Recreation Area · UT

Dogs in Sand Flats Recreation Area

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Dog-friendly

This fee area just outside Moab mixes slickrock, 4x4 routes, and 140 first-come campsites. Dogs are welcome, but the sandstone is rough on paws and desert heat is no joke.

In the campground, dogs must be leashed, tied to a fixed object, or otherwise physically restrained, and none can be left unattended. In the backcountry dogs must stay under restraint and cannot chase or harass people or wildlife. For a dog walk, the less-traveled Porcupine 4x4 and Porcupine Rim routes work well. Skip the Slickrock Bike Trail, which is not recommended for dogs.

Where dogs are allowed

In the campground, dogs must be leashed, tied to a fixed object, or otherwise physically restrained, and none can be left unattended. In the backcountry dogs must stay under restraint and cannot chase or harass people or wildlife. For a dog walk, the less-traveled Porcupine 4x4 and Porcupine Rim routes work well. Skip the Slickrock Bike Trail, which is not recommended for dogs.

Seasonal closures

Sandstone acts like sandpaper on paws and desert temperatures spike fast, so carry water and never leave a dog in a parked vehicle.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, trailheads, and picnic sites. On most of the open BLM land there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times, and local field offices can set stricter rules.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
Bureau of Land Management
View the BLM page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
Recreation Area

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Sand Flats Recreation Area?

This fee area just outside Moab mixes slickrock, 4x4 routes, and 140 first-come campsites. Dogs are welcome, but the sandstone is rough on paws and desert heat is no joke. In the campground, dogs must be leashed, tied to a fixed object, or otherwise physically restrained, and none can be left unattended. In the backcountry dogs must stay under restraint and cannot chase or harass people or wildlife. For a dog walk, the less-traveled Porcupine 4x4 and Porcupine Rim routes work well. Skip the Slickrock Bike Trail, which is not recommended for dogs.

What is the leash rule at Sand Flats Recreation Area?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, trailheads, and picnic sites. On most of the open BLM land there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times, and local field offices can set stricter rules.

Are there seasonal closures for dogs at Sand Flats Recreation Area?

Sandstone acts like sandpaper on paws and desert temperatures spike fast, so carry water and never leave a dog in a parked vehicle.

Are service animals allowed at Sand Flats Recreation Area?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.