National Monument · AZ

Dogs in Sonoran Desert National Monument

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

A big, remote monument of saguaro forests and desert mountains southwest of Phoenix. Leashed dogs are welcome, but this is rugged backcountry with no services and extreme heat.

Keep dogs on a leash no longer than six feet in developed and day-use areas and under close control on backcountry routes. Pack out waste and carry all your own water.

Where dogs are allowed

Keep dogs on a leash no longer than six feet in developed and day-use areas and under close control on backcountry routes. Pack out waste and carry all your own water.

Seasonal closures

Summer temperatures are dangerous for dogs, cactus spines and rocky ground are hard on paws, and access to the Sand Tank Mountains south of Interstate 8 requires a free Barry M. Goldwater Range permit.

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
National Monument

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Sonoran Desert National Monument?

A big, remote monument of saguaro forests and desert mountains southwest of Phoenix. Leashed dogs are welcome, but this is rugged backcountry with no services and extreme heat. Keep dogs on a leash no longer than six feet in developed and day-use areas and under close control on backcountry routes. Pack out waste and carry all your own water.

What is the leash rule at Sonoran Desert National Monument?

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 Sonoran Desert National Monument?

Summer temperatures are dangerous for dogs, cactus spines and rocky ground are hard on paws, and access to the Sand Tank Mountains south of Interstate 8 requires a free Barry M. Goldwater Range permit.

Are service animals allowed at Sonoran Desert National Monument?

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