Are you planning to visit Utah, and you are asking yourself Are Dogs Allowed In Zion National Park? Worry no more. This article will answer your question.
Zion National Park is located about 4000 above sea level in Springdale, Utah. The park has several trails along the bubbling Virgin River and among its red cliffs.
Every year, about five million people from the United States and from other parts of the world visit the park to see its amazing nature, including hanging gardens, cliffs, forests, and waterfalls.
The park is not considered dog-friendly. Like other national parks, it does not allow on many of its trails.
However, some parts of the park are dog friendly, although you may be limited to some activities to do.
However, this does not mean that you will have to leave the dog at home while visiting the park. This park allows dogs and other pets on one of its trails, the Pa’rus Trail.
In addition, there are several other dog-friendly trails near the park if you are willing to drive to where they are.
You can also camp with your pet and walk freely around most public places in Zion. However, your dog must always be on a leash.
Zion National Park Pet Rules
The National Park Service has set various rules regarding dogs and other pets in National parks.
Those who do not follow these rules risk facing disciplinary actions such as being charged a fine of up to $100. Here are the rules that you must be aware of and adhere to when visiting Zion National Park.
- Dogs are only permitted to hike on the Pa’rus Trail. They must always be on a leash of 6 feet
- While on their leash, dogs are not permitted parking lots outside the Zion lodge, public roads, picnic areas, and designated campgrounds.
- All waste should be picked up and placed in trash bins
- Pets, including dogs, are not permitted on the shuttle buses and in public buildings unless they are registered as service animals.
- Do not leave your dog in your car because the hot temperatures are not safe for pets.
- You can leave your dog at campsites as long as it is properly restrained. The weather conditions should also be mild, and your dog should be guaranteed not to make a lot of noise.
Where Can You Go With Your Dog In Zion
As mentioned earlier, there are a few places in Zion National Park where you can go with your canine friend. Here are some of these places where dogs are allowed:
Campgrounds
Zion National Park has a total of three campgrounds. All three campgrounds at the park allow hikers to visit with their dogs and enjoy memorable moments.
If you want to hike with your dog or any other pet at the campground, you need to be aware of the following:
- Your dog must always be on a six-foot leash at all times
- You will have to pick up after your dog
- Your dog should not make a lot of noise
- You can leave your dog unattended while you are out exploring the park and enjoying its nature. However, the dog must be properly secured, not barking too loud, and the environment or weather is safe.
Roads and Parking Lots
You can hike with your leashed dog in any of the parking lots in Zion national park. However, you can not leave your dog in the car while hiking because it usually gets so hot in the park.
You must always remember that generator and idling is not allowed in the parking lots. This means that you can go with your dog in the parking lot, but unless you are at a viewpoint, you are not going to do a lot of things together.
The park has several scenic drives where you can visit with your dog and have a good time. You can take a drive along the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway to the east side of the park, the Kolob Canyons Road (near Cedar City, UT), or the Kolob Terrace Road (near Virgin, UT).
Picnic Areas
If you plan to enjoy a picnic lunch with your pet, you can do that on the grounds of the Zion Lodge, The Grotto Picnic Area, and the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint.
When hiking in any of these areas with your canine friend, you must make sure that the dog is on a 6-foot leash throughout.
The Pa’rus Trail
This is the only dog-friendly trail in the park. It is a paved 3.5-mile roundtrip that travels along the valley floor. It provides beautiful views of the Virgin River as well as the surrounding red rock cliffs.
The trail has a little shade and can sometimes get hot. Therefore, it would be best if you consider hiking during the cooler hours of the day.
You can also consider booties that will help to protect your pet’s feet from the hot pavement. The dog should be leashed at all times.
Places Where Dogs Are Not Allowed At Zion National Park
Here are some of the areas at Zion where dogs are not allowed.
Trails and Wilderness Areas
Dogs and other pets are allowed on trails and wilderness areas in the park except for the Pa’rus Trail. This means that you are not allowed to take your pet hiking with you in the park unless you are on the Pa’rus Trail.
If you go out of Zion National Park through the East Entrance, you will find a few dog-friendly trails near Kanab.
Some of the best areas to hike here include the Red Hollow Slot Canyon, in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and the Squaw Hill.
Public Buildings
Your dog will not be allowed in the visitors’ center of the park. Dogs are also not allowed at the Zion Lodge, the Human History Museum, and any other public building in the park.
Zion Canyon Shuttle
Dogs can not ride on the free park shuttle of Zion National Park even if you hold them in your slap or carry them.
Why Can You Not Take Your Dog Hiking In Zion National Park?
National parks are established mainly to protect and preserve the most beautiful places in the United States.
One of the most important parts of fulfilling this is by keeping the native wildlife healthy and safe and avoiding altering their behaviors and natural habitat.
Pets can transmit different diseases to the wildlife in the park, which can cause sickness and even lead to the death of the animals that live there naturally. Your dog can also contract diseases from the wildlife at the park.
Dogs may also tend to scare or chase animals that consider the park their home. This can alter their behaviors and make them become aggressive or stressed.
Pets may also leave behind predator scents that can alter the behavior of local wildlife.
Where Can You Find The Best Kennel Near Zion National Park?
There are a few top kennels near the park. The nearest kennel is the Doggy Dude Ranch which is located in Rockville, UT; about a 10-minutes drive from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
You can also travel a little further out of the park to On the Spot Play and Stay in Hurricane. It is about 25 minutes from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
What Are Some Of The Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Zion
There are several dog-friendly hotels in Springdale, UT, outside the main entrance to the park. Here are some of the best options where you will be allowed to visit with your dog:
- Springhill Suites by Marriott
- Holiday Inn Express Springdale
- Hampton Inn and Suites Springdale
Are Service Dogs Allowed At Zion Nation Park?
All service dogs that are recognized by the ADA are permitted to accompany their owners throughout the Zion National Park.
Remember that a service dog must be specially trained to perform tasks and works that relate to the disability of its owner.
Emotional support, comfort, or therapy animals do not qualify as service animals in the park and will be expected to adhere to all pet rules and regulations.
Walk Your Dog in The Evening or Early Morning
If you plan to walk your pet on Pa’rus Trail, then make sure that you are doing it in the evening or early in the morning when the pavement is cooler than during the day.
In the heat of the day, asphalt can get hot and burn the pads of the dog’s feet. You should bring plastic bags to tie off in order to clean up after your pet.
Rules at the park allow pet owners to leave their dogs at developed campgrounds if they will not bark or disturb other hikers and if the weather conditions are good to do so.
Heat can be dangerous to you and your dog too. Therefore, you should not leave your pet behind when the weather can jeopardize its health.
Conclusion
If you have been asking yourself whether you can visit Zion Nation Park with your dog, there you have an answer. Some areas in the park allow dogs while others do not allow them. You should be aware of the pet policies at the park before visiting with your dog.