Red Canyon, Utah

Exploring Red Canyon: The Dog-Friendly Version of Bryce Canyon

 

Looking for a breathtaking, dog-friendly adventure in Southern Utah?  Welcome to Red Canyon, a magical, lesser-known gem often called the "dog-friendly Bryce Canyon."  Here, you'll be completely immersed in a world of fiery red rock, surreal formations, and hiking trails where your furry companions are welcome!

 

Where is Red Canyon?  Red Canyon is located in the Dixie National Forest, just off Highway 12, about 13 miles west of Bryce Canyon National Park.  It's easy to reach, beautifully maintained, and an absolute must-see for travelers who want to experience those iconic Utah red rock formations without the crowds, and with their dogs by their side.

 

Coordinates for GPS: Red Canyon Visitor Center - 5375 UT-12, Panguitch, UT 84759 (37.745361, -112.319583)

 

Why Red Canyon Feels So Magical?  The moment you step out of your car, it hits you:  The air smells like pine and all around you are towering crimson cliffs and dramatic spires glowing under the vast desert sun.  It feels like stepping into another world:  silent, sacred, and alive.  The colors are so intense they don't seem real, fierce reds, deep oranges, golden yellows, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the canyon seems to catch fire with light.

 

And best of all? You and your dogs can roam freely on the trails wiith a grounding connection to nature. The feeling?  Pure awe, Unfiltered joy!

 

Top Dog-Friendly Hikes in Red Canyon:

 

1. Arches Trail

Distance: 0.7 mi (1.1 km) loop (in summer; ~2 mi in winter)

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

• Short loop that threads through a red-rock cove studded with 15 small arches and hoodoos
• Superb for quick outings, families, or pups needing a brisk morning romp
• Inspiring viewpoints from the "arch gallery" rim overlooking the canyon

2. Pink Ledges - Hoodoos - Photo Loop

Distance: ~2.3 mi (3.7 km) loop

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights:

• Combines three trails (Pink Ledges, Hoodoo, Photo Trail) 
• Versatile start/stop points let you tailor length and timing
• Best hiked early morning to watch the red rock glow in golden light

3. Bird's Eye Trail

Distance: ~0.8 mi (1.3 km) round-trip. However, you can follow the ridgeline to the entrance of Red Canyon for a custom experience

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

• A gently ascending loop that skirts the rim for aerial views over the canyon floor and hoodoos
• Panoramic "bird's-eye" perspectives ideal for sunrise or sunset photography
• See the towering "King's Castle" spire rising like a fortress in stone

Red Canyon is pure happiness,  not just for us humans, but for our dogs too.  Wide open spaces, jaw-dropping scenery, no "No Dogs Allowed" signs - only endless trails of possibility!  Each of these trails showcase a different facet of Red Canyon's magic:  Towering spires, sweeping overlooks, hidden arches and castle-like formations, all in a dog friendly setting.  Lace up your boots and leash up the pups to discover which one becomes your favorite Red Canyon escape!  

See you on the next adventure!

Love,

The Team