Dogs at South Mountain
Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails at South Mountain Park and Preserve, on a leash 6 feet long or shorter. But Phoenix City Code bans dogs from all City trails when the temperature is above 100°F; the City counted 121 days at 105°F or higher in 2024. Owners must pick up and carry out dog waste and keep dogs on designated trails. The City also advises testing the ground with your palm for 10 seconds: if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws.
Dog Rules at a Glance
The Rules (Phoenix City Code)
- Heat: dogs are not allowed on trails when temperatures exceed 100°F (City Code 8-3 and 24-54).
- Leash: a leash 6 feet or shorter is required (City Code 8-14).
- Waste: pick up and carry out dog waste (City Code 27-12).
- Trails: stay on designated trails, which also keeps your dog away from cacti and desert wildlife (City Code 24-36).
The City's Tips for Hiking With a Dog
- Choose the right trail for your dog's age, health, fitness and breed. Short-snouted dogs may need easier routes and more breaks.
- Test the ground: lay your hand flat on the trail for 10 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them.
- Bring water and keep your dog hydrated through the hike.
- Watch for heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, exhaustion or vomiting. Get into shade and cool your dog right away.
- Consider paw booties for rough terrain or warm conditions.
Which Trails Suit Dogs
Match the trail to the dog. Using the City's difficulty ratings:
- Gentler: the Pima Canyon wash and loop trails (70 to 120 feet of elevation change) and the paved Judith Tunell loops at the Visitor Center.
- Moderate: the 1-mile Kiwanis Trail, rated moderate.
- Harder: the Holbert and Mormon trails are moderate/difficult, with loose rock and drops.
Heat Warning Days
On Extreme Heat Warning days, four routes close to everyone from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 100°F dog rule is separate and stricter: it applies on every City trail whenever the temperature is over 100°F, warning or not. Heat Closures
Dogs at South Mountain FAQ
Are dogs allowed at South Mountain Park?
Yes, on a leash 6 feet or shorter, except when the temperature is above 100°F, when Phoenix City Code bans dogs from City trails.
Can I take my dog on South Mountain trails in the summer?
Only when it's 100°F or cooler. Above 100°F, dogs are not allowed on any City of Phoenix trail. Early mornings are your best chance in summer.
What is the leash rule at South Mountain?
A leash 6 feet or shorter is required on City of Phoenix trails (City Code 8-14).
What happens if my dog overheats on the trail?
Watch for heavy panting, drooling, exhaustion or vomiting. Move into shade and cool your dog immediately, and head back to the trailhead.