A Dog’s Guide to Sedona

• Discover scenic, dog-friendly Sedona trails, including Adobe Jack, Boynton Canyon, Bell Rock Pathway and Crescent Moon Ranch.
• Dine and explore together at pet-friendly patios, restaurants with dog menus, and welcoming shopping areas such as Tlaquepaque and Uptown Sedona.
• Stay at Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel, one of the most distinctive pet friendly hotels in Sedona AZ, with private Atriums, rooftop terraces, and canine amenities.

Sedona is a dog-friendly destination, where much of daily life unfolds outdoors. Surrounded by 1.8 million acres of Coconino National Forest and more than 200 miles of trails, it offers ample opportunity for travelers and their pets to explore the landscape together. For those seeking pet-friendly hotels in Sedona, the ideal stay combines easy access to nature with canine amenities and a restorative place to return to at day’s end.  

When you stay at Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel, you and your furry friend can begin the day with an early hike on a trail beside the hotel, linger over lunch on a shaded patio in town after browsing Sedona’s art galleries, and return in time for sunset drinks on your private rooftop terrace.

Set within Sedona’s red-rock and forest terrain, Ambiente offers a peaceful base for exploring the outdoors. Its freestanding, elevated Atriums are positioned to feel private and secluded, while floor-to-ceiling windows open onto expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Each Atrium also features a private rooftop terrace for taking in Sedona’s shifting light and dramatic skies.

Among dog friendly hotels in Sedona AZ, Ambiente stands apart for its contemporary design, intimate scale and connection to the landscape. Its West Sedona location places guests close to trails, restaurants, and shops, minimizing time in the car and leaving more of the day to explore together.

Travelers who want a dog-friendly hotel Sedona escape with a more elevated sense of place will be pleased to find that Ambiente offers canine amenities like dog beds and bowls that can be placed in the Atrium before arrival, as well as pet-waste bags for walks along the adjacent trail. Dogs are welcome to share your Atrium for a $250 fee which is used for deep-cleaning after departure. Because of allergy considerations, the hotel is currently unable to accommodate cats.

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Sedona

Sedona’s trail system offers many options for canine adventurers. Dogs should remain leashed for their own safety and to protect native wildlife and fragile desert vegetation. Red Rock State Park, however, does not allow pets other than service animals in order to protect its habitat and wildlife. Dogs are permitted on the Sedona Shuttle, but they must be leashed and muzzled.

For sensitive paws, look for trails with hard-packed red earth or sand, and avoid routes involving jagged rock, steep scrambles, or prolonged exposure to the sun. These four trails are some of the gentler, dog-friendly options in Sedona.

Adobe Jack Trail is adjacent to Ambiente hotel, so you and Fido can leash up and walk out after your morning coffee. The trail is a smooth, compacted dirt path that winds through desert washes and juniper forests. It connects with several other trails, making it easy to tailor the length to your dog’s energy level and your available time.

Boynton Canyon is beautiful for a longer adventure, passing through open red-rock country before entering a more sheltered canyon environment and a major vortex site centered around a spire known as Kachina Woman. The approximately six-mile route is largely hard-packed sand but you can turn back at any point along this out-and-back trail. 

Bell Rock Pathway is a broad trail that’s well suited for a moderate dog walk. Rather than attempting the steep climb onto Bell Rock, just follow the lower trails and you’ll still have tremendous views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, both of which are major vortex sites. There’s very little shade on this trail, so sunrise or late afternoon hikes are best.

Crescent Moon Ranch offers a greener contrast to Sedona’s desert terrain, with a lush riparian setting and classic views of Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek. In cooler weather, dogs may enjoy splashing through the shallow water. Bring a towel for wet paws, and do not assume creek water is safe to drink. Carry plenty of fresh water for both you and your dog.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Sedona

Many Sedona restaurants welcome dogs on their patios and can also provide them with drinking water. Several go further, offering dedicated canine menus.

Creekside American Bistro combines red-rock views with seasonal breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, along with a dedicated Doggie Deck menu. Canine selections have included steak tartare, cheddar omelet with turkey jerky, venison stew, and chicken-jerky cookies, served with cold filtered water.

Mesa Grill, located atop Airport Mesa at the Sedona Airport, offers views of small aircraft take-offs and landings against a backdrop of red rock formations. Dogs are welcome on the patio and can order from their own menu. After dining, take a scenic drive along the ridge for panoramic views of Sedona.

The Secret Garden Café is tucked inside Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Their patio is shaded by mature trees and is a lovely spot for lunch. The kitchen can prepare simple dog-friendly proteins such as a plain patty, sliced turkey or chicken. From the nearby parking area, look across the horizon for Snoopy Rock, the red-rock formation resembling the cartoon dog reclining on top of his doghouse.

After lunch, take a leisurely walk through Tlaquepaque. Designed around courtyards, fountains, stone walkways and shaded passageways, the open-air arts and crafts shopping market is designed to look like a historic Mexican village. 

Uptown Sedona is another enjoyable place for an unhurried stroll, particularly during the quieter morning hours. Many businesses place water bowls outside, though policies on allowing pets indoors vary by shop.

Sedona’s dry climate and high elevation require extra care for both dogs and their owners. Carry more water than you expect to need, bring a collapsible bowl, and test the ground with the back of your hand before allowing your dog to walk on exposed rock or pavement. During warmer months, plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening, when both the air and the trails are cooler.

After a day exploring Sedona, Ambiente’s private Atriums offer a welcome retreat. As the desert light softens, head to the rooftop terrace to watch the sunset, then settle onto the patio of Restaurant Forty1 and enjoy a cool drink and farm-to-table dinner with your loyal friend by your side.

Another night, you may decide to hang up the leash and take a long soak in your Atrium’s Hinano tub. Order dinner to be delivered on the rooftop and spend the evening stargazing. Sedona is an International Dark Sky Community and the stars are bright here. In summer, you might spy constellations like Canes Venatici (The Hunting Dogs), and in winter, Canis Major (The Greater Dog).

With your beloved dog beside you, Ambiente offers a memorable way to experience Sedona together.

Written by: Babs Harrison

Edited by: Brenna Darling de Cruz