Dogs in Bryce Canyon National Park: Pet Rules Explained

Are you planning a trip to Utah and wondering if Bryce Canyon National Park is dog-friendly? You’re probably excited to bring your dog along on your adventures, so let’s talk about your options in Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon National Park is not a dog-friendly national park if you want to hike the trails. However, if you plan on only seeing the park from the roadside viewpoints, you’ll be able to bring your dog along for the ride.

My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I’m from Utah, and you can find me in Bryce Canyon often. I’m excited to help you plan your upcoming trip to this spectacular national park.

Let’s talk about the best places to take your dog in Bryce Canyon National Park!

Where Can I Go With My Dog in Bryce Canyon?

Dogs are allowed in the following areas:

The North Campground and Sunset Campground

Bryce Canyon has two campgrounds, and both campgrounds allow dogs. If you want to camp with your dog, please be aware that:

• Pets are required to be on a 6-foot leash at all times
• Dogs cannot make excessive noise
• You must use waste bags to pick up after your dog
• Your dog can’t be left unattended or tied to an object while you’re out exploring the park

Learn more about your camping options here.

Parking Lots

Your dog can be with you in any of the parking lots in Bryce Canyon. However, they can’t be left in the car while you hike, and idling and generator use are not permitted in the parking lots. So yes, your dog can come to the parking lot with you, but unless you’re at one of the viewpoint areas of the park along the scenic drive, there’s not going to be much you can do together.

Paved Viewpoints

If you can drive to the viewpoint areas and walk along a paved sidewalk, then you can bring your dog with you. Luckily, this means you and your best friend can see most of the spectacular views and many rock formations in Bryce Canyon together!

Viewpoints you can visit with your dog include:

Take a look at the Bryce Canyon Map to locate these viewpoints before you go.

Paved Trails

There are two paved trails in Bryce Canyon where you can take your dog.

Your first dog-friendly trail option is the paved 0.5-mile section of the Rim Trail between Sunrise and Sunset Points. This area is absolutely spectacular — you’ll see some of the most beautiful views of the Bryce Amphitheater from here!

Your second option is the paved shared-use path that travels from the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center up to Inspiration Point. If you park at the visitor center overflow lot, you can catch this paved path right from the parking lot. This trail stays mostly in the trees as it travels 2.6 miles through Bryce Canyon, but it extends outside of the park to Red Canyon for a total of 18 miles.

Always clean up after your dog so that these trails continue to be dog-friendly!

Dogs are not allowed in the following areas:

Unpaved Trails and Viewpoints

This includes (but is not limited to) Bryce Canyon’s most famous trails, such as the Queens Garden, Navajo Loop, Peek-a-Boo Loop, and the Fairyland Loop. The Rim Trail is also mostly unpaved, so dogs cannot be taken beyond the paved section between Sunrise and Sunset Points, as listed above.

It also includes shorter trails, such as the Bristlecone Loop and Mossy Cave. The Under-the-Rim Trail, and other backpacking routes, also do not allow dogs.

If you want to do some traditional hiking with your dog, you’ll find some amazing trail options in nearby Red Canyon. This beautiful forest service area is just down the road from Bryce Canyon, and you’ll still find the beautiful red rocks and hoodoo formations here!

If you’re willing to drive a little further, Kodachrome Basin State Park is phenomenal and also allows leashed dogs on the trails.

Public Buildings

Dogs are not allowed in the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, the Bryce Canyon Lodge, the General Store, the High Plateaus Institute, or the restroom facilities located within the park.

Bryce Canyon Shuttle

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

Why Can’t I Take My Dog Hiking in Bryce Canyon?

The most important reason that a national park is established is to preserve and protect the most beautiful places in America. An important part of fulfilling this charge is by keeping the native wildlife safe and healthy and to avoid altering their natural habitat and behaviors.

Another good reason is that pets can transmit diseases to the wildlife in Bryce Canyon National Park, which can lead to sickness and death of the animals that live here naturally. And vice versa….your dog can also get sick from the wildlife in the park!

Dogs are also known to chase or scare the wild animals that call this park home, which can alter their behaviors and cause them to become stressed or aggressive. Pets leave behind “predator scents” that can change the behavior of the local wildlife.

Please join with the NPS in their efforts to take better care of the outdoor spaces, including the local wildlife, by following the pet regulations.

Where Can I Find the Best Kennel Near Bryce Canyon?

You can find a fabulous kennel near Bryce Canyon National Park. The nearest kennel is called Pawz, and it’s located in Panguitch (about half an hour from Bryce Canyon).

The amazing thing about this kennel is that they will come and pick up your dog from your hotel or campsite in Bryce Canyon! You’ll be able to explore on a longer dayhike in the park, and you can relax knowing your pets are well taken care of.

If there isn’t any availability at Pawz, your other options will be further out in Cedar City (85 miles), Kanab (74 miles), or Richfield (100 miles).

What Are Some Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Bryce Canyon?

You can find several pet-friendly hotels just outside of the entrance to Bryce Canyon. A few good options are:

• Ruby’s Inn
• Bryce Canyon Resort
• Bryce View Lodge

AirBnB and VRBO also have some options in the nearby town of Tropic, which is about 10-15 minutes from the park entrance. As a reminder, campgrounds in Bryce Canyon are dog-friendly as well if you’re hoping to stay inside the park!

What Happens If I Take My Dog Somewhere He’s Not Allowed in Bryce Canyon?

You will receive a citation for no less than $75, but it could be more depending on the infraction.

Park rangers and park volunteers patrol the hiking trails, roads, and viewpoints in Bryce Canyon regularly.

What If I Bring My Service Dog to Bryce Canyon?

Service animals that are recognized by the ADA are allowed to accompany their owners throughout the entire park. A service dog must be specifically trained to perform tasks related to the owner’s disability.

A therapy dog, a comfort dog, or an emotional support animal does not qualify as a service animal in Bryce Canyon National Park and will be required to follow all pet regulations.

Thanks for being here! I absolutely can’t wait for you to explore Bryce Canyon National Park with your favorite furry friend!

More Bryce Canyon Trip Planning Information

Bryce Canyon Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Bryce Canyon — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Bryce Canyon? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
The Best Things to Do In Bryce Canyon — activities for your whole group.
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Bryce Canyon — the top 10 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Bryce Canyon Trip-Planning Guide — everything you need to know.

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