If you love the desert, camping, and dogs, the Desert Dawg Adventure Blawg is one of the most entertaining outdoor blogs you will find — written entirely from the perspective of a desert-dwelling dog who has turned training his human into a full-time occupation. It is funny, charming, and surprisingly insightful about the realities of desert camping life in the Moab area. The blog captures a spirit that is deeply familiar to anyone in the canyon country outdoor community.
What Makes Desert Dawg Special
The Desert Dawg Adventure Blawg is exactly what it sounds like: a blog written by a dog. And he is remarkably articulate. Desert Dawg (DD) chronicles his life camping in the desert with his human companion Rob, offering tips on everything from bacon procurement strategies to the proper technique for howling at the moon.
The writing is clever without trying too hard, mixing genuine desert camping wisdom with a dog’s-eye view of the outdoor life. DD’s posts cover the practical realities of full-time desert living — finding good campsites, dealing with weather, the importance of routine — all filtered through the unique lens of a four-legged adventurer who has strong opinions about who should carry whose pack.
Desert Dawg on Training Humans
Some of DD’s best content involves his ongoing project of training his human. From his post “My Dawg Friends Rule”:
“It takes time to train humans, patience, positive reinforcement, treats. But they can be trained with perseverance.”
And from “Extreme By Day, Extremely Comfortable By Night”:
“Sit, stay, the easy stuff is no problem. But, getting man to carry ten pounds of gear and food for me? Well, it wasn’t easy but after a couple of years he figured it out.”
There is something genuinely relatable about these posts for anyone who has spent time in the desert with a dog. The relationship between outdoor enthusiasts and their trail dogs is a central part of the culture around Moab and canyon country, and DD captures it perfectly.
Dog-Friendly Culture in Moab
We here at Rim Tours are extremely pro-dog. On any given day, you are likely to find a pack of four-legged companions roaming around the shop and lounging on blankets permanently spread under desks for their comfort. The Moab outdoor community is deeply dog-friendly, and many of our guides spend their off-hours exploring the desert with their own trail dogs.
Moab offers excellent dog-friendly hiking and camping on BLM land, where dogs can often be off-leash (check specific trail regulations). The desert landscape is a dog’s paradise — wide open spaces, interesting smells around every rock, and cool sand to dig in.
A few tips for bringing your dog to Moab:
- Water is critical. The desert is dry and hot. Carry more water than you think you need, for both you and your dog.
- Watch for hot surfaces. Slickrock and sand can burn paw pads in summer. Stick to early morning or evening outings when temperatures are high.
- Know the regulations. Dogs are not permitted on trails within Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. BLM land and many trails outside the parks are dog-friendly.
- Bring shade. If camping, make sure your dog has shade during the heat of the day.
Desert Dawg in Film
DD’s adventures were also featured in a short film that screened at the Telluride Mountain Film Festival, bringing his story to a wider audience. The film captures the essence of the human-dog desert camping lifestyle that the blog celebrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog on a Rim Tours guided tour?
Unfortunately, dogs are not able to join our guided mountain bike tours due to trail regulations, safety considerations, and the logistics of group riding. However, Moab has extensive BLM land where you can explore with your dog on your own before or after a guided tour.
What are the best dog-friendly trails near Moab?
The Corona Arch Trail, Mill Creek Canyon, and many BLM trails north of town are popular dog-friendly options. Avoid national park trails (Arches and Canyonlands) where dogs are prohibited. The Moab BLM office can provide current trail access information.
When is the best time to bring a dog to Moab?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for dogs. Summer is dangerously hot for extended outdoor activity with pets. Winter can be pleasant for desert camping with your dog, though nights get cold.
Where can I camp with my dog near Moab?
BLM campgrounds and dispersed camping areas around Moab are generally dog-friendly. Popular options include areas along the Colorado River, Sand Flats Recreation Area (home of the Slickrock Trail), and dispersed sites along Highway 313 toward Canyonlands.