By Here is the last hike from our February Moab trip. After the short but fantastic hike to Corona Arch, we drove to the empty Gold Bar Group Campground nearby to make lunch. The food is always so good after a hike!
Since the morning hike was a short one, we decided to check out another short dog-friendly trail while in town. Next, we drove to the Sand Flats Recreation Area, which is managed by Grand County, Utah, and Bureau of Land Management.
Since BLM manages it, dogs must be kept under restraint but not required to be on a leash at all times. Please do not leave your dog unattended, though, for everyone’s (including your dog) safety.
After paying the day-use fee of $5/vehicle at the entrance station, we drove to the trailhead, which is located 6 miles from the entrance station.
Juniper Trail is one of the two hiking-only trails. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.
The landscape is spectacular everywhere you look. Juniper Trail offers panoramic views of the entire recreation area.
Where hiking trails are not established, walk on sand or rock, and follow the trail marker, so you don’t accidentally harm the plants or any fragile biological soil crusts.
Juniper Trail leads you to a flat top where you hike a loop. The loop offers an expansive view of the entire area. With a little elevation gain, this hike is kid-friendly.
This cave wasn’t on the trail, but it was close enough, I couldn’t resist. My crew didn’t want to climb down with me to check it out, Xena included, so they watched me from across instead. They look like two trees at the top in the photo. Ha. The smaller figure on the right is Xena. I can’t believe she didn’t follow me.
It was roomy, and the view was so cool. I was glad I burned the extra calories to check it out.
Sand Flats offers over 120 designated first-come-first-serve primitive campsites, including two reservable group sites. The campgrounds offer easy access to biking and 4×4 trails and spectacular views. I’d love to see sunsets from here.
Good to Know:
- Hike Date: 2.18.20
- Distance: 1.9 miles RT
- Elevation Gain: 200 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 5,685 ft
- Difficulty Rating: Easy
- Trailhead/Parking: Refer to the Sand Flats Recreation Area map
- Fee/Permit: $5 per vehicle/day-use, $15 per vehicle, up to 5 people/camping
- Notable: No toilet at the trailhead, exposed, kid-friendly, paw protective gear highly recommended
Hiking Girl with Dog 
Your photography is amazing!! I love seeing how different landscape is in different parts of the country. Just beautiful! Love seeing your pup posing !
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it. I try to capture the highlights from each hike. Xena does her own thing and somehow it works well with what I am doing. And yeah… she likes to pose on cool rocks. 😁
You do a great job…and she is adorable!
Thank you! 🙏🥰
Nice photos. Wish I you;ld get my dogs to wear the booties but they always refuse.
Xena’s not thrilled to put them on but once they are on. She loves it. She stretches then do a zoomie. 😄 To make sure they are on properly, maybe. 😆
Thanks for the tip. If I ever get another puppy, will try to train it to wear them soonest. My dogs always act as if I put ice skates on their feet and then demand them to walk. Have a lovely night.
They all do that! That’s normal. 🙂
This is wonderful! Which booties do you buy for your dog?
Thank you. 😊 We use Dogbooties.com
Thank you so much! I just looked them up and I’ve been looking everywhere for that sled dog style of bootie!
Sure thing!
What a beautiful place to visit and explore! I bet your dog enjoyed hiking there. Thanks for sharing an amazing tour!
Thanks for your comment, Leif. Yes, Xena loves exploring with me 🙂