Can you take dogs to Zion National Park?

In Southern Utah, near St. George, you can find Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks just one hour apart from one another.

Zion National Park, the first national park in Utah, is a nature preserve known for its dramatic red cliffs in Zion Canyon. With 232 square miles of high plateaus, a network of intricate, deep sandstone canyons, and the Virgin River and its tributaries, it contains some of the most picturesque canyon country in the United States.

The spire-shaped rock formations known as hoodoos are crimson in color, and Bryce Canyon is famous for having the largest hoodoo collection in the world.

Each park has an entrance fee, so if you want to visit both, we strongly advise purchasing a National Parks Pass. With just a few trips to the parks annually, it pays for itself!

Like all National Parks, Zion and Bryce Canyon must manage a high level of visitor traffic while safeguarding their ecosystems and wildlife. However, as long as you adhere to a few straightforward guidelines, you and your dog can still enjoy some of the highlights of these lovely parks.

IS ZION NATIONAL PARK DOG FRIENDLY?

Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah, is situated 4,000 miles above sea level and has a number of trails that wind through its red cliffs and alongside the Virgin River. Each year, up to 4. 5 million people visit the park each year to see its hanging gardens, cliffs, and waterfalls. Dogs are not permitted on many of Zion’s trails, like in some other national parks. Zion has some dog-friendly areas, but there might be some restrictions on the things you can do there.

But this doesn’t imply that you have to keep your dog at home. Dogs are permitted on the Pa’rus Trail in Zion National Park. If you’re willing to drive there, there are numerous other dog-friendly trails close to Zion National Park as well. You can camp with your dog and walk it around the majority of public areas in Zion as long as it’s on a leash.

Read on to learn where to find nearby options for dog boarding if you plan to hike Angels Landing, Observation Point, or the Emerald Pools while you are in Zion National Park.

Zion National Park – The Subway

The National Park Service (NPS) has set rules regarding pets in their park. If you don’t follow these guidelines, you could be charged a fine up to $100. The rules are as follows:

Dogs are only allowed to hike on the Pa’rus Trail and must be leashed on a 6 foot leash at all times.

While on a leash, dogs are allowed on public roads, parking lots, designated campgrounds, picnic areas, and outside the Zion Lodge.

Dogs and other pets are not allowed in public buildings or on the shuttle buses unless they’re registered service animals.

All waste must be picked up and placed in trash bins.

Don’t leave your dog in the car, the hot temperatures aren’t safe.

Dogs can be left at campsites as long as they’re properly restrained, the weather conditions are mild, and the dog is guaranteed not to make too much noise.

Zion National Park – Angel’s Landing

DOG FRIENDLY HIKES IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

The Pa’rus Trail is the only dog friendly trail in Zion. This hiking trail is a total of 3.5 miles out and back and is rated for all skill levels. Those who’ve visited the trail have reported it to be well trafficked.

There are likely to be large meadows, lovely wildflowers, shady groves of trees, footbridges, and views of the rocky peaks along the trail, which is a paved path that follows the Virgin River.

Hikers should be aware that Zion National Park charges up to $35 per vehicle to enter the park when planning a trip to the Pa’rus Trail. This trail should be accessible from the overflow parking area behind the Zion Nature Center once you arrive in Zion, which is close to the visitor center.

Where Can I Go With My Dog in Zion?

Campgrounds

Zion has three campgrounds, and these campgrounds do allow dogs. Please be aware of the following if you plan to camp with your dog:

Dogs are required to be on a 6-foot leash at all times

Dogs cannot make excessive noise

You must pick up after your dog

Your dog can be left unattended while you’re out exploring the park as long as they are properly secured, the weather/environment is safe (it gets EXTREMELY hot in Zion), and they aren’t barking too loud.

Parking Lots and Roads

In any Zion parking lot, you may have your leashed dog with you. They cannot, however, be left in the car while you hike because Zion gets extremely hot, and idling and generator use are prohibited in the parking lots. Consequently, your dog is welcome to accompany you to the parking lot, but there won’t be much you can do together unless you’re at a viewpoint.

You can take your dog on a few breathtaking scenic drives in Zion. I recommend taking a drive along the Zion-Mt. East side of the park can be reached via the Carmel Highway (Highway 9), Kolob Terrace Road (near Virgin, UT), or Kolob Canyons Road (near Cedar City, UT).

Picnic Areas

You can take your dog on a picnic with you at The Grotto Picnic Area, the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint, or on the Zion Lodge grounds.

Pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.

The Pa’rus Trail

The only dog-friendly trail in Zion National Park is the Pa’rus Trail. It’s a paved 3. the Virgin River and the surrounding red rock cliffs are beautifully visible from the 4-mile roundtrip route along the valley floor.

You should hike on cooler days or bring booties to shield your dog’s feet from the hot pavement because this trail has little shade and can get hot. Your dog must be leashed at all times.

The Pa’rus Trail starts just across the street from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

Make sure to always pick up after your dog to keep this trail dog-friendly!

Trails and Wilderness Areas

With the exception of the Pa’rus Trail, dogs are not permitted on any of Zion National Park’s trails or wilderness areas. Simply put, you are not permitted to bring your dog hiking with you in the park if you are not on the Pa’rus Trail.

If you head out of Zion via the East Entrance, you’ll find a bunch of dog-friendly trails near Kanab. I recommend hiking to the Red Hollow Slot Canyon, Squaw Hill, or the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Be sure to stop by the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary while you’re in the area.

Public Buildings

Dogs are not permitted in the Zion visitor centers, Human History Museum, Zion Lodge, or any other park facilities that are open to the public.

Zion Canyon Shuttle

Dogs cannot ride on Zion’s free park shuttle, even if you carry them or hold them in your lap.

FAQ

Are dogs allowed in Bryce and Zion?

Almost all national parks, including Zion and Bryce Canyon, do not allow pets, so those who are considering visiting the parks might want to leave their pets at home. Pets must always be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length, which is prohibited on hiking trails, in the backcountry, and inside of all structures.

Can you bring dogs to Angels Landing?

Can I bring my dog to Bryce Canyon?

Pets are only permitted on paved areas, such as park roads, campgrounds, the Shared-use Path, paved viewpoints (all but Piracy Point), and the 1/2 mile (0. Rim Trail between Sunset and Sunrise Points (8 km).

Can you hike the Narrows with a dog?

Unfortunately, the Narrows doesn’t allowe pets. The Pa’ Rus trail is the only one that permits dogs on leashes.