Marlowe & Boomie exploring Yosemite National Park.
Photo Credit: @thenuggetbros
Before you bring your dog to Yosemite National Park, read up on the rules so you won't be disappointed. While access to trails is restricted (see where you can hike below), there's still lots of scenery that can be enjoyed with your dog, especially in the spring when the waterfalls are running at maximum flow.
In general, leashed dogs are allowed in drive-in campgrounds, on paved trails and in developed areas such as picnic grounds. While dogs are not allowed in lodging areas, a great exception for staying in the park with your four-legged companion is the Redwoods in Yosemite, a collection of private vacation rental homes, many of them dog-friendly, located within park boundaries and convenient to all the iconic sights.
Dogs are also allowed on the following trails:
• Yosemite Valley:
Lower Yosemite Falls
• Yosemite Valley:
Bridalveil Falls Trail
• Yosemite Valley:
Cook’s Meadow Trail
• Yosemite Valley:
Mirror Lake Trail
• Wawona:
Meadow Loop
• Hodgdon Meadow:
Carlon Road trailhead
• Hodgdon Meadow:
Hazel Green Creek trailhead
• Hodgdon Meadow:
Old Big Oak Flat Road to Tuolumne Grove
Campgrounds that allow dogs:
Yosemite Valley:
•
Upper Pines
•
Lower Pines
•
North Pines
Along Wawona Road (Hwy 41) & Glacier Point Road:
•
Bridalveil Creek
•
Wawona
Along Tioga Road (Hwy 120):
•
Hodgdon Meadow
•
Crane Flat
•
White Wolf
•
Yosemite Creek
•
Tuolumne Meadows
Dog kennels are available in Yosemite Valley at the stables (open seasonally). Dogs must be over 6 months old and at least 20 pounds (smaller dogs may be considered if you provide a small kennel), with proof of shots required. The kennel's phone number is (209) 382-8326; reservations are highly recommended due to limited kennel space.
Photo Credit: @thenuggetbros