YOSEMITE IS OPEN. Click here for more TRAVEL ALERTS and information.
Menu
Visitor Guide
Get Our Newsletter
Search
Menu
Blog Are Dogs Allowed In Yosemite?

If there’s a group of like-minded enthusiasts that enjoy the great outdoors as much as humans or more…. it’s dogs! Our furry companions know that nature is the best form of therapy. It clears the mind, reinvigorates the soul, and most of all, keeps us young at heart. So, the question is are dogs allowed in Yosemite? In short, Yes. But there are some requirements you must follow.

The Basic Rules – Where Are Dogs Allowed In Yosemite

Scout the dog in YosemitePhoto by: Breeze TurnerIf you do bring your pooch with you into the park, be aware that when you go for a hike with them, they must be on a leash. The leash itself cannot be longer than 6 feet. When it comes to which trails they can access, the general rule of thumb are most paved trails. This includes iconic routes like the main trail at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias and the short walk to the base of Bridalveil Fall as well as the lower Yosemite Fall loop.

Where They Can’t Go

Of course, there are exceptions to the paved trail rule. The trail to Vernal Fall is included in this group so we suggest checking out the NPS pets page for the full download of all the rules you need to follow within its confines. This also means dogs are not allowed in any undeveloped area or wilderness including dirt trails. Trails such as those leading to and within the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (for example: the Washburn Trail, the Mariposa Grove Trail, and the Perimeter Trail, etc...) are all included in the "No dogs allowed" category. 

What If You Want To Get Off Trail?

If you need to get your furry family member a bit more exercise, we suggest zipping out of the boundaries to visit the national forests. Literally surrounding the park, dogs are definitely welcome here. You can see everything from giant sequoias to waterfalls with a bit more leg room.

More Dog Friendly Fun

Little dogs love riding the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine RailroadYou can definitely have a doggone good time on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad Instead of just focusing on visiting the park, why not make your outing a full-on vacation. There’s a host of things you and your dog can enjoy together in Madera from wine-tasting to going on a train. For a deep-dive on ideas, tips, and more, be sure to read our article: dog friendly fun in Yosemite | Madera County.

Click the button below to request a copy of our Visitor Guide and/or sign up for our e-Newsletter!


______________________________________________________________________________________

Like what you see? Save any of these pins (or possibly all of them) to your travel planning board(s) to give you an easy way to find your way back here!  Also check out our other blog posts as well as itineraries for more ideas and pins!

Alex Silgalis

Alex founded localfreshies.com® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.

Our annual Visit Yosemite | Madera County Visitors Guide can answer all your questions about visiting California's Gateway to Yosemite. From the park itself to the museums, wineries, art galleries and more throughout Madera County, our guide can help you plan the perfect vacation. Please note that we mail to the USA only, but anyone can download the guide.
Visit Yosemite - Madera County
Oakhurst Visitor Center, 40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 683-4636
Email us!

Hours:
7 days a week: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
FOLLOW US

Developed by Drozian Webworks | ©2024 Southern Yosemite Visitors Bureau. All Rights Reserved.