Being a dog parent means wanting to bring your pet along with you on vacation, particularly if you’re headed off to outdoor adventures such as camping or hiking. Some of the best spots in the U.S. for outdoor adventures are, of course, national parks, but many national parks are not so dog-friendly. Sometimes this is for aesthetic reasons, and sometimes it’s for safety reasons. Either way, it’s a bummer.
If you’re planning on visiting Zion National Park (Utah’s First National Park),1 you might want to leave your pup at home. Unfortunately, Zion National Park isn’t pet-friendly, as is the case with too many national parks. Below you’ll find Zion National Park’s pet policy and just where your dog is allowed in the park.
Zion National Park Pet Policy
According to the Zion National Park website, “The only trail that allows pets is the Pa’rus Trail, which begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Pets are not permitted on any other trails, wilderness areas, on shuttle buses, or in public buildings in Zion.”2
However, the site also states that “properly restrained pets are welcome along public roads and parking areas, in the developed campgrounds and picnic areas, and on the grounds of the Zion Lodge.”
So, technically you can camp with your dog at Zion National Park (so long as the dog is leashed at all times), but you’re out of luck when it comes to hiking. The Pa’rus Trail (the single trail dogs are allowed onto) is a paved trail that’s 3.5 miles long and equals about a 2-hour hike.
According to some dog owners, it’s the least scenic trail in Zion National Park, as it passes by shuttle stops and bathrooms—but the park itself is beautiful, so the trail is still reasonably scenic despite that. But if you want to really hike the park, your dog will have to be boarded nearby while you do so.
The only exception to the “No Dogs” rule is, of course, service dogs. However, Zion National Park only counts service dogs as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities”. That means canines meant for emotional support and comfort do not qualify as service dogs and are prohibited.
Regulations for Pets
Zion National Park also has a few regulations one must follow with their dogs in the few areas they are actually allowed. These include:
- Bagging poop
- Dog always being leashed (on a leash no longer than 6 feet)
- Pups respecting wildlife
The other rule regarding pets is that they cannot be left unattended (especially not in vehicles!). Temps can soar in Zion; in fact, during the majority of the year, the temperature inside cars can heat up to dangerous levels quickly. So, leaving your dog in the car (even if you’ll only be gone for a few minutes) is against regulations—you could even be fined for leaving your pet on its own—up to $100 or more.3
Tips for Keeping Dogs Safe in Hot Weather
If you do decide to bring your pup on your trip to Zion National Park, particularly in the summer, you’ll need to take measures to keep your dog protected from extreme heat.
- Hiking in the early morning
- Staying in shaded areas while outside with your pet
- Bringing water for your dog when going out
- Checking on paw pads to ensure they aren’t burnt from hot surfaces
- Choosing an activity that involves playing in water rather than hiking
Final Thoughts
If you’re headed to Zion National Park in the near future, you might want to leave your four-legged companion at home. Unfortunately, the park isn’t very dog-friendly, as there’s only a single trail dogs are allowed on (and few areas they can be in general). If you do bring your pup, you’ll likely end up having to board them nearby while you enjoy the park.
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Featured Image Credit: teapalacio, Shutterstock
