Enny Sulivan
Dog Friendly Lodging Zion National Park – Welcome, dog lovers, to the adventurer’s paradise that is Zion National Park! Here at Zion White Bison Resort, many of our guests travel with their beloved dogs and often ask us what activities their pets can participate in. If you’re wondering, “Can I bring my dog to Zion?” – The answer is an unequivocal yes! However, like many national parks, Zion has many rules regarding dogs and they are not allowed on most trails (there are some hikes they can do which we will discuss). These rules can make it difficult for any pet owner to find fun activities that everyone can enjoy. Before you and your four-legged friends hit the road, let’s take a look at some dos and don’ts for an unforgettable experience.
Zion National Park is incredibly dog-friendly, but there are rules in place to ensure a harmonious coexistence between nature, wildlife and our four-legged friends. Here are a few Zion National Park rules so you always know where your dog is and isn’t allowed.
Dog Friendly Lodging Zion National Park
Pet owners are responsible for removing animal waste from all park areas, including campsites, picnic areas, parking lots, roads, pet-friendly trails and other developed areas.
Where To Stay In Zion National Park
The only trail that allows pets is the Pa’rus Trail, which starts at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Pets are not allowed on other trails, wilderness areas, routes or public buildings in Zion.
In addition, properly leashed pets are welcome on public roads and parking lots, in developed campgrounds and picnic areas, and on Zion Lodge grounds.
Pets must not be left unattended. Zion is hot! Car interior temperatures can quickly reach dangerous levels during most months of the year. It is forbidden to leave animals unattended in vehicles in which the environmental conditions threaten the animal’s health. Properly leashed pets may be left unattended in developed campsites as long as environmental conditions are safe for the pet and the pet does not make unreasonable noise (barking, etc.).
Zion National Park — The Wild Is Waiting
Remember that you can never leave your dog alone, even at campsites or resorts, and never leave it on a leash.
While exploring the wonders of Zion National Park, you may have to leave your four-legged friend for a while. Fortunately, many reliable boarding options in the area ensure that your dog receives the care and attention it deserves.
Whether you’re hiking a trail that doesn’t allow pets or planning a day trip that’s more for your pooch, Zion’s dog boarding options make sure your four-legged friend is in good hands. These facilities understand the importance of treating your dog like a member of the family, allowing you to explore Zion with the peace of mind that your beloved companion is receiving top-notch care in your absence.
Service animals can accompany their owners to all parks. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support are not considered service animals under the ADA.
Ultimate Guide To Zion National Park — Best Things To Do & See!
Two important things to note are that service dogs in training are subject to the park’s pet rules and are not allowed on the route or trails (except the Para Trail). Additionally, according to the service animals page, pets are dogs that are not trained to perform tasks that alleviate the effects of a disability, including dogs that are used solely for comfort or emotional support (“service animals”).
If you’re a dog owner exploring Zion National Park, the Paras Trail is your golden ticket to adventure together. If you’re hiking with a dog, the Paras Trail in Zion National Park is your only option. Located near the South Campground, this beautiful 3.5 mile trail is the only trail in Zion that welcomes our four-legged friends.
Personal anecdote: Paras has been essential in my Trail Max hikes. The paved road means I don’t have to worry about rocky terrain. The view of the guard at sunset is simply breathtaking. This is a must for any dog owner exploring Zion.
A short drive from Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park is a hidden gem that offers a unique wilderness landscape. While some trails have restrictions, there are dog-friendly options that allow you and your four-legged friend to enjoy the beauty of southern Utah. We recommend two paths:
How To Experience Zion National Park In Three Days
Before starting your Zion adventure, schedule a vet visit to make sure your dog is fit for the trip. Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date and consider the physical demands of the trails. A healthy dog is a happy hiking companion. It has been reported that at certain times of the year the water in Zion National Park can contain bacteria harmful to dogs. Please check with your veterinarian for best practices, and to be safe, please keep your pets away from water you may come in contact with.
Personal anecdote: “I learned that steep slopes can be difficult for an older dog. Now I stick to gentler trails when my golden retriever, Max, joins the adventure.
Investing in the right equipment improves your dog’s comfort and safety. Strong leashes and collars, hydration gear and protective footwear for rocky terrain are essential.
Zion’s beauty is accessible to all, so make sure you leave no trace. Dispose of waste properly and take it to wildlife. The safety of your dogs and park residents is paramount
Capitol Reef National Park With A Dog
Socializing your dog beforehand will make it easier to meet people on the trail. Greeting and handling unusual situations appropriately ensures a positive experience for everyone.
Zion weather varies, so plan accordingly. Hot summer days may require a late morning or evening trip, while spring and fall offer ideal temperatures.
Pay attention to your dog’s cues. If they seem tired or uncomfortable, take a break. Always carry a basic first aid kit in case of an emergency. Always be sure to bring plenty of water for you and your pets!
Finally, can you bring your dog to Zion? Yes! But as you plan your expedition to Zion with your four-legged friend, remember that adventure and responsibility go hand in hand. Zion National Park is dog-friendly, and following these dos and don’ts will ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone. Cherish the moments, enjoy the scenery and enjoy exploring Zion with your beloved canine companion. Happy trails! With the red and white walls of Navajo sandstone rising 2,000 feet above you, you’ll never forget hiking with your pet in Zion National Park!
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Zion was Utah’s first national park. And as you walk along the Virgin River, looking at the sandstone cliffs jutting up against the bright blue sky, it’s easy to see why! But how much of Zion National Park can you see with pets? We conducted field research to answer this question.
Located in southern Utah near Bryce Canyon National Park and Dixie National Forest, Zion is simply breathtaking. Ranging in elevation from 3,600 feet to 8,700 feet, the park protects an amazing variety of wildlife, plants and breathtaking landscapes.
The best time to visit Zion National Park with pets is anytime except summer! The park welcomed 5 million tourists in 2021, making it the second most visited national park in America. And in addition to the crowds, summer temperatures in Zion can be extremely dangerous. During our visit in late August, the maximum temperature at the bottom of the canyon reached 104 degrees!
For a quiet visit, consider visiting Zion in the winter. During the peak periods of July, December and January, the park has more than 550,000 visitors, each historically seeing a fifth of the number of people. And even though we’re in the middle of winter, daytime temperatures often reach 54 degrees, which is the perfect time to explore your dog!
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To our camper friends: Plan to get to Zion’s South Gate. Arrival on the east side of the park is through a historic tunnel. Almost all RVs, buses, trailers, flatbeds, two-wheel trucks, campers, and boats require traffic control, which means rangers must stop oncoming traffic for you.
Leashed pets are allowed on all paved surfaces in Zion National Park. This includes 22 interchanges on public roads and parking lots, in developed campgrounds, on Highway 9 (Zion – Mount Carmel Highway) and on the Paras Trail. In addition, pets are welcome in Zion Lodge’s picnic areas and grounds.
Pets cannot use any of the other trails, which means shared hiking in Zion is limited. But read on: We’ve got a pet-friendly hiking solution you’ll love!
Finally, pets are not allowed in forested areas, on buses, or in park buildings, including Zion Lodge.
Zion National Park Guide
Zion National Park has two entrances, the East Gate and the South Gate. If you arrive at the Eastern Gate, you will almost immediately immerse yourself in the monumental landscape. If so, visit the Visitor Center. But stop at each entrance to admire the towering cliffs of cream, pink and red sandstone.
Visiting Zion
