Travel with Dog: National Parks USA

The National Parks are undoubtedly the jewels of the USA, and iconic places like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone are must-sees. However, dogs are not always welcome in these parks. Learn how you can still have a great experience with your furry friend and discover which National Park you can comfortably visit with your dog

Us (Jo, Nelly, Momo, and Georg) in Teton National Park. Hiking with a dog is not allowed here!

Can I Bring My Dog to a National Park?

The National Parks of the USA are undoubtedly the jewels of America – diverse, unique, but unfortunately, often not very dog-friendly.

Zion, Yosemite, Redwood Forest, Glacier, Yellowstone, or the famous Grand Canyon – just to name a few of the many National Parks. However, they all have one thing in common: visiting with a dog is difficult since dogs are prohibited on all hiking trails. (There are exceptions, but…) The general rule is:

“Where a car can go, your dog can go.”

This means that dogs are only allowed on paved roads and parking areas. Your dog can also stay in the car – as long as it’s under the right conditions.

“Dog-Friendly Parks”

Some parks advertise themselves as especially dog-friendly. This usually means that there are a few trails where you can walk with your dog. Unfortunately, these are often not the most scenic routes, and we believe that the term “dog-friendly” doesn’t quite fit these parks.

5 Tips for Visiting a National Park with Your Dog

  1. Take advantage of BLM and National Forest land: Every National Park is surrounded by BLM (Bureau of Land Management) or National Forest areas. These are perfect for you and your dog to explore before or after your visit to the National Park.

  2. Start early: If you plan to go hiking, it’s best to set out early in the morning before the sun gets too strong. This way, your dog can safely wait in the car without the risk of overheating. Be aware, though, that in many parks, you’ll need to make a reservation, especially if you want to enter early and avoid the crowds.

  3. Air conditioning in the car: If your car has air conditioning, you’re at an advantage. If not, make sure to leave the windows open, even for short stops, and always remember to give your dog water.

  4. Look for dog-friendly routes: Check ahead to see if there are any specific trails you can hike with your dog during midday.

  5. The American Way: It’s common in the USA to drive through National Parks and stop at highlights and viewpoints. While this might be less adventurous, it still allows you to experience the park without leaving your dog alone for too long.

This is how we managed to spend three days in Yellowstone with Momo and Nelly. However, we generally prefer parks where we can hike together with our dogs and simply have a good time. And there are plenty of such places in the USA – many of the real highlights aren’t even in the National Parks!

Our Tip for the Most Dog-Friendly National Park in the USA: North Cascades National Park!

The first National Park we visited was also the most dog-friendly for us. WHY? Because the area around the main road isn’t actually part of the National Park! Most of it is National Forest, which means you can comfortably hike with your dog here without any restrictions.