Are you planning a trip to Utah and wondering if Zion National Park is dog-friendly? You’re probably excited to bring your best friend along on your adventures, so let’s talk about your options in Zion.
Zion 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 car, 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 Zion often. I’m excited to help you plan your upcoming trip to this majestic national park.
Let’s talk about the best places to take your dog in Zion National Park!
Where Can I Go With My Dog in Zion?
Dogs are allowed in the following areas:
Campgrounds
Zion has three campgrounds, and these campgrounds do allow dogs. If you want to camp with your dog, please be aware that:
- 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. Please be mindful of the weather conditions and your pet’s health!), and they aren’t barking too loud.
Learn more about your camping options here.
Parking Lots and Roads
Your leashed dog can be with you in any of the parking lots in Zion. However, they can’t be left in the car while you hike (it gets SO hot in Zion), and idling and generator use is not permitted in the parking areas. So yes, your dog can come to the parking lot with you, but unless you’re at a viewpoint, there’s not going to be much you can do together.
Zion has a couple of beautiful scenic drives you can enjoy with your dog. I recommend taking a drive along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (Highway 9) to the east side of the park, the Kolob Terrace Road (near Virgin, UT), or the Kolob Canyons Road (near Cedar City, UT).
Picnic Areas
If you want to enjoy a picnic lunch with your four-legged friends, you can do so at the Grotto Picnic Area, the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint, or on the grounds of the Zion Lodge.
Pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.
The Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail is the only dog-friendly trail in Zion National Park. It’s a 3.4-mile roundtrip paved path that travels along the valley floor, providing spectacular views of the Virgin River and the surrounding red rock cliffs.
This trail has little shade and can get hot, so you’ll want to hike during the cooler parts of the day or bring booties to protect your dog’s feet from the hot pavement. Your dog must be leashed at all times.
The Pa’rus Trail starts just across the street from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Always clean up your pet’s waste so that this trail continues to be dog-friendly!
Dogs are not allowed in the following areas:
Trails and Wilderness Areas
Dogs are not allowed on any trails and wilderness areas in Zion National Park. The only exception is the Pa’rus Trail, as previously mentioned. Simply put, if you’re not on the Pa’rus Trail, you cannot take your dog hiking with you in the park.
If you head out of Zion via the East Entrance, you’ll find a bunch of dog-friendly hikes near Kanab. I recommend hiking to the Red Hollow Slot Canyon, Squaw Trail, or Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Parks. Be sure to stop by the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary while you’re in the area.
Public Buildings
Dogs are not allowed in Zion’s visitor centers, the Human History Museum, the Zion Lodge, and any other public buildings in the national park.
Zion Canyon Shuttle
Dogs cannot ride on Zion’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 Zion National Park?
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 avoiding altering their natural habitat and behaviors.
Pets can transmit diseases to the wildlife in Zion National Park, which can lead to sickness and death of the animals that live here naturally. And vice versa….your pet dogs can also get sick from the wildlife in the park!
Dogs are also known to chase or scare the 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 the National Park Service in their efforts to take better care of the outdoor spaces, including the local wildlife, by following the pet regulations.
Traffic and crowding in Zion can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common to wait an hour or more to enter the park or catch the shuttle?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this Zion Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Where Can I Find the Best Kennel Near Zion?
You can find a few fantastic kennels near Zion National Park. The nearest kennels to the park are in the town of Hurricane, about 30 minutes from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
You’ll find On the Spot Play and Stay and Zion Canyon Canine Recreation Center and Spa in Hurricane.
What Are Some Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Zion?
You can find several pet-friendly lodging options in Springdale, UT, just outside of the main entrance to Zion National Park. A few good options are:
AirBnB and VRBO also have some options in Springdale, Rockville, and Hurricane, which are no more than about 30 minutes from the park entrance. As a reminder, the developed campgrounds in Zion 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 Zion?
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, public roads, and viewpoints in Zion National Park regularly.
What If I Bring My Service Dog to Zion?
Service dogs 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.
Emotional support, therapy, or comfort animals do not qualify as service animals in Zion National Park and will be required to follow all pet regulations.
Thanks for being here — I absolutely can’t wait for you to explore Zion National Park with your favorite furry friend!
More Zion Trip Planning Information
Zion Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Zion — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Zion? — 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 Zion — activities for your whole group.
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Zion — the top 10 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Zion Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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Hey! I noticed you mentioned the Doggy Dude Ranch, but you should know that the Doggy Dude Ranch is no longer in business. I worked there until its last days. Might want to update that so no one gets misinformed.
Cheers
Thanks for the info!