Everyone knows that bringing man’s best friend along on any outdoor adventure can only make for a better trip. But when it comes to Yosemite, finding dog-friendly trails and lodging can be a struggle. If you’re looking to plan a dog-friendly trip, take a look at these tips to help make the most of sharing your next adventure with a furry friend!
Plan ahead to accommodate your four-legged hiker
If you’ve never hiked with your dog before, it’s a good idea to read up on some tips and guidelines for how to prepare and properly care for your dog during your adventure. Take your dog for a few short hikes before your trip, to give you a better idea of how long they can walk before getting too tired and to give them a chance to get active before your trip. You’ll want to pack plenty water, food, doggie bags, and a first aid kit. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your dog’s identification tags are up to date, in case they happen to get away from you during your trip. You’ll want to read Yosemite’s guidelines for visiting with pets before your trip as well. Park rules state that dogs must be kept on leases no longer than six feet, and their human companions are required to clean up after them and properly dispose of the waste in a trash receptacle.
Know where your pet can go within Yosemite
You might be surprised to learn that many of the trails in Yosemite are not dog-friendly. Park rules state that dogs are allowed only in developed areas and on paved trails not otherwise meant for foot traffic or horses, which means that they cannot hike to many of the park’s iconic landmarks. A few of the popular trails, including the Lower Yosemite Falls trail, are paved, and dogs are permitted on these. You also aren’t allowed to bring dogs on any backcountry trails, wilderness areas, or slopes above the valley floor, including Mariposa Grove and Vernal Fall Trail. If you’re planning to visit any restaurants, stores, or public buildings in the park, you’ll need to plan ahead, as dogs are not permitted inside and cannot be left unattended in vehicles while you shop or eat.
Look for dog-friendly trails outside of the park
A photo posted by Samantha Woodington Chu (@wisdomfromthewoods) on
Located just seventeen miles from Yosemite’s South Gate, Bass Lake offers much of the beauty of the Yosemite region with fewer crowds. There’s also tons of trails in the area, all of which are dog-friendly! Options include the 2.7-mile loop called Willow Creek Trail, which features two waterfalls, Angel Falls and Devil’s Slide. There’s also Nelder Grove, which besides being dog-friendly is also a great option for viewing the famous giant sequoias while Mariposa Grove is closed for restoration.
Choose a pet friendly base camp
Dogs are not allowed in any of the hotels and resorts located inside Yosemite. Luckily there’s The Pines Resort. Not only does the resort offer pet friendly rooms, but it’s also located on Bass Lake, where there are many hiking trails that welcome your four-legged friend. The Pines Resort at Bass Lake even offers a pet-friendly package!
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