern American restaurant where dogs are welcome on the patio.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Art-centric Santa Fe—with its adobe architecture, lavender-scented air, and vibrant cultural spirit—is deeply welcoming to pets. At the heart of the city lies the historic Plaza, and just steps away is the boutique Hotel Chimayo. Its Southwestern-inspired rooms and inner courtyard provide both comfort and convenience for traveling dogs. Nearby parks offer ample sniffing and exploring opportunities.
For a one-of-a-kind souvenir, visit Back at the Ranch downtown to order custom-made cowboy boots featuring a portrait of your dog. When hunger strikes, head to The Shed—an iconic Plaza restaurant known for its legendary red chile dishes—where dogs are welcomed on the outdoor patio.
For exercise, hike to the Cross of the Martyrs for sweeping skyline views at sunrise or sunset. The Santa Fe Humane Society operates several well-maintained dog parks open daily from dawn to dusk. The Community Dog Park offers seven acres of open space, while Samantha’s Park of Small Dogs caters to dogs under 30 pounds. Three additional large-dog parks are reserved for single-use bookings—though the Humane Society asks visitors to limit stays to 30 minutes in private areas if others are waiting.
Don’t miss Canyon Road, a winding street lined with art galleries—including Alexandra Stevens Gallery of Fine Art, which offers custom dog portraits.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
As New Mexico’s largest city, Albuquerque boasts an impressive 94 dog-friendly hotels listed on furpetvo.com. According to Lauren Greer, social media manager for FurPetVo, their top pick is Hotel Andaluz—a stylish downtown property with Spanish flair that welcomes dogs of all sizes and features a pet-friendly rooftop bar.
The city also offers outstanding dog parks: Skyline Dog Park delivers panoramic mountain views from its fully fenced grounds, while North Domingo Baca Dog Park provides separate off-leash areas for small and large dogs, shaded seating, and lighting for evening visits.
For sightseeing, hop aboard the open-air ABQ Trolley tour—or explore parts of Petroglyph National Monument, one of North America’s largest petroglyph sites, where ancient symbols carved by Native Americans and Spanish settlers remain preserved on volcanic rock.
When it’s time to eat, Gecko’s Bar & Tapas serves up New Mexican favorites like green chili cheese fries on its pet-friendly patio, complete with fresh water and a special treat for your pup.
Park City, Utah
Nicknamed “Bark City” for its exceptional pet hospitality, Park City delivers world-class amenities—especially at the Waldorf Astoria. This luxury hotel provides in-room bowls and beds, homemade dog treats engraved with your pet’s name, and even 25-minute in-room canine massages performed by an on-property therapist.
Once settled, stroll down charming Main Street and relax with your dog on the patio of Atticus Coffee, Books & Teahouse. For something stronger, venture outside town to High West Distillery—the nation’s only ski-in distillery—where dogs join you on the patio while you enjoy craft whiskey and hearty burgers.
For outdoor activity, Willow Creek Dog Park features a dog-friendly pond, trails, and an agility course. Trailside Park offers mountain vistas, designated areas for small and large dogs, and a one-mile off-leash trail section where dogs can roam freely.
Colorado Springs
Located 60 miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs is framed by the majestic Rocky Mountains—and many of its top attractions warmly welcome leashed dogs. At The Broadmoor—the city’s most iconic resort—pets receive bedding, food bowls, a complimentary treat, and a dedicated dog menu. Guests can also walk their dogs across the hotel’s lush, landscaped grounds, complete with mountain views and a serene pond dotted with white swans.
Dogs are welcome at Garden of the Gods, where towering red sandstone formations invite close-up exploration. You can also drive up Pikes Peak—the most-visited mountain in North America—for awe-inspiring views from 14,000 feet. After descending, refuel at The Public House, where dogs enjoy the spacious, dog-friendly patio while owners dig into classic burgers and fries.
Aspen, Colorado
This refined mountain town shines with pet-friendly luxury—especially at The Little Nell, a five-star, five-diamond hotel offering premium amenities for dogs: personalized leashes, silver bowls, orthopedic beds, a specialty pet menu, and freshly baked dog bones from the pastry kitchen. Hotel valets are happy to take dogs for walks, and furry guests are even welcome in The Living Room lounge—where they can enjoy items from the dog menu while humans dine on gourmet cuisine.
Dog-friendly Wagner Park is just a short walk from the hotel. In summer, dogs can ride the gondola up Aspen Mountain for scenic hikes alongside their humans. For a challenging adventure, tackle Smuggler Mountain Road—an 800-vertical-foot ascent where dogs may go off-leash. For a gentler option, the Rio Grande Trail stretches 42 miles of paved, scenic paths perfect for relaxed strolls and longer adventures alike.
