We want your stay with your dog to be straightforward. Here's what you need to know before you book:
Heads up: Pet-friendly rooms are limited — especially during summer. Call ahead at (435) 789-6625 to confirm pet room availability before your arrival date, particularly on peak-season weekends.
Vernal is one of the better base camps for dog owners in the West. The surrounding public lands are vast, the crowds are manageable compared to more-famous parks, and dogs are welcome across a wide range of trails and recreation areas. A few notes on each major destination:
Dogs allowed in developed areas, parking lots, campgrounds, and along paved roads — on leash. Not permitted inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall or on most backcountry trails. Bring water; don't leave your dog in a hot car.
Dogs welcome throughout most of the recreation area on leash. Great for reservoir-side walks, canyon overlooks, and developed picnic areas. ~40 minutes from Vernal.
Dogs allowed on leash throughout the park. The reservoir shoreline makes for an easy, scenic walk. ~15 minutes from Vernal.
Dogs welcome on leash. Easy terrain around the reservoir, good for dogs of all sizes and fitness levels. ~10 minutes north of town.
Dogs generally welcome on leash or voice control depending on the area. Hundreds of miles of trails from canyon walks to high-alpine routes in the Uinta Mountains.
Dog-friendly town. Walking distance from the hotel to parks and green space. Several restaurants with outdoor seating welcome well-behaved dogs on the patio.
Summer heat advisory: Vernal sits at about 5,300 feet and summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F. Trail surfaces heat up fast. Early morning and evening outings are best for your dog in July and August. Always carry more water than you think you'll need — for both of you.
Bring a collapsible bowl. Desert country means frequent water stops. A lightweight bowl takes up no space and your dog will thank you on every trail.
Check paw temperature. Hot pavement and rock can burn pads fast. If you can't hold your hand on the surface for 7 seconds, it's too hot for paws.
Tick and flea prevention. Utah's high desert has ticks, especially near water and in brushy canyon areas. Make sure your dog is current on preventatives before the trip.
Watch for desert hazards. Prickly pear, rattlesnakes, and rough terrain are real in canyon country. Keep your dog on leash in unfamiliar areas.
Go early or late. The best hiking in summer is before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Plan your dog's activity around the temperature, not the other way around.
Bring vaccination records. Some areas may ask for proof of current rabies vaccination. Keep a copy in your travel bag alongside your dog's health documents.
A significant number of our extended stay guests — oilfield workers, contractors, and traveling professionals — come with dogs. If you're on a multi-week rotation in the Uintah Basin and your dog makes the long work schedule easier to manage, bring them. Our weekly and monthly rates apply to pet-friendly rooms, and the property is set up to handle working dogs and larger breeds without drama.
Call us at (435) 789-6625 to discuss pet room availability and extended stay pricing for your situation.
Pet rooms are limited — call ahead to confirm availability and lock in your dates.
Yes. Best Western Extended Stay Vernal is a pet-friendly hotel with designated rooms for guests traveling with dogs and cats. Let us know you'll have a pet when you book, or call ahead to confirm pet room availability.
Yes, a pet fee applies. Call us at (435) 789-6625 for current pet fee information when you book your room.
Call us to discuss your dog's size and breed. We'd rather have a conversation than have you leave your dog at home — we accommodate larger dogs whenever possible.
Dogs are allowed in developed areas, parking lots, campgrounds, and along paved roads on leash. They are not permitted inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall or on most backcountry trails. Check nps.gov/dino for current pet policies before your visit.
Yes. Dogs are welcome throughout most of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area on leash. Great for walks at overlooks and along the reservoir shores.
We ask guests not to leave pets unattended for extended periods. If you need to be away for a few hours, let the front desk know. For longer absences, look into local doggy daycare options in Vernal.
Yes. There is a designated outdoor area on the property for pet walks. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of parks and green space in town.
Yes. Weekly and monthly extended stay rates are available for pet-friendly rooms. Call us directly to confirm current pet room availability and extended rate pricing.
Call us to discuss your specific situation. Multi-pet stays are handled case by case — we want to make it work when we can.
Leash, water bowl, extra water, poop bags, your dog's food, a familiar blanket for the hotel room, current vaccination records, and flea and tick prevention. A basic pet first-aid kit is worth having in canyon country. See our tips section on this page for desert-specific advice.