Dogs are allowed in Yosemite National Park. Let’s explore a few places that you will want to explore with your pup.

Which Trails Can You Take Your Dog On In Yosemite?

There is a lot you can see and do with your dog in Yosemite, because so much of Yosemite’s iconic scenery is visible from the paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths that your dog is allowed on. Keep your eyes open for signs showing the rare exceptions (like the trail to Vernal Fall), but in general, if it’s paved, your dog is welcome.

Short Trails You Can Take Your Dog On

 

glacier point sunset

Half Dome turns orange at sunset with the reflected light of the sun. Dogs welcome on the pavement here!
Photo: Theresa Ho

  • Bridalveil Fall – The short walk to the base of Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite Valley is pet-friendly. During peak spring flow, plan to get wet from the waterfall’s mist on this trail as you look up into the waterfall.
  • Lower Yosemite Fall Loop – This popular trail is paved and perfect for a dog-friendly stroll to a beautiful view of Lower Yosemite Fall. (1.5 miles/ 2.4 km)
  • Cook’s Meadow Loop – If the Lower Yosemite Fall Loop isn’t enough, continue walking along a 1-mile-long (1.6 km) loop out into Cook’s Meadow. The meadow is filled with wildflowers (in season), birds, and provides stunning views of Half Dome and Sentinel Rock as well as Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.
  • Mirror Lake/Meadow Trail – The trail to Mirror Lake is paved and dog-friendly for the first mile. Beyond Mirror Lake, the pavement ends, and you’ll need to turn around, but not before you’ve had a chance to walk along the Merced River with Half Dome looming above. In spring, there are picturesque reflections of Mt. Watkins in Mirror Lake. In summer, Mirror Lake dries out and becomes a lovely meadow area. This, unfortunately, is out-of-bounds for dogs to play in, but lovely to see anyway.
  • Glacier Point – Dogs are welcome on the short paved trails leading out to Glacier Point. You’ll love looking down into Yosemite Valley from above, the famous view of Half Dome, and glimpses of Vernal and Nevada Falls far below.
  • Tunnel View – OK – this isn’t really a trail, but this iconic overlook is definitely worth a quick stop on your way from Wawona to Yosemite Valley (Hwy 41/Wawona Road) with your pup. You can park in a lot on either side of the road, and soak in the magnificent views of Yosemite Valley, including Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome.

Longer Dog-Friendly Trails in Yosemite

 

dog and sign on wawona meadow loop trail

The Wawona Meadow Loop is one of the dog-friendly trails in Yosemite.

 

  • Wawona Meadow Loop Trail – This quiet 3.5 mile (5.6km) meadow loop in Wawona is close to the cabins at The Redwoods In Yosemite, and is a perfect place for a morning or evening walk. Keep your eyes open for wildflowers in the spring!
  • Chowchilla Mountain Road in Wawona – Rather than making the loop around Wawona Meadow, you can also take Fido on a walk up the quiet dirt roads starting at Chowchilla Mountain Road. If you don’t take one of the intersecting roads, Chowchilla Mountain Road ends roughly 10 miles away in Ponderosa Basin, but this is an out-and-back, so just turn around when you’re ready.
  • Bike Trails in Yosemite Valley – The paved bike trails leading from Yosemite Valley Lodge all the way to The Ahwahnee or Curry Village are all dog-friendly, and there are several cross-overs and loops that will let you roam about and admire Yosemite’s sights.
  • Old Big Oak Flat Road in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias – Start at the parking lot at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, and stick to the main road through the grove. Remember to stay off the side loops where your pet is not allowed and enjoy the ancient wisdom of these giant trees. This trail continues 5.4 miles (8.7 km) to Hogdgon Meadows Campground, so venture out and then turn around when you’re ready. This is a great alternative to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, where dogs are not allowed on any of the trails, paved or not.
  • The Carlon Road from Evergreen Road to Hodgdon Meadow Campground – You could also combine this section of trail with the one from the Tuolumne Grove, but most people will start at Evergreen Road and walk the 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to Hodgdon Meadow Campground from that end. Note: this trail is different than the one leading to Carlon Falls, where pets are not allowed.

Where Pets are Not Allowed

Inside the Park, pets are NOT allowed in the backcountry/wilderness areas, on beaches, rivers, lakes, meadows, or in lodging areas or public buildings.

Dogs are also not allowed on the free shuttle buses, so you’ll need to walk from wherever you park.

With the exception of the trails listed above, pets are NOT allowed on most trails in Yosemite, including the paved trail toward Vernal Fall or any of the trails within the Mariposa Grove – even if they are carried (in your arms, in strollers, carriers, or in backpacks).

Pet Etiquette and Leashes

  • It should go without saying that you are responsible for cleaning up after your dog and putting any pet waste in the trash.
  • Your dog should be on a leash not more than 6 feet (1.8m) long while in Yosemite.

A Note on Service Animals

Dogs classified as service animals are trained to perform specific tasks to assist people with disabilities. Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere visitors can go, and are welcome at The Redwoods In Yosemite properties for no additional charge. However, emotional support, therapy, and companion animals, as well as service animals in training, are NOT service animals and need to abide by regular pet regulations.

Dog-Friendly Lodging in Yosemite

Unfortunately, the hotels inside Yosemite, like The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and Curry Village, do not allow pets. However, The Redwoods In Yosemite has a selection of pet friendly vacation rental cabins, located inside the park gates for you and your fur family members.

A dog-friendly rental cabin inside the park is one of the best and most convenient options for pets.

Dogs are also welcome in Yosemite campgrounds (except for walk-in campgrounds, like Camp 4, and group campsites). Yosemite camping sites are notoriously hard to get, so plan far in advance if you’re planning to camp in Yosemite with your dog.

More Tips on Caring for Your Pet in Yosemite

  • Warm summertime temperatures can be extra tough on our furry friends. Be sure to carry extra water, snacks, and paw protection from the hot pavement.
  • Dogs are not allowed in any Yosemite rivers or lakes, and Harmful algal blooms (HABs) produce toxic compounds that can make your dog sick if they drink the water (or lick it off their fur), or via skin contact if they play or swim in contaminated water.
  • Even if your dog is tiny, they still smell like a predator to wildlife who can become aggressive. Give wildlife extra space when your pet is with you. This respects Yosemite’s wildlife and is safer for your dog.
  • Rabies and distemper have both been detected in park wildlife. Protect your pawsome pals by making sure they are fully vaccinated.

Is Your Dog a B.A.R.K. Ranger?

Your dog can become a B.A.R.K. Ranger in Yosemite National Park! Stop by any visitor center in Yosemite to sign your pledge card before purchasing an official B.A.R.K. Ranger badge from the Yosemite Conservancy bookstore.

  • Bag your pet’s waste
  • Always leash your pet
  • Respect wildlife
  • Know where you can go