Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Activities in St. George, Utah

Worthen Park in St. George features a dedicated off-leash dog area where dogs can run freely and socialize without a leash. The area is fenced, making it safe for dogs of all temperaments. The park includes doggie waste stations with bags, making cleanup convenient and keeping the area clean for all users. Water features and shade trees provide relief during warm months. This is one of the most popular dog meetup spots in St. George and a great place for dogs to exercise and for owners to connect with the local pet community.

Mathis Park in St. George provides an accessible dog run area where owners can exercise their pets off-leash in a designated zone. The park's open layout allows dogs room to run and play, while proximity to picnic areas and playground facilities makes it a popular destination for families with both children and pets. The dog run area is separated from the general park space to ensure safety for non-dog users. Waste stations are provided throughout the park to encourage responsible pet ownership.

Washington City has developed a dedicated dog park facility offering off-leash play space for Washington County residents. The Washington City dog park features separate sections for large and small dogs — a key safety feature ensuring that smaller or timid dogs are not overwhelmed by larger, more energetic breeds. Double-gated entry systems prevent accidental escapes during busy times. Washington City's investment in pet infrastructure reflects the growing pet ownership rate in the rapidly expanding community east of St. George.

The red rock landscape surrounding Ivins and Snow Canyon State Park offers some of Southern Utah's most scenic dog-friendly hiking terrain. While Snow Canyon State Park itself has restrictions on where dogs are permitted, the surrounding BLM land and city trails in Ivins welcome leashed dogs on all trails. The Ivins area trail network near the Kayenta subdivision provides moderate terrain with stunning red sandstone scenery ideal for dogs that love to hike. Early morning hikes are recommended during summer months to avoid dangerous heat levels.

The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area north of St. George provides extensive trail networks where leashed dogs are welcome to explore the spectacular red rock desert landscape. The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve trails offer a variety of difficulty levels suitable for dogs of different fitness levels. Water should always be carried for your dog as water sources are unreliable on desert trails. The area is particularly beautiful in early morning light. Check current BLM regulations for any seasonal off-leash designations within the conservation area.

St. George has progressively installed pet-friendly water fountains at several parks and trail access points throughout the city. These fixtures include a standard drinking fountain height alongside a lower bowl height for dogs — allowing both owners and pets to hydrate simultaneously. The city's acknowledgment of pet hydration needs is particularly important in Southern Utah's desert climate where temperatures exceed 105°F in summer. Check city park websites for current locations of pet water stations. Many local coffee shops and retail businesses also maintain outdoor water bowls for dogs.

A growing number of St. George restaurants, coffee shops, and retail businesses welcome dogs on their outdoor patios and entrance areas. Dog-friendly establishments understand the importance of pet-friendly amenities to the significant portion of the population traveling or living with pets. Outdoor dining with your dog is particularly pleasant during St. George's spring and fall seasons when temperatures are ideal. Always call ahead to confirm a business's current pet policy, as rules can change with ownership and season.

The St. George pet community is active and growing, with regular organized dog meetups, pet-friendly community events, and charity walks benefiting local animal shelters. The Washington County Animal Shelter and local rescue organizations host adoption events, pet walks, and dog-friendly community gatherings throughout the year. Social media groups connect St. George pet owners for informal dog park meetups and trail walks. National events like Bark in the Park and local charity runs often include dog participation, reflecting the community's embrace of pet culture.

Where are the off-leash dog parks in St. George, Utah?

St. George and Washington County have several off-leash dog park areas. Worthen Park in St. George features a fenced off-leash area with waste stations. Mathis Park includes a designated dog run section. Washington City has a dedicated dog park with separate large and small dog sections and double-gated entry. The City of St. George Parks and Recreation Department maintains current information on dog park locations and hours on the city website at sgcity.org. Parks may have seasonal hour adjustments, and new facilities are occasionally added as the city grows. Always leash your dog outside designated off-leash zones per St. George city ordinance.

Is water available at dog parks in St. George?

Water availability varies by park location. Some St. George dog parks and trail access points have been equipped with combination human and pet water fountains that include a lower bowl specifically for dogs. However, in Southern Utah's extreme heat — with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 105°F — relying solely on park water stations is not advisable. Always bring a portable water bowl and at least 16 ounces of water per dog per hour of activity. On hikes and at natural recreation areas, water sources may not be present at all. Dogs dehydrate and overheat quickly in desert conditions; carrying sufficient water is a critical safety practice, not merely a convenience.

Are St. George dog parks fenced?

The dedicated dog parks in St. George and Washington City include fencing to keep dogs safely contained within the off-leash area. Washington City's dog park additionally features double-gated entry points — a safety design that creates a buffer zone preventing dogs from escaping when gates are opened. This feature is especially important in busy parks where multiple dogs may be rushing the gate simultaneously. Not all designated off-leash areas in city parks are fully fenced, so it is important to confirm the specific facility's setup before visiting with a dog that may be prone to wandering. BLM trails and natural areas in the region require leashes.

Are there separate areas for small dogs at St. George dog parks?

Yes, Washington City's dog park facility includes separate designated sections for large dogs and small dogs. This separation is considered a best practice in dog park design as it prevents the intimidation, fear, and potential injury that can occur when small dogs share space with large, enthusiastic breeds. Dogs under 25 pounds generally benefit most from small dog sections. Worthen Park's off-leash area in St. George may not have a formal size separation, making it best evaluated during off-peak hours for dogs that may be nervous around larger dogs. Always supervise your dog regardless of the facility's setup, as dog behavior in social park settings is unpredictable.

What are the hours and rules for dog parks in St. George?

Most St. George city dog parks and park areas with off-leash zones are open during standard city park hours — typically from sunrise to 10 PM, though specific hours vary by facility. Dogs must be current on required vaccinations including rabies, and owners must be present and in control of their dog at all times. All waste must be picked up immediately using provided bags or your own supplies. Aggressive dogs must be removed from the park immediately. Female dogs in heat are generally not permitted in off-leash areas. St. George city ordinance requires dogs to be on a leash in all public areas except designated off-leash zones. Violations are subject to citation by city animal control officers.

Where can I find cleanup stations at dog parks in St. George?

Designated dog parks in St. George and Washington City provide waste bag dispensers and receptacles throughout the facility. Worthen Park, Mathis Park, and Washington City Dog Park all maintain cleanup stations as standard amenities. Many general-use parks throughout St. George also have waste bag stations at trail entrances and along popular walking paths, reflecting the city's commitment to keeping public spaces clean and accessible for all users. It is good practice to carry your own waste bags in addition to relying on dispenser stations, as they can run empty during high-traffic periods. Picking up after your dog is not only required by ordinance but is the fundamental courtesy that keeps dog parks open and accessible for everyone.

St. George, Utah has developed meaningful pet-friendly infrastructure to serve its large and growing dog-owning population. Washington County's rapid population growth has been accompanied by increased investment in parks and recreational facilities, including dedicated dog parks in St. George proper and Washington City. Worthen Park's off-leash area and Mathis Park's dog run provide fenced spaces where dogs can exercise freely — a critical need given that leash laws apply throughout all other public spaces in the city. Washington City's dog park, with its separate large and small dog sections and double-gated safety entry, represents the next generation of dog park design that prioritizes the comfort and safety of dogs of all sizes and temperaments. These facilities include waste bag dispensers and receptacles to maintain clean conditions for all park visitors.

Beyond the formal off-leash parks, St. George and the surrounding BLM-managed landscape offer extensive pet-friendly hiking terrain. The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Ivins trail networks, and numerous wash trails throughout Washington County accommodate leashed dogs on all public land trails. The region's dramatic geology creates incredible hiking scenery that dogs seem to genuinely enjoy — the varied terrain, interesting smells, and wildlife encounters make Southern Utah trail hikes enriching sensory experiences for dogs. The primary safety concern for dog owners in Southern Utah is the extreme summer heat, with ground temperatures in direct sunlight regularly exceeding 150°F on paved and dark rock surfaces. Rock, asphalt, and sand surfaces can cause rapid paw pad burns in summer. The simple rule for safe dog hiking in St. George: if it is too hot for your bare feet, it is too hot for your dog's paws. Early morning hikes before 8 AM and evening hikes after sunset are the appropriate windows for dog exercise during June through September.