The Yosemite National Park isn’t only famous to visitors from around the globe. It’s also a popular destination for canines. In case you didn’t know, this is because you can bring your dogs to Yosemite. However, there are a few things you need to know before bringing your pet with you.
If you want to find out more about the question “Can you hike with dogs at Yosemite?” then keep reading.
Are Dogs Allowed in Yosemite?
The short and simple answer is yes, Yosemite Park allows dogs. However, there are only a few places where you can take your dogs to. Restricted areas are quite all over Yosemite, including public buildings, lodging areas, and shuttle buses.
Additionally, there are also a lot of rules that you should follow when it comes to hiking with your dogs. The park made these rules to protect the environment as well as your pets.
Also, keep in mind that you have to be a responsible fur parent. With this, never leave your pet unattended and always pick up after them.
General Guidelines
For your convenience, here are the general guidelines that you have to take note of.
1. You can take your dogs on all paved paths and developed areas in Yosemite. These include roads, bike paths, and sidewalks. Moreover, you can also bring your dogs to campgrounds and group campsites. However, this excludes walk-in campgrounds.
2. Dirt hiking trails aren’t for dogs and almost every place at the Yosemite valley grounds. To add information, it includes the Tuolumne meadows and the Mariposa Grove. Like mentioned earlier, you also can’t take your dogs to public buildings, buses, and lodging areas. In the winter, you also can’t bring your pet to places with unplowed snow.
3. You have to keep your dogs on a leash. Moreover, the leash shouldn’t be more than 6 feet when roaming around. If you don’t have one, you should properly restrain your dog at all times.
The Best Time to Hike with Your Dogs at Yosemite
While Yosemite allows dogs all year round, finding the best time to take them can be tricky. If you’re wondering what is the best time to hike with your pets, here are a few things to remember.
Spring
Generally, the best time to take your dog on a hike is during spring or fall. If you want your dog to see the majestic view, take them to Yosemite during spring. The falls come alive during this season, and the Mirror Lake does so too.
Fall
On the other hand, cooler days come in the fall. You can also enjoy the beautiful fall scenery with your dogs. Moreover, Yosemite Park isn’t as crowded, making visiting Yosemite more enjoyable for you and your pet.
In addition, the Bodie Ghost Town is still accessible during fall. It’s an abandoned mining town in Yosemite where dogs can enter. It’s a great place to take your dogs to, as it’s not only dog-friendly but historical too.
Summer
The summer weather can be extremely humid and hot at Yosemite. Because of this, your dogs might not enjoy your trip. It can also be harmful to your dogs to be walking under the summer heat, especially to their paws.
Additionally, hotel rooms are generally full during the summer, so getting a room would be difficult. There aren’t many dog-friendly hotels in the area, so it’s better not to go during the summer.
Winter
Taking your dogs on a hike in the winter isn’t a great idea either. Because of snow, ice, and sleet, most roads aren’t passable. Even the road to the ever-famous Glacier point is inaccessible.
Short Dog-Friendly Hikes at Yosemite
If long trails aren’t for you, there are many short hiking trails that you can go to as Yosemite. Equally important, to also know how long your fur partner can go. Just remember that you need to put a leash on your dog.
Now, if you’re looking for short trails to bring your dog, here’s a list of where they’re allowed to go.
- Bridalveil Fall
One pet-friendly hiking trail in Yosemite is the trail to the base of the Bridalveil Fall. During the peak spring run-off, the base of the Bridalveil Fall is one of the coolest spots in Yosemite. Thus, it’s also a top destination for your furry friend during the season.
- Lower Yosemite Fall Loop
Another short walk you can take your dog on is the trail to the Lower Yosemite Fall Loop. It’s a popular hiking trail that’s half a mile from the trailhead and 1.5 miles from the Yosemite Village. Uniquely, the place has an amazing waterfall view!
- Cook’s Meadow
If the Fall Loop isn’t enough for you, you can extend your hike to the famous Cook’s Meadow. Taking this trail leads to another awesome look at the Yosemite Falls, with additional Sentinel Rock and Half Dome views.
- Mirror Lake
Another great trail you can take your dog to is the one to Mirror Lake. It’s below the Half Dome and leads to the edge of Merced River. Additionally, it’s an incredible hiking trail during the spring as it provides majestic reflections of Mt.Watkins.
If you’re in it for another awesome hiking spot in Yosemite, Glacier Point can be your next destination. It’s famous for its great sunrise view, so you shouldn’t miss it.
Moreover, it’s dog-friendly because of consistent paving.
The only downside to this hiking trail is that it can get crowded at sunrise. So, remember to come at least 20 minutes before the break of dawn.
Longer Dog-Friendly Hikes at Yosemite
The trails above are relatively short ones ranging from half a mile to one mile. However, other trails around the area are also pet-friendly.
If you want a challenge for you and your furry friend, here are some of the longer trails in Yosemite.
- Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
If you want quiet with your pet, a trail you can take is through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The trail is a 5.4-mile one with a majestic view of the trees surrounding the area.
Additionally, Big Oak Flat Road contains Tuolumne Grove. It’s open to dogs through the Hodgdon Meadows Campground. However, there are restrictions on the side loops for dogs.
- Wawona Meadow Loop
The Wawona Meadow Loop is a 3.5-mile hike that you can trail with your dog. It’s a loop across the Wawona Hotel that surrounds the golf course and meadow areas.
Moreover, there are many wildflowers during the spring, so the view is worth it. Not to mention that it’s also a rolling trail that you can take for a walk up the hill!
- Chowchilla Mountain Road
Another quiet spot you can trail with your furry pet is the Chowchilla Mountain Road. It’s not only dog-friendly but also hidden well, so a good time with your pet is an assurance.
The trail begins at Highway 49 that goes around the Chowchilla Mountain and the Ponderosa Basin.
Tips for Visiting Yosemite With Your Dog
Now that you know where to take your dog, it’s time to get ready for the hike. However, there are still some other things that you have to keep in mind.
Ready to hike with your dog at Yosemite? Here are some tips you can use to make the trip worthwhile and enjoyable.
1. Do not forget to bring water.
Because of the hike and the heat, bringing water for you and your pet is a necessity. Prepare your jugs before the trip so you can stay hydrated while you hike. You can also bring collapsible water bottles to make carrying easier.
Another useful tip is bringing a few bottles of water and storing them inside a cooler. Not to mention, cold water will help you feel refreshed throughout the hike. Not only that, but you can bring snacks, too!
2. Go on shorter hikes.
Depending on your stamina, you can take long walks or shorter ones. However, we recommend going on two shorter hikes in one day. Of course, short dog-friendly trails are usually about less than a mile.
3. Limit your driving.
If your dog isn’t a fan of long drives, it’s best to keep them rested. First, the travel time to Yosemite from your lodging usually takes hours. Second, while there are many dog-friendly hotels around the area, people flock to Yosemite, so the competition’s tough.
Lastly, shorter driving distances will work best for your dogs.
Ready to Hike with Dogs at Yosemite?
Being a responsible fur parent isn’t going to be difficult if you plan to go to Yosemite. Just remember to understand what places allow your furry friend, and you’re good to go! Also, don’t forget to follow the tips above so you can make the hike with your pet a memorable one.
