Dog-Friendly Spots in Yosemite National Park
While many associate Yosemite National Park with its towering waterfalls and majestic granite cliffs, this iconic park also offers a welcoming environment for our four-legged friends. Today I’m excited to partner with Visit Yosemite | Madera County as we explore the dog-friendly side of Yosemite, highlighting the best spots where you can enjoy the wonders of nature alongside your beloved canine companion. From scenic trails to pet-friendly accommodations, let's embark on an adventure that celebrates both the natural beauty of Yosemite and the joy of exploring it with our furry friends.
Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park
Where Are Pets Allowed in Yosemite?
By now I’m sure you know Yosemite is my happy place, and when Nate and I are off on big back-country adventures here, our sweet dog Thumper stays with Grandma (and enjoys getting spoiled rotten)...but we also love planning special trips with Thumper so she can enjoy one of our favorite places with us too.
So where are pets allowed inside the park? First of all, service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go...however, family pets (like Thumper) are allowed in developed areas and on fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths (except when signed as not allowing pets). They’re also allowed in most campgrounds with the exception of walk-in campgrounds and group campsites.
Pets are not allowed on unpaved trails, including the trail to Vernal Fall (however, pets are allowed on the Wawona Meadow Loop). Our furry friends are also not allowed on unplowed roads covered in snow, as well as in undeveloped and wilderness areas. Additionally public buildings, shuttle buses and hotels located inside the park are off limits. Pets may not be carried (in arms, carriers, strollers, backpacks, etc.) in the areas of the park where pets are not allowed. It’s incredibly important to honor these regulations as they help protect both pets and wildlife from disease and each other.
Continue reading below for specific dog-friendly spots in Yosemite...
Cook’s Meadow Loop in Yosemite National Park
Dog Friendly Spots in Yosemite Valley
Lower Yosemite Falls Trail: This is an easy, flat, paved 1 mile loop which is incredibly dog and family-friendly, and it leads to up-close views of the final 320 ft drop of North America’s tallest waterfall.
Sentinel & Cook’s Meadow Loop: This easy 2.25-mile hike offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock along a flat paved trail and boardwalk.
Bridalveil Fall Trail: The paved path leads from the parking area to a wonderful viewing platform near the base of this waterfall in under a 1/2 mile round trip.
Mirror Lake Trail: A 2-mile out and back hike, this mostly shaded path follows Tenaya Creek along a paved service road to the edge of Mirror Lake (a seasonal lake which turns into a meadow during the dry Summer months). An unpaved trail loops around the lake, but it’s important to note dogs are only allowed on the paved path here – not the full lake loop. See my full dog-friendly Mirror Lake blog post here.
Lower Yosemite Falls Trail in Yosemite National Park
Dog Friendly Spots Outside Yosemite Valley
Glacier Point: Dogs can enjoy walking the short path from the parking area to some of Yosemite’s most incredible overlooks. Soak in panoramic views of iconic features like Yosemite Falls and Half Dome as you and your pup tower over 3,000 feet above the valley floor.
Tunnel View: While there are no dog-friendly trails to head out on at this location, it’s still a great spot to enjoy a sunrise or sunset at this classic Yosemite view.
Wawona Meadow Loop: Beginning at the Wawona Hotel, this 3.5 mile trail is much less crowded than many Yosemite Valley spots, and much of it is nicely shaded, making it a comfortable Summer hike.
Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias: The paved trail along the old Big Oak Flat Road through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias to Hodgdon Meadows Campground is dog-friendly, but only on the main paved path.
Leashed dogs are also allowed on Chowchilla Mountain Road, Four Mile and Eleven Mile fire roads (but not the Four Mile Trail in Yosemite Valley).
Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park
B.A.R.K. Ranger
Our national parks aren’t always associated with being extra dog-friendly, but Yosemite has some great resources for our four-legged family members. Did you know you can stop by one of the Yosemite Visitor Centers and get an official Bark Ranger card? The Yosemite B.A.R.K. Ranger code consists of four pillars:
1. Bag your pets waste.
2. Always leash your pet.
3. Respect wildlife.
4. Know where you can go.
Visit the official NPS website for more information on the Bark Ranger program, and when planning a Yosemite adventure with your dog, make sure to check out this great article by Visit Yosemite | Madera County, “Are Dogs Allowed in Yosemite?”
Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park
Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park
Top 5 Pet-Friendly Hotels Near Yosemite
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite: Located just minutes from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lodge offers pet-friendly rooms with easy access to the park's attractions and hiking trails. Click here for my Tenaya Lodge full hotel review.
The Pines Resort: This historic resort on the shores of Bass Lake offers a variety of unique accommodations, including pet-friendly chalets for guests looking to enjoy the beautiful surroundings with their furry companions.
Yosemite View Lodge: Located along the Merced River right off Highway 140, Yosemite View Lodge offers pet-friendly rooms with beautiful views and close proximity to Yosemite Valley and its iconic landmarks.
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn: Enjoy comfortable accommodations at this rustic, lodge-style hotel conveniently located right off Highway 41 just 15 miles south of Yosemite National Park.
The Oakhurst Inn: Located just south of Yosemite in the town of Oakhurst, this charming accommodation offers a comfortable retreat for visitors exploring the natural wonders of the area.
Tenaya Lodge pet-friendly hotel near Yosemite National Park
Know Before You Go
• The Travel Alerts page on YosemiteThisYear.com is a great resource to reference prior to any Yosemite trip. There you’ll find up-to-date park information, road conditions, and links to everything you might need while preparing for your trip.
• The weather in Yosemite can fluctuate greatly throughout the seasons, so it’s always important to remember that winters can create unsafe icy conditions and warm summer days can turn pavement too hot for dogs’ paws.
• Make sure to not leave any dog food in your vehicle. Most trailheads and parking lots offer bear proof containers you can use.
• To keep your pet and local wildlife safe, always keep your dog on leash (6 feet or under) or in an enclosed dog stroller. Black bears, deer, and coyotes are just a few examples of the abundant wildlife in this region.
• Please remember and follow all the Leave No Trace Principles on your visit, including picking up after your pet.
• Check the NPS website and weather conditions before heading out on this or any other trail in the park for last minute changes and possible closures. Always pay close attention to and respect park signage and regulations on your trip.
Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park
In Summary & Post Sponsor
Thanks so much for joining me today inside Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of my adventures in the park with my dog, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here.
I’d like to give a special thank you to the sponsor of this post, Visit Yosemite | Madera County. Please consider stopping off to support the small businesses and local economies of the gateway communities surrounding the park. For great information on what to do inside Yosemite National Park and in Madera County directly to the south (along Highway 41), check out YosemiteThisYear.com and @yosemitemadera on Instagram. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Mirror Lake Trail in Yosemite National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Wondering what the Fall colors look like right now in Yosemite Valley? I spent the last week exploring my top spots in Yosemite National Park for enjoying the autumn foliage, and I'm excited to share the current conditions today for this first week of November 2024. I'm rating the park as a "Go Soon" with a mix of vibrant colors at spots like Bridalveil Fall, Cooks Meadow, and Yosemite Chapel.