Our beagle will be a bit more than a year old in September when we want to go out West. She is perfectly fine with a crate for hours on end. While it would obvoiusly be best to be able to leave her in air conditioning when we are gone, but this may not always be an option. We have three vent fans and a pair of golf cart batteries. I am fairly certain that the temperature inside would not be much more than outside.
For water, would a large hamster sort of bottle due?
How long are the typical activities if we don't stay up on the rim?
How far are the parking lots from the rim? Any campgrounds really near by or have shuttle access?
Are dogs allowed around the rim? How are they treated at other parks like Zion or Bryce?
We really want to take her, but we that to ruin our trip or worse, hurt her.
Have a great time planning your trip with you pooch! In the Fall the Grand Canyon is just starting to be at its best. The summertime rush has settled down a little bit. Check with the park for the date the South Rim Drive reopens to private vehicles. If you have a vehicle you can drive and take the Beagle along, you'll both enjoy the trip more than if she were confined to the RV. There's at least one RV Park with hookups at the Canyon. It isn't much, but at least your friend would be safe in your rig. Away from the Canyon, the RV Park in conjunction with the train to the canyon offers pet sitting/walking service so you can take the train in and back. There are "kennels" at the Canyon - they're not much but might be ok if you have no other options.
Some dogs can use rabbit bottles (like a giant hamster bottle) but a travel water bowl (no-spill design) works much better and holds more. There's a nice 1 gallon bowl out there on the web that we used for years. Perfect for the small nose of a Beagle. Camping World, Walmart and other places sell a smaller bowl too, but I'd use as big as possible. Let me know if you need links.
Regardless of where you and the Beagle stay, never, but NEVER take her off leash at the Canyon. The Rim is unfenced and an active dog can be falling hundreds of feet before you can blink. That said, ON LEASH, walking the South Rim drive is a wonderful experience. My husband and I did the whole walk with 2 dogs and enjoyed every second. Carry water.
For a cooler, less crowded and completely different experience, try the North Rim.
Zion and Bryce aren't terribly dog friendly, but if you're creative and flexible ANY National Park can be enjoyed with a dog, especially off season. Consult with the Rangers (stay polite and friendly!) about dog rules and possible closed roads where you can walk with your pooch. I wonder if the Dog Trail pilot project at Zion was a success - does anyone know if the trail is still open?
Be sure to equip your K9 friend with a flea/tick repellent as plague is often a problem in the hot Fall in the west; keep her cool and always have more water with you than you think you'll need.
Go ahead and take her, just remember she's like a kid, and plan around her. Enjoy!
Trailer Village in the park at the south rim is walking distance to almost everything.. full hook-ups. The mule ride to the bottom of the canyon takes about 7 hrs round trip. from thrie web site. "Pets must be leashed at all times. Leashed pets are allowed on trails above the rim, Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, Trailer Village and throughout the developed areas.
Pets are not permitted below the rim, in park lodging (hotel rooms), or on park buses. The only exception would be a service animal. Persons wishing to take a service animal below the rim must check-in first at the Backcountry Information Center.
On the North Rim pets are not allowed other than the bridle path that connects the lodge with the North Kaibab Trail.
A kennel is available at the South Rim only. It is open daily from 7:30am - 5pm. Call (928) 638-0534 for information. Reservations are suggested.
I just feel I should mention that even when a National Park has restrictive pet rules, you can often have a great time with your pet, and enjoy terrific scenery. Email the park and ask if pets may be walked along roads, and how far off the road they may venture. A startling number of National Parks have a 100' rule which is a LONG way from the pavement. Most National Parks allow pets to be walked on roads which are paved, but happen to be closed at the moment. Just ask.
Bryce is more welcoming than Zion, BTW. And yes, that trial trail was a success and is still open; the Pa'arus Trail.
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