We left Kanab, Utah on a rainy morning to set off for the next destination on our Midwest USA Road Trip. This next leg of our journey brought us briefly through Arizona and though our time there was short–just one night–it packed a punch, filled with scenic wonders, delicious food, and magical memories.
From Kanab to the Grand Canyon: Scenic Stops Along the Way
We journeyed south toward the Grand Canyon, making a couple of remarkable stops en route. First was a hidden gem behind a gas station in Page. This unassuming spot surprised us with its Instagram-worthy views, making it a perfect pit stop for both humans and pups. Best of all, it is super accessible (only a 5 minute walk) and completely free.
We also treated ourselves to a Navajo Taco sold at the rest stop, made on delicious Navajo fry bread and covered in toppings. This alone would have been worth the stop!
We unfortunately weren’t able to make a stop at the famous Antelope Canyon due to stormy weather. We had hoped to kayak or boat in with the dogs. But we will just have to make another visit in future!
Our second stop was the breathtaking Horseshoe Bend. The short hike to this iconic spot was well worth the view and even the Tricksters seemed to grasp the grandeur of the canyon as we admired the sweeping curves of the Colorado River. Although there is a small entrance fee, it is well worth it for the impressive views,. If you’re afraid of heights though, beware! There is only a small section that has a rail and the drop is dizzying.
Exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
The entirety of our 2024 Midwest USA road trip was inspired by a simple yet thrilling idea: how amazing would it be to bring our dogs to the Grand Canyon? Well, we finally made it a reality.
We chose to visit the South Rim which is dog-friendly on the trails surrounding the canyon, though pets are not permitted within the canyon itself. We were grateful for the opportunity to explore with our Shibes at our sides. Raven showed a healthy caution for getting anywhere near the edge of the canyon but Loki, always the bold one, was happy to perch on the rim and take in the view. Honestly, I think he was looking for chipmunks to chase. We made sure to keep a firm grip on his leash.
That evening, we took in one of the most magnificent sunsets we’ve ever seen. The interplay of light and shadow across the vast expanse of the canyon was nothing short of magical, a perfect capstone to our brief but unforgettable Arizona adventure. After watching the sun go down, unseasonably cold temperatures sent us scurrying back to our hotel for the night–The Red Feather Lodge: a rare find with a three dog limit!
The South Rim is located within Grand Canyon National Park and so like the other National Parks we visited, there are strict rules for bringing pets. Some essential rules and tips for visiting the Grand Canyon with dogs include:
- Pets are allowed on the paved trails above the rim and in developed areas but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- Dogs are not allowed below the rim, inside buildings, or on shuttle buses.
- Always bring water and clean up after your pet.
- Be mindful of the weather, as temperatures can vary drastically.
We entered the park using our America the Beautiful Pass, which we had purchased earlier in Yellowstone. With three national park stops our itinerary, the cost of the pass paid off. It even allowed us to take a shorter route through the park and along the rim to reach our hotel—a small but appreciated perk.
Fun Facts About the Grand Canyon:
- The Grand Canyon is more than 445 kilometres long and over 1.6 kilometres deep in some areas, showcasing nearly two billion years of Earth’s geological history.
- It’s considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- The canyon creates its own weather due to its size and depth, leading to varying conditions at different points.
- The South Rim is open year-round, while the North Rim closes during the winter months. The South Rim also has more dog-friendly paths to walk on.
- Native Americans have lived in and around the Grand Canyon for thousands of years; it remains a sacred site to many tribes, including the Hopi, Navajo, and Havasupai.
Final Thoughts
Arizona may have been just a single night on our itinerary, but it left a lasting mark on our journey. From scenic stops to tasty Navajo Tacos to the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, this leg of our trip was a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are born from a passing thought. As we drove away with tired Shibas snoozing in the backseat, we knew this would be a story to tell for years to come.
Have you explored the Grand Canyon or other dog-friendly destinations with your furry companions? Share your experiences in the comments below!
The Trickster Shibes 
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