## Introduction
Zion National Park, located in southern Utah near the town of Springdale, is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Known for its breathtaking canyons, sandstone cliffs, and narrow slot canyons, Zion provides endless opportunities for hiking, canyoneering, rock climbing, and more.
However, there has been ongoing debate around allowing dogs in national parks like Zion. On one hand, dog owners wish to explore the park with their furry companions by their side. But others argue that the presence of dogs can negatively impact wildlife, disturb other visitors, and create safety issues.
The National Park Service aims to balance access with preservation, but ultimately bans dogs on most trails and the canyon floor in Zion. This leaves dog owners wondering – is Zion National Park dog friendly? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Rules Regarding Dogs in Zion
Zion National Park welcomes leashed dogs in most areas of the park. However, there are some important rules and restrictions to be aware of if bringing your dog to Zion:
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. This applies anywhere in the park including trails, viewpoints, visitor centers, shuttle buses, etc. The leash rule is strictly enforced by park rangers.
Dogs are prohibited on all canyon hike trails, including famous routes like Angel’s Landing, Observation Point, and The Narrows. These steep, narrow trails are dangerous for dogs and owners.
Dogs are allowed on some of the less intense trails, including the Watchman Trail, Emerald Pools, and Pa’rus Trail. Be sure to verify trail regulations before hiking with your dog.
Dogs can ride on the park’s shuttle buses as long as they are leashed. However, dogs are not allowed on any of Zion’s private shuttle services that require tickets.
There are no kennels or pet boarding facilities within Zion National Park. Visitors must make arrangements outside the park if they do not bring their dog along during the day.
Be prepared to provide your own water for your dog, as there are no dog fountains in the park. Bring collapsible bowls and plenty of water.
Dog-Friendly Trails
Zion has many excellent hiking trails that welcome dogs. Some of the most popular dog-friendly trails include:
- Pa’rus Trail – This easy, paved 3-mile trail follows the Virgin River and is perfect for a leisurely stroll with your pup.
- Watchman Trail – Located right near the visitor center, this 2.7 mile trail offers great views with relatively minimal elevation gain that most dogs can handle.
- Canyon Overlook Trail – This short 1-mile trail takes you out to an overlook with impressive canyon views. The cliffside sections may require keeping your dog leashed or carrying small dogs.
- Emerald Pools Trails – The lower Emerald Pools trails allow dogs and take you to scenic waterfalls and pools. Upper Emerald Pools is off-limits to pets.
- Riverside Walk – Dogs are welcome on this paved trail following the Virgin River upstream to the start of The Narrows hike.
These trails offer some of the most scenic areas of Zion accessible to dogs. Just be sure to respect the leash laws, clean up after your pet, and bring plenty of water. The desert climate can take its toll on pets quickly.
Dog-Friendly Attractions
Although dogs are not allowed on most of the hiking trails in Zion, there are still some dog-friendly attractions in the park that you can enjoy with your furry friend.
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Pa’rus Trail – This easy, paved trail follows the Virgin River and is one of the few dog-friendly hiking trails in Zion. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog.
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Zion Canyon Scenic Drive – You can bring your dog along in the car as you take in the breathtaking canyon views on this scenic road. Stop at some of the overlooks to get out and stretch your legs with your pup.
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Zion Lodge Area – The lawn areas around Zion Lodge are a nice spot to relax with your dog and enjoy the natural surroundings. Just make sure to keep your dog leashed.
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Zion Human History Museum – Dogs on leashes are welcome at this museum where you can learn about the park’s history and culture. It’s air-conditioned, so it’s a nice retreat on a hot day.
While your dog can’t join you on most hikes, sticking to these dog-friendly spots still allows you to enjoy some of the iconic sights of Zion with your canine companion.
Dog-Friendly Campgrounds
There are a few campgrounds in and around Zion National Park that allow dogs. Keep in mind that dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when in developed recreation areas.
Some dog-friendly campgrounds in the area include:
- Watchman Campground – Located near the south entrance of Zion Canyon. This campground provides electrical hookups and restrooms.
- South Campground – The largest campground in Zion, located near the south entrance. No hookups but does have running water and restrooms.
- Lava Point Campground – A primitive, no-fee campground located on a remote plateau west of Zion. Vault toilets but no water.
- Cottomwood Canyon Campground – Located in the Kolob Canyons area, about an hour from the main section of Zion. Restrooms and running water available.
- Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Site – Requires a permit but allows camping with dogs in the backcountry.
Note that RVs longer than 30 feet are not permitted at any of the campgrounds in Zion. During peak season, campsites fill up quickly so be sure to reserve well in advance.
Dog-Friendly Lodging
Although dogs are not allowed inside Zion National Park lodges, there are several dog-friendly lodging options just outside the park boundaries. These nearby accommodations offer a comfortable and convenient basecamp for exploring Zion with your furry friend:
La Quinta Inn & Suites at Zion Park – This pet-friendly hotel is located just 1 mile from the south entrance to Zion. Dogs are welcome with no size or breed restrictions. There is no pet fee.
Driftwood Lodge – Situated 2 miles from Zion’s south entrance, Driftwood Lodge allows dogs under 50 pounds for an extra nightly fee. Pet rooms with tile flooring are available.
Canyon Ranch Motel – Located 2.5 miles from the park, this motel welcomes dogs of all sizes for a small nightly fee. Rooms have tiled entrances and patios for easy cleaning.
Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens – Just 2.5 miles from Zion’s entrance, Cliffrose provides pet-friendly rooms complete with dog beds, bowls, and treats. Larger cottages allow multiple pets.
Cable Mountain Lodge – Sitting just 2 miles from Zion, Cable Mountain offers several pet-friendly suites and cabins equipped with fenced yards. Dogs of all sizes are allowed.
Tips for Visiting with Dogs
If you plan to bring your dog to Zion National Park, here are some tips for having a safe and enjoyable visit:
Stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water for both you and your dog. The trails can get hot and dry, so hydration is key.
Watch out for signs of overheating. Dogs can’t handle heat as well as humans. If your dog is panting heavily or acting lethargic, get them to shady spot and give them water.
Protect paws. Bring dog booties or paw wax to prevent burning pads on hot trails. Check paws frequently for signs of injury.
Respect leash rules. Dogs must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long on all trails in Zion. This protects both your dog and the park’s wildlife.
Pick up waste. Always carry bags and clean up after your dog. Dog waste can contaminate water sources and spread disease.
Give space on trails. When passing other hikers, make sure your dog doesn’t jump on them. Not everyone wants to interact with dogs.
Watch for signs of anxiety or stress. Dogs’ temperaments vary. If yours seems nervous, give them space from other pets and people.
Never leave dogs unattended. Don’t tie them up outside stores or leave them in hot cars. This puts them at risk.
By keeping these tips in mind, you and your furry friend can safely enjoy the beautiful scenery of Zion!
Potential Risks
While parts of Zion National Park are dog-friendly, there are some potential risks and hazards to be aware of when visiting with your furry friend.
One major concern in Zion is the heat. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, which can quickly lead to overheating and dehydration in dogs. The trails are exposed to the sun, and there is little shade or many water sources along the routes. Bring plenty of water for both you and your dog and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day.
Additionally, Zion has very rugged, steep terrain. Many of the hikes involve scrambling over rocks, climbing ladders, and narrow ledges with long drop-offs. This can be dangerous and difficult to navigate with a dog. Leashed dogs may slip or get stuck in small spaces.
Watch out for local wildlife like coyotes, snakes, scorpions, and other critters. Make noise when hiking to avoid surprising them, and keep your dog close. Angeles National Forest also has bobcats, mountain lions, and black bears that could prey on small pets.
Carefully research any trails and areas you plan to visit ahead of time to assess the difficulty and potential risks. Consider your own skills and your dog’s capabilities. Stick to simpler, dog-friendly routes if you have any concerns over hazards.
With preparation and awareness, you can mitigate risks and have an enjoyable visit to Zion with dogs. But always put safety first for both you and your pet when adventuring in the park.
Alternatives to Bringing Dogs
If you decide not to bring your dog to Zion National Park, there are some great pet boarding options located just outside the park boundaries that can look after your furry friends while you explore. This allows you to enjoy the iconic Zion trails without having to worry about leaving your pets alone in the campground all day.
Some of the most popular and highest rated boarding facilities near Zion include Doggy Dude Ranch, Canyon Pet Care, and For Paws Pet Resort. These places offer comfortable lodging and plenty of amenities to keep your dogs happy and entertained in your absence. Most offer services like walks, play time, obedience training and grooming.
You’ll want to book these boarding services well in advance of your trip since they tend to fill up quickly during Zion’s peak visitation seasons. Checking your dog into one of these pet care facilities allows you the freedom to experience everything Zion National Park has to offer, while giving you peace of mind that your pet is nearby and in good hands.
Conclusion
While Zion is a wonderful national park filled with beautiful natural sights to explore, it can also be a fun place to visit with your dog. There are trails and attractions that are dog-friendly, and lodging and camping options where dogs are welcome. However, there are also areas with strict regulations that restrict dogs. Overall, Zion National Park does seem to try to accommodate dogs and their owners by offering options for dog-friendly trails and places to stay. Some key points to remember are:
- Dogs must be leashed at all times
- Dogs are only allowed on select trails and areas of the park
- Make sure your dog is able to handle the desert conditions
- Be respectful of other visitors who may not want dogs around
- Always clean up after your dog
While Zion offers dog-friendly opportunities, do be mindful of the limitations. With some advanced planning and preparation, visiting Zion with your dog can certainly be done and can lead to wonderful shared adventures.