One of the most frequent gripes I hear from other hikers is that they can’t take their dogs into national parks. The truth is that most parks do severely limit pets on trails, but a few are very pet-friendly, and even parks with “no pets on trails” policies may have a few places to hike with Fido. So today, I’ll detail briefly where dogs are or are not allowed in all 63 national parks!
A few quick stats before we begin (and remember to start at the top of the table to see the list of regulations for ALL national parks)
Pet-friendly national parks:
The following allow pets on most, if not all, trails in the park:
- Acadia
- Congaree
- Cuyahoga Valley
- Gates of the Arctic
- Gateway Arch
- Hot Springs
- Indiana Dunes
- New River Gorge
- Petrified Forest
- Shenandoah (note that the park prohibits dogs on 11 trails)
- White Sands
- Wrangell-St. Elias
Quasi-pet-friendly national parks:
- Big Bend (you can hike with pets on dirt roads in the park)
- Bryce Canyon (there are several paved paths and overlooks where pets are welcome)
- Death Valley (while pets are not allowed on trails, pets are allowed on many, many miles of dirt roads that criss-cross the park)
- Grand Canyon (pets are permitted on all trails atop the South Rim)
- Great Sand Dunes (most of the main use areas allow pets)
- Mammoth Caves (while not allowed in caves, pets are allowed on all surface trails)
- Olympic (trails are limited, but there are several that allow pets)
- Redwood (allowed on beaches at at a few overlooks)
- Saguaro (several trails and roads allow pets)
Service Animals
Service animals whose primary function is to aid a person with a disability are generally allowed on all trails, in public buildings, and in other areas where pets are prohibited, but they should be clearly marked as a working animal. Note that “comfort,” therapy, companion, or “emotional support” pets do not qualify and must follow the general pet rules in each park.
| Park | Pet regulations |
| ALL National Parks (unless noted) | Must be kept on a 6ft. or shorter leash at all times (or physically constrained – for example, in a crate or vehicle) May not be left unattended tied to an object May not enter a public building, public transportation vehicle, or swimming beach May not make unreasonable noise The owner must pick up after their pet |
| Acadia | Allowed on most trails and some campgrounds (check here for trails closed to pets) |
| American Samoa | The NPS does not specify where pets are allowed, only that they pose a safety threat and are not allowed on hiking trails or in park buildings. |
| Arches | Allowed on established road, in parking areas, and in established campgrounds. Not allowed at overlooks, in any building, on hiking trails, or off-trail (even when in a carrier). Pets may not be led by a leash from a bicycle or vehicle. Pets may not be left unattended in vehicles if conditions are too hot or cold and might harm the pet. |
| Badlands | Allowed only in developed areas, such as campgrounds and picnic areas, and other areas open to motor vehicles, such as gravel and paved roadways, roadway corridors, and parking lots. Not allowed on hiking trails and in backcountry areas, the Badlands Wilderness Area, and prairie dog colonies. |
| Big Bend | Pets may go only where a car may go Not allowed on trails, off roads, or on the river. Not allowed to travel into Mexico at the Boquillas Port of Entry Pets may not be left unattended in vehicles if conditions are too hot or cold and might harm the pet |
| Biscayne | Allowed on the grounds at Conoy Point and at Elliott Key Not allowed on Boca Chita Key, including on boats docked in the harbor, or in the Dante Fascell Visitor Center |
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison | Allowed in picnic areas, campgrounds, parking lots, on paths to overlooks, and along roads currently open to vehicles. Allowed on the Rim Rock Trail and the North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail Not allowed on all other hiking trails, inner canyon routes, within the wilderness, and on snowshoe/cross-country skiing trails |
| Bryce Canyon | Allowed on paved surfaces, including campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads, paved viewpoint areas, on the Rim Trail between Sunrise and Sunset Points, and on the Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point Not allowed on trails, unpaved viewpoints, or at Piracy Point – even if they are carried. |
| Canyonlands | Allowed on front-country roads/parking areas and in front-country campgrounds and picnic areas. Not allowed on any hiking trails, anywhere off-trail, at any overlooks, or in the backcountry (even in a carrier). In the backcountry, pets are not allowed on roads, even if in a vehicle, or on the river. Pets are allowed in vehicles while driving the Shafer Trail to the Potash Road, and when Beef Basin via Cathedral Butte Road is closed by snow or mud, pets may ride in a vehicle over Elephant Hill-Devil’s Lane to Bobby’s Hole. Otherwise, the 4×4 and dirt roads in the park do not allow pets, even in a vehicle (this includes the entire Maze District and the White Rim Road). Pets may not be led by a leash from a bicycle or vehicle. Pets may not be left unattended in vehicles if conditions are too hot or cold and might harm the pet. |
| Capitol Reef | Allowed on the trail from the visitor center to the Fruita Campground, on the Fremont River Trail from the campground to the south end of Hattie’s Field (gate), in unfenced and/or unlocked orchards, in the Chesnut and Doc Inglesby picnic areas, in campgrounds, within 50 feet of the center line of roads (paved and dirt) open to public vehicle travel, and in parking areas open to public vehicle travel. Not allowed on hiking trails or in the backcountry. |
| Carlsbad Caverns | The NPS does not indicate where pets are allowed Not allowed in the cavern, on unpaved park trails, off-road, or at the bat flight programs. Owners are not allowed to leave pets unattended in vehicles; they must be kenneled. |
| Channel Islands | Not allowed in the park |
| Congaree | Allowed on all trails, including the boardwalk, and in campgrounds May not be left unattended, ever |
| Crater Lake | Allowed in Mazama and Lost Creek Campgrounds, all picnic areas, along established roads, within 50ft. of paved surfaces, on parking areas and paved walkways, and on the Lady of the Woods, Godfrey Glen, Annie Spur Trail, Gray Back Drive, and the official Pacific Crest Trail. Not allowed on all other trails, including the Cleetwood Cove Trail and the “alternate” Pacific Crest Trail, and any body of water (including Crater Lake and all streams). |
| Cuyahoga Valley | Allowed on trails. Not allowed on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, on the East Rim mountain bike trails, or on Virginia Kendall Hills during sledding activities. Pets may not be left unattended at any time. |
| Death Valley | Allowed in developed areas, including paved and unpaved roads, parking lots, campgrounds, and sidewalks. Not allowed on any trail, in sand dunes, off-road, or paved trails, even when carried. |
| Denali | Allowed on park roads, in parking lots, on campground roads, the Roadside Hiking Trail, and the Roadside Bike Trail Not allowed on park buses, any other trails, off-trail, or in the wilderness. |
| Dry Tortugas | Allowed on Garden Key. Not allowed inside Fort Jefferson (on Garden Key) or on any other key |
| Everglades | Allowed on roadways open to public vehicular traffic, roadside campgrounds and picnic areas, maintained grounds surrounding public facilities and residential areas, and on private boats. Not allowed on all trails (boardwalks, paved, or unpaved), unpaved roads, and the Shark Valley Tram Trail/Road. Some areas may be closed to all animals, including service animals. |
| Gates of the Arctic | Allowed everywhere in the park unless noted. Sled dogs may be left unattended for up to 24 hours if afforded with adequate shelter, food, and water. May not be left unattended at a public use cabin for any amount of time. |
| Gateway Arch | Allowed anywhere outdoors. |
| Glacier | Allowed in developed areas, including in cars while driving, frontcountry campgrounds, picnic areas, along roads, in parking areas, and in boats on lakes where motorized watercraft are permitted. Not allowed on trails, on lakeshores outside of developed areas, in the backcountry, in a boat on any lake closed to motorized watercraft, on any road closed to vehicle traffic, or in any building. |
| Glacier Bay | Allowed on the Barlett Cove Public Use Dock, on the beach between the Bartlett Cove Public Use Dock and the National Park Service Administrative dock, within 100ft. of the Barrtlett Cove Developed Area, park roads or parking unless otherwise posted, and on a vessel in the water. Not allowed on trails, beaches, or anywhere in the backcountry (except where noted above). |
| Grand Canyon | Allowed on trails above the South Rim, in Mather and Desert View Campgrounds, Trailer Village, and throughout developed areas; on the North Rim, pets are allowed only on the Bridal Trail (Greenway). Not allowed below the rim, on shuttle buses, or on any trail on the North Rim except the Bridal Trail. May not be left unattended at any time, even in a vehicle. |
| Grand Teton | Allowed in developed campgrounds, turnouts, picnic areas, in boats on Jackson Lake, and along roads open to traffic (within 30ft. of the roadway). Not allowed on any trail (including the multi-use pathway), in the backcountry, in public buildings, on swimming beaches, in or on any lake or body of water other than Jackson Lake (see above). Dog sledding and ski-jorring is prohibited in the park. |
| Great Basin | Allowed in campgrounds, in front of the visitor centers, along roads, on the Lexington Arch Trail, and on the trail between Baker and the Great Basin Visitor Center. Not allowed on any other trails, in the backcountry, in Lehman Caves, or at evening programs. |
| Great Sand Dunes | Allowed in the preserve area of the park and main use areas of the park, including the campground, picnic areas, and the main use area of the dunefield. Not allowed in the backcountry dunefield beyond the first high ridge of dunes, off the Dunes Overlook Trail, north of Castle Creek Picnic Area (except along Medano Pass Primitive Road), north of Point of No Return, and in any backpacking campsites within the park. |
| Great Smoky Mountains | Allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, along roads, on the Gatlinburg Trail, and on the Oconaluftee River Trail. Not allowed on any other park trails. May not be left unattended in vehicles or RVs. |
| Guadalupe Mountains | Allowed in areas accessed by vehicles, including established roadside turnouts, parking areas, developed picnic areas, and campgrounds, and on the Pine Springs Campground Connector Trail and the Pinery Trail. Not allowed on any other park trails, in buildings/restrooms, in the backcountry, and at public programs. |
| Haleakala | Allowed in parking lots, on roadways, and on paved pathways. Not allowed on any unpaved trails or at the Hosmer Grove Campground. Do not leave a pet unattended at any time. |
| Hawai’i Volcanoes | Allowed in all parking areas and surrounding curbs, on any parts of the Crater Rim Drive, Chain of Craters Road (to Pu’uloa Petroglyphs), Highway 11, Moauna Loa Road, Kahuku Road to the cross fence gate, and Old Mamalohoa Highway open to vehicles, at the Namakanipaio Campground, in developed areas including the open fields adjacent to the Visitor Contact Station, and at Kilauea Military Camp up to (but not including) the ball fields. Not allowed on any trails or areas not mentioned above, including the Hiliana Pali Road and Kulanaokuaiki Campground. |
| Hot Springs | Allowed on all trails. Not allowed in any federal buildings, though pets are allowed in the Superior Bathhouse Restaurant and Brewery. Pets must not be left unattended. |
| Indiana Dunes | Allowed throughout the park. Not allowed on the Pinhook Bog Trail or the equestrian portion of the Glenwood Dunes Trail system. Pets must remain on leash, even while swimming; dogs are not allowed in the lifeguarded swimming area at West Beach from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, but are otherwise allowed to accompany visitors to beaches. |
| Isle Royale | Allowed only in the outside areas on the mainland. Not allowed on Isle Royale. Boats with a pet must stay at least 4.5 miles from the outermost land areas of the park. |
| Joshua Tree | Allowed within 100ft. of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Not allowed on any hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in buildings. |
| Katmai | Allowed in most areas of the park. Not allowed in the Brooks Camp Developed Area, including service animals. |
| Kenai Fjords | Allowed on the road to Exit Glacier (Herman Leirer Road) and in the parking lot of the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Not allowed on any trails, in the park campground or cabins, in the coastal backcountry, or in any park building. |
| Kings Canyon | Allowed in vehicles, in parking lots, on paved roads, in campgrounds, and in picnic areas. Not allowed on any trails. Pets may be carried or pushed in a backpack or stroller, but only in areas where pets are allowed. |
| Kobuk Valley | No specified regulations, meaning that pets are allowed in most parts of the park but must follow federal guidelines. |
| Lake Clark | Allowed in most parts of the park, but strongly discouraged. |
| Lassen Volcanic | Allowed anywhere a car may go, including roads, road shoulders, campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots. Not allowed on any hiking trail, in the park backcountry, in any body of water, or in park buildings. Not allowed on any snowcovered surface. |
| Mammoth Cave | Allowed on all surface trails. Not allowed in the caves or park buildings. |
| Mesa Verde | Allowed on roads, in parking lots, on paved areas of the Mesa Top Loop Trail and Park Point, and on all trails at Wetherill Mesa except the trails leading into Step House and Long House. Not allowed on all other trails, in ancestral sites, or in buildings. Pets may not be left unattended. |
| Mount Rainier | Allowed in parking lots, campgrounds, on roads open to public vehicles, within 6ft. of paved roads, and on the official Pacific Crest Trail. Not allowed on any other trails, in the wilderness/off-trail areas, in buildings, in amphitheaters, on closed roads, or on snow. |
| New River Gorge | Allowed on all trails. Not allowed in any park buildings or at ranger-led programs. |
| North Cascades | Allowed in drive-in campgrounds and picnic areas, on paved or dirt roads, within 50ft. of roads, on the Pacific Crest Trail, and within the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Not allowed on any other trails, within the national park, or in the backcountry. Pets are not allowed to dig or roll on plants. |
| Olympic | Allowed in drive-in campgrounds and picnic areas, on paved or dirt roads, Peabody Creek Trail, Rialto Beach parking lot to Ellen Creek, the beaches between Hoh and Quinault Reservations, Madison Falls Trail, Spruce Railroad Trail, and July Creek Loop Trail. Not allowed on any other trail, in public buildings, on interpretive walks, in the wilderness, or on tidal rocks (due to the sharp stone). Do not leave pets unattended. |
| Petrified Forest | Allowed on any paved road, paved or dirt trails, and in all designated wilderness areas. Not allowed in park buildings. Do not leave pets unattended. |
| Pinnacles | Allowed in picnic areas, the campground, parking lots, and paved roads. Not allowed on any park trails, on shuttle buses, and in park buildings. Do not leave pets unattended in a vehicle. |
| Redwood | Allowed in picnic areas, the campground, parking lots, and paved roads. Not allowed on any park trails, on shuttle buses, and in park buildings. Do not leave pets unattended in a vehicle. |
| Rocky Mountain | Allowed along established roads, in parking areas, in campgrounds, and in picnic areas. Not allowed on any park trail, on the tundra, or in meadows. |
| Saguaro | Allowed on the Mica View Dirt Road, Mica View Trail, Desert Ecology Trail, Cactus Forest Loop Road, Bjada Loop Drive, Desert Discovery Trail, and Golden Gate Road. Not allowed on any other trail. |
| Sequoia | Allowed in vehicles, in parking lots, on paved roads, in campgrounds, and in picnic areas. Not allowed on any trails. Pets may be carried or pushed in a backpack or stroller, but only in areas where pets are allowed. |
| Shenandoah | Allowed in campgrounds and on most trails (see below). Not allowed at ranger programs or on the Fox Hollow, Stony Man, Limberlost, Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter, Old Rag Ridge, Old Rag Saddle, Ridge Access, Dark Hollow Falls, Story of the Forest, Bearfence Mountain, and Frazier Discovery Trails. |
| Theodore Roosevelt | Allowed on roads, road shoulders, sidewalks, parking areas, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Not allowed on any park trails. |
| Virgin Islands | While the NPS site only speaks to service animals, it’s generally accepted that pets may hike on trails. Not allowed on beaches. |
| Voyageurs | Allowed in frontcountry campsites, on the Recreation Trail, and in the immediate areas around the visitor center and parking lots. Not allowed in backcountry sites. |
| White Sands | Allowed in most areas of the park. Not allowed in park buildings. Do not leave pets unattended, especially in vehicles. |
| Wind Cave | Allowed on roads, in the grassy areas near the visitor center, the Elk Mountain Campground, and the Prairie Vista and Elk Mountain Campground Trails. Not allowed in caves, at ranger-led programs, in public buildings, in the backcountry, and on all trails not listed above. |
| Wrangell-St. Elias | Allowed on all trails and in the backcountry. Not allowed in public buildings. |
| Yellowstone | Allowed in developed areas within 100ft. of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds. Not allowed on boardwalks, on hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas, even in a carrier or stroller. |
| Yosemite | Allowed in developed areas, on fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths (unless posted), and in all campgrounds except walk-in campgrounds and group campsites. Not allowed on trails (even if carried), on unplowed roads covered in snow, in the wilderness and all other undeveloped areas, on all meadows, beaches, and waterways, in public buildings, on shuttle buses, in lodging areas, in all walk-in and group campgrounds/campsites, and in any area signed as “no pets.” |
| Zion | Allowed on the Pa’rus Trail. Not allowed on any other trail, in the wilderness areas, on shuttle buses, or in public buildings. Do not leave pets unattended. |
I highly recommend looking up more information for any park you want to visit with your pet – many have fun features, including “B.A.R.K. Ranger” programs just for dogs!
Want a Quick Reference Guide?
For a great resource on visiting the national parks with dogs, check out this book covering the regulations for pets in every national park. Buy your copy here (affiliate link; there is no extra cost to you).
