Disclosure: Please keep in mind that some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links. Meaning I receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you. I link to these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. You can read my disclosure policy for more info.
Are you traveling with your furry baby and you are looking for the most dog-friendly national parks? If your furry best friend loves adventuring as much as you do, then national parks will be their dream! Dogs’ excitement exceeds the bar when you take them out on a walk, but imagine their tails wiggling and cute barks when you take them to all these dog-friendly national parks.
Almost all National Parks in the U.S allow pet’s entrance to some extent, but with some strict rules to follow to maintain the safety of parks’ wildlife, natural habitat, park employees, and of course, your pets too. As a rule of thumb, for the majority, just remember that pets are allowed wherever cars are allowed but don’t worry! There still are national parks where you can take your dog to enjoy the stunning natural beauty and iconic views during hikes in a safe environment. These parks are the most dog-friendly national parks in the US and they will allow your dog’s adventurous dreams to come true.
Yosemite National Park
The massive park located in the High Sierras is full of awe-inspiring waterfalls, the Merced River cuts through a deep valley, famous granite monolith El Capitan, and huge sequoias. The trails are completely restricted for any pet, but the developed areas are open for beautiful views you and your dog.
Things to Know:
- Dogs always on a leash are allowed on asphalt, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes
- Walk-in and group campsites are inaccessible campgrounds
- Wawona and Hodgdon Meadow are dog-friendly, lesser famous areas of the park. You can definitely do the longer hikes here.
- Dogs are not allowed on shuttle busses
Hikes:
Dogs are allowed on most paved hikes. Fortunately, you can see most of Yosemite’s treasures from from pet-friendly paved hikes!
- Bridalveil Fall – Bridalveil fall is a short hike! From here you’ll get to see the beautiful views at the base of the waterfall.
- Lower Yosemite Fall Loop – You could do this hike from Yosemite Village, in which case it will be a total of 1.5 miles or from the trailhead, where it’ll be half a mile.
- Cook’s Meadow – In this stroll, you’ll get views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock.
- Paved trails leading to Glacier Point – These are great ones! You can see Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Vernal & Nevada falls from here.
- Mirror Lake – The 1st mile into the trail will be paved. You will get to see the Merced River underneath Half Down.
- Tunnel View – This one is not a hike, but you should definitely check it out. It is my absolute favorite one for pictures and to watch the sunset! You can just drive to it and you will see the most amazing view of the valley from here.
- Wawona Meadow Loop – a 3.5-mile loop hike.
- Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias – This trail is a total of 5.4 miles.
Where to Stay
- Yosemite View Lodge
- Best Western Plus Yosemite Getaway Inn
- Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
- Motel 6 Mammoth Lakes, CA
- Mariposa Lodge
- Shilo Inn Suites
- The Westine Monache Resort
- Mammoth Mountain Inn
- Heritage Inn Yosemite/Sonora
- Cinnamon Bear Inn
- Country Inn Sonora
- Sierra Meadows
- Yosemite Gold Country Lodge
- AutoCamp Yosemite
- Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel
Kennels/Dog Sitting:
- Kennel in Yosemite Valley – operated by Yosemite Hospitality.
- Kennel AND dog sitting at Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is located on the coastline of Maine. Just imagine that – the ocean, mountains, lakes, valleys, and our furry best friends. Dogs are allowed on almost every trail! The perfect combination, may I add. Dogs are allowed on Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point in the park and you get some amazing views of Somes Sound off Bar Harbor.
Things to Know:
- Dogs ARE allowed on the shuttles
- Although most hikes are dog-friendly, please note that there are a couple of hikes that should be for experienced dog hikers.
Hikes:
- Every trail, except San Beach during peak season (May – September), Wild Gardens, Echo Lake Beach, and the campground at Duck Harbor.
Grand Canyon National Park
This National Park in Arizona is a huge geological wonder listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and draws more than 5 million visitors per year (pre-COVID). It is 18 miles wide and 277 miles long, full of jaw-dropping sites to explore.
Things to Know:
- Doggies are allowed in the South Rim!
- Almost all campgrounds are pet accessible
- All developed sections of the park allow pets
- Dogs are not allowed on shuttle busses
- Dogs are not allowed below the rim (also called the “inner canyon”)
- There is no kennel on the North Rim!
South Rim Hikes:
- Rim Trail – 13 miles along the southern edge of the canyon! It is all paved and you get some amazing views from here.
- Greenway Trail – This trail connects to the main Visitor Center, Market Plaza, Village, and Tusayan.
- Shoshone Point Trail – A fairly easy 2-mile hike. It leads you to a picturesque overlook. You’ll find a picnic area and bathrooms at the end of this trail so you can get to enjoy a nice lunch with amazing views.
North Rim Hikes:
- Bridle Trail – A 3.2-mile trail that connects to Kaibab Trail and Arizona Trail.
Kennels/Dog Sitting:
- South Rim Kennel – open daily from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, but after hours pick up can be accommodated.
- Grand Canyon Kennel (South Rim)
- The Railway Pet Resort at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Founded in 2000 and formerly a garbage dumping place, this national park is closer to Cleveland and runs along the Cuyahoga River. Filled with historical sites like the Canal Exploration Center and the Everett Covered Bridge, Towpath Trail, the park is full of natural beauty and wildlife to explore.
Things to Know:
- 110 miles of the hiking trails are accessible to dogs
- Dogs can explore 20 miles of the historic Towpath Trail
- All campgrounds of the park allow pets
Hikes:
- The Ledges Overlook – 2.2-mile loop trail from the parking lot to the southwest area of the grass field. Check out the map to the trailhead here.
- Brandywine Falls – 1.5-mile loop trail. Views of this beautiful fall!
- Blue Hen Falls – 3-mile loop trail. It starts at Buckeye Trail.
- Different overlooks
- I-80 Overlook
- Old Carriage Overlook
- Tree Farm Trail View
Check out the AllTrails website for more hiking options! They have a ton here.
These rules are put forth to keep the wilderness and wildlife as safe as possible from outer threats, so, learning and following them ensures everyone’s protection. There are plenty of places to enjoy the best walk and make never-forgetting memories with your dog.
Check out How to Safely Travel During the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Pin it for later: