Utah is known for the greatest snow on earth and is also a hiker’s paradise. Salt Lake City is the capital city and is located in northern Utah. It is nestled at the bottom of beautiful snow-capped mountains and is the perfect place to explore with your four-legged best friend.
Whether you want to get out and hike in the mountains, relax with a day at the pool, or meander your way through the mall, Salt Lake City is a great place to enjoy with your dog.
This guide will tell you all of the best things to do, places to visit, and places to stay with your pup in Salt Lake City….plus a unique bonus activity that is located just a short drive outside of the city!
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love 🙂
Side Note: This post was written by Elizabeth (with the help of her pup of course), a local of Salt Lake City, UT. This way you can ensure you are reading the BEST dog-friendly guide to SLC. Locals know best! Read more about Elizabeth and her pup at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
Dog-friendly Salt Lake City Highlights
Short on time? Check out this quick list of the dog-friendly Salt Lake City highlights. Save the map for easy planning!
- Dog-friendly Things to do: Hiking in Millcreek Canyon, Swimming at Barley’s Canine Recreation Center, Explore Memory Grove Park, Farmer’s Market at Wheeler Farm, & Gondola Ride at Snowbasin Resort
- Dog-friendly Shops: City Creek Center, Salt and Honey Market, & Weller Book Works
- Dog-friendly Restaurants: Trolly Wing Company, Fisher Brewing Company, & Handle Bar
- Dog-friendly Hotels in SLC: Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Hilton SLC Center, & Sheraton Salt Lake City
Dog-friendly Things to Do in Salt Lake City
From epic hikes to city parks, there are plenty of dog-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. Here are my favorites!
1. Hike Millcreek Canyon
- Cost: $5 per car to get into the canyon
- Hours: 8am-10pm
- Physical Address: 3800 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124
Utah is famous for the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, and if you enjoy being outside, you do not want to miss a chance to hike these amazing trails in Millcreek Canyon with your dog. There are over 20 dog-friendly trails of varying difficulty that you and your pup can explore.
These trails are fun in the summer, especially if you go to Dog Lake so you and your pooch can enjoy cooling down at the top of the hike before heading back down to the car. My dog also enjoys hiking in the winter and playing in the snow.
There are several other canyons near Salt Lake City (such as Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood), but they are in water-shed areas and dogs are not allowed up them.
Make sure to keep an eye on your dog while hiking. I attempted to hike the Wind Caves with my dog and she got overheated and she almost had to be carried off the mountain.
Insider Tip: On even-numbered days, dogs must remain on their leash at all times. On odd-numbered days, dogs are allowed off-leash on trails.
2. Barley’s Canine Recreation Center
- Cost: $25 for first visit, then $17 each time after that
- Hours: 7am-7pm M-F, Sat 9am-5pm, Closed Sunday
- Physical Address: 2827 S 2300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
Barley’s Canine Recreation Center is conveniently located just off of I-80 and is every dog’s dream! It has a large heated pool that is open year-round. There are even life jackets for your pup if they need a little extra help to swim.
There is also an indoor agility course, perfect to get all of that energy out when the weather isn’t great outside…and who knows, you might discover a new talent.
There is also an open area where you can play fetch or just let your pooch run around.
3. Memory Grove Park
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 8am-10pm
- Physical Address: 300 N Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Located just down the hill from the capitol building in Salt Lake City, is Memory Grove Park. This park has lots of trails and is blocked off at the entrance, so no cars can drive in the park. There are many trails to explore with your pup, but the highlight for most is the off-leash dog area.
In the off-leash area, dogs can enjoy playing in the creek and romping around with other friends. The area is shaded with many trees, making it a pleasant place to visit in the summer.
Insider Tip: The off-leash area is not fenced off. If your dog is like mine, just enjoy the trails with the leash on so you don’t have to chase your dog through the streets of Salt Lake City.
4. Wheeler Farm
- Cost: Depends on the activity
- Hours: Dawn to Dusk
- Physical Address: 6351 S 900 E, Murray, UT 84121
Wheeler Farm is a working farm that always has something exciting to explore. Make sure to check out their schedule and pick something you and your pup will enjoy. Visit on Sunday for a farmer’s market and picnic or visit for one of their seasonal activities.
Your dog must remain on a leash at all times unless you are there for a special dog activity such as the Easter Dog Bone Hunt.
5. Snowbasin Resort (Bonus Dog-friendly Activity near Salt Lake City)
- Cost: $25
- Hours: 10am-5pm
- Physical Address: 3925 E. Snowbasin Road, Huntsville, UT 84317
Snowbasin Resort is 50 minutes north of Salt Lake City, but it is such a unique experience, I have to put it on the list. Take your pup on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and ride the gondola to the top of the mountain. Once at the top, you can go for a hike on any of the trails or just chill and enjoy the view.
If riding a gondola isn’t for you, visit on a Sunday and you and your fur-baby can relax and hang out on the lawn for Snowbasin’s Blues, Brews, and BBQ concerts in the summer.
You may also like: One Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah
Dog-friendly Shops in Salt Lake City
Shopping WITH your pup?! Sign me up! Here are the best dog-friendly stores in Salt Lake City.
1. City Creek Center
- Hours: 10am-8pm M-Th, 10am-9pm F-Sa, Closed Sunday
- Physical Address: 50 South Main Street, Salt Lake City UT 84101
Situated at the heart of downtown Salt Lake City across the street from Temple Square, City Creek Center is a large shopping mall that is dog-friendly. Enjoy strolling in this covered area with your pup, perfect for those hot days or bad weather.
There is a small creek running through the middle of the mall, which my dog hopped right in because she is used to playing in the water when we visit places such as Second Dam. My dog also loves watching the fountains…I’m not sure if she is fascinated by the fountains or if she is plotting how to get in there and play in the water.
Make sure to check out which stores are dog-friendly before you go so you can enjoy your time there.
2. Salt & Honey Market
- Hours: 11am-6pm
- Physical Address: 926 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, Utah 84105
You will love your visit to the cute market with so many local items to buy. Your dog must remain on a leash while in the store, but you will both enjoy wandering around and seeing all of the unique things for sale. They even frequently have dog accessories that you will quickly realize you need to go home with.
3. Weller Book Works
- Hours: 10am-8pm
- Physical Address: 607 Trolley Sq, Salt Lake City, UT 84102
As much as I love cute markets with local items, I am a sucker for books. I could spend all day wandering around Weller Book Works located downtown in Trolley Square. There are so many books to look through (or smell…as my dog would say).
Weller Book Works even has one of those sliding ladders all of the posh private libraries have. There is a little reading corner, but it is not the ideal spot to curl up and read with your pup. It’s best to find the books you want and then curl up at home to read them.
Dog-friendly Restaurants in Salt Lake City
Ahhh, my favorite part….dog-friendly restaurants in Salt Lake City. There’s not much that beats relaxing at a great dog-friendly patio after a good ol’ hike.
1. Trolly Wing Company
- Hours: 10am-1am
- Physical Address: 2148 S 900 E #5, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Just around the corner from Weller Book Works is Trolly Wing Company, where pups are allowed on the patio. Enjoy some delicious wings (bone-in or vegan) with your choice of a wide array of delicious sauces.
You do need to be over 21 to eat at Trolly Wing Company, so make sure to bring your ID. Thankfully, they have never carded my dog.
2. Fisher Brewing Company
- Hours: 11am-11pm
- Physical Address: 320 W 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Fisher Brewing Company has such an amazing history and is a fun place to hang out. It was started in late 1800s by Albert Fisher, but closed in 1967. 50 years later, it was re-opened by his great-great-grandson. Dogs are allowed on the side patio. They must have current Rabies tags and have to stay on their leash.
My favorite part is that Fisher Brewing Company hosts a different food truck each night, so the menu is rotating and it creates a fun atmosphere. If you don’t want a surprise menu for dinner, make sure to check out the schedule for what food trucks will be there.
3. Handle Bar
- Hours: 11am-2am
- Physical Address: 751 N 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
First of all, the name of this bar is so clever! The decor is bikes and mustaches and their slogan is “A wheelie good bar.” I’m a sucker for creativity and puns. The second best thing is there is a covered patio with several heaters, that is open year-round.
Handle Bar is the perfect place to enjoy brunch, or if you would like to visit later in the day, they have a menu full of delicious comfort food and an equally tempting vegan menu with the same comfort foods.
Insider tip: They have a small dog run to hold your pup while you get another drink or for a quick romp off-leash.
Dog-friendly Hotels in Salt Lake City
After a day full of adventuring, it’s crucial to have a cozy spot to rest for both you AND your pup! Here are the top dog-friendly hotels in Salt Lake City!
1. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City
- Pet fees: none
- Breed size restrictions: “as long as they fit in the elevator”
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco is every pet owner’s dream hotel, and your furry friend will feel like royalty. The hotel provides dog beds, feeding mats, and leashes if needed. There is no limit to how many pets you can have in the room with you.
The hotel also has great perks for the humans as well. Every room has a yoga mat in it and you can request a plant for your room to brighten it up. Kimpton Hotel Monaco has also teamed up with Wag! and gives you a discount for any of their pet services.
Check pricing and availability here!
2. Hilton Salt Lake City Center
- Pet fees: $75 non-refundable fee per stay
- Breed size restrictions: 75 pounds maximum
Hilton Salt Lake City Center is conveniently located just a few blocks from City Creek Center and has pet-friendly rooms. It has a restaurant on-site and a nice indoor pool. There is a daily parking fee of $29 and there is not an airport shuttle.
Check pricing and availability here!
3. Sheraton Salt Lake City
- Pet fees: $50 non-refundable fee per stay
- Breed size restrictions: none
Sheraton Salt Lake is perfect if you are traveling with multiple dogs. They allow two pets per room and have no size restrictions. They have a nice outdoor space for an enjoyable evening with a pool, a grassy area, and a large fire pit.
They have a variety of rooms, so you will be able to pick what is best for you and your pup. There is a daily parking fee of $15 and there is not an airport shuttle.
Check pricing and availability here!
Is Salt Lake City Dog-friendly?
Salt Lake City is the perfect place to visit with your pup. You can explore the splendor of the mountains and enjoy the fresh air or wander around downtown and enjoy time with your furry friend. You do not want to miss out on a stay at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco where you and your pet are treated like the royalty you are.
About the Author!
Elizabeth, the creator of TallAdventureFam, has lived in Utah since she was 18 months old and is always out exploring new places. She had Mastiffs growing up and now has a wild Border Collie/Red Tick Hound mix. Follow along in all the doggy (and family) adventures over on Instagram!
More Utah Travel Resources:
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