Fido’s Adventure: What You Need to Know About Bringing Your Dog to a National Park

With so many travelers opting to bring Fido along for their trips instead of using traditional pet-sitting options, many travelers are taking a keen interest in destinations with dog-friendly accommodations.

Typically, national parks aren’t high on that list. In an effort to prevent house pets from damaging the ecosystem or disturbing native wildlife, most national parks and monuments only allow pets minimal mobility, if they are allowed in at all. 

Their overall access is limited, but leashed dogs are welcome in Zion National Park in the following locations:

  • Pa’rus Trail
  • Public roads
  • Public parking areas
  • Developed campgrounds
  • Designated picnic areas
  • Zion Lodge grounds

Visiting Zion National Park with Your Dog

If you’re still bringing Fido along to Zion, there are rules you’ll need to follow, known as the BARK principles: 

B. Bag (and dispose of) your pet’s waste. 

A. Always leash your dog. 

R. Respect wildlife by giving them space (especially from Fido.)

K. Know where you and your pet can go.

The only time you can leave your pet unattended in developed campgrounds is when weather conditions are safe, which is usually limited to winter and early spring. The desert heat, especially in the summertime, is too much for your pet to handle on their own. 

If conditions are safe, your pet should remain leashed in your campground, and no noise like excessive barking is allowed. Violating any of these rules could result in a minimum fine of $100.

If you want to do any hiking beyond Pa’rus Trail and aren’t able to leave your pet safely unattended, there are boarding kennels available in Hurricane, St. George, and Rockville.

Other Places to Take Your Pet Near Springdale

If you’re hoping to get some adventuring in with your furry friend in tow, there are plenty of other pet-friendly destinations to explore beyond Zion National Park in the nearby Greater Zion communities.

Nearby Snow Canyon State Park and Sand Hollow State Park are both pet-friendly. Fido is welcome on all trails and in all other areas of the parks – just remember that the BARK principles still apply there, too. 

If you’re looking for some more traditional parks, George Barker River Park and Hurricane Dog Park offer plenty of space for your pup to socialize and play off-leash. 

And if you’re still looking for a seat at the table for your pup, many restaurants in Springdale and Greater Zion offer pet-friendly outdoor dining options. Just be sure to call ahead to see whether Fido is allowed before you bark up the wrong tree.