Dogs in the national parks in the USA

Hi all,
Planning a couple month climbing trip into the states next fall. We have a dog and wondering what the rules are for dogs within the national parks?
Thanks!
Meaghan and Boulder

Generally, leashes are required, and you can't be on many trails. It varies from park to park. Go here for details: nps.gov and enter the name of a park you're considering. That'll get you right to that park's home page.

Welcome and have a great time!

from my experience dogs aren't to welcomed in the national parks, and if they are they are only allowed on paved trails not in the back country unfortunately. Good luck!

Some are dog friendly, some aren't, and you'll definitely be limiting yourself unless you find a kennel or doggie daycare. Luckily, most national parks are surrounded by national forests or BLM land, which tend to be just as pretty and climbable and less restrictive. Plus, in those areas, you can usually throw a tent down anywhere you want to camp and not have to worry about RVs or midnight college kid raves, unless that's your thing.

RMNP doesn't allow them and will write a ticket and be very angry😉

Jim Turner wrote:RMNP doesn't allow them and will write a ticket and be very angry😉

and thats why i only go into RMNP in the winter :)

flynn wrote:Generally, leashes are required, and you can't be on many trails. It varies from park to park. Go here for details: nps.gov and enter the name of a park you're considering. That'll get you right to that park's home page. Welcome and have a great time!

While the regs vary, for the most part they are very similar - at least in the parks that tend to attract climbers.

Yosemite Pet Regulations:
Pets are allowed

in developed areas
on fully paved trails and roads except trails signed as not allowing pets (pets are not allowed off the floor of Yosemite Valley, including the trail to Vernal Fall)
in campgrounds (except walk-in campgrounds and in group campsites)

Additionally,
Pets must be restrained on a leash not more than six feet long or otherwise physically restrained
Leashed pets may not be left unattended
For the courtesy of other visitors, human companions are responsible for cleaning up and depositing pet feces in trash receptacles
Remember that pet food is also bear food: store pet food as if it were human food.

Pets are not allowed

on unpaved or poorly paved trails, or trails signed as not allowing pets (however, pets are allowed on the Wawona Meadow Loop)
on unplowed roads covered in snow
in Wilderness areas
on shuttle buses
in concessioner lodging areas
in all walk-in and group campgrounds/campsites
in any group camps