Activities For Dogs In Yellowstone National Park

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Introduction

Yellowstone National Park is a United States national park that stretches out in the states of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Established in March 1, 1872, the park owns the distinction of being the first ever national park not just in the country but also in the world (though this is still not entirely proven). Aside from its rich history, Yellowstone National Park is also extremely popular due to its geothermal features, variety of ecosystems and the stunning landscapes that it offers. These are just some of the reasons why Yellowstone attracts visitors from all over the globe. For those traveling with pets, however, there are some restrictions and rules that should be followed before hitting the road to the park. Below are some of the dog-friendly activities that you can enjoy with your pooch when visiting Yellowstone National Park. 

Scenic Drive

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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
8 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Water and snacks
Waste bags
Activity description

Yellowstone National Park has a thriving ecosystem, some of which are full of risky geological features and wildlife that roams freely. This is one of the primary reasons why Yellowstone, and most of the other national parks in the country, have strict limitations when it comes to visitors bringing their pets. Fortunately, they take into account that some patrons would not like to leave their furbabies behind. Even though there are restrictions, dog owners can still roam around the park by driving a car. Dogs are allowed in the car and in developed areas and parking lots, which still give you plenty of opportunity to see what the park has to offer. 

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1
Drive through the scenic routes
Yellowstone National Park boasts some of the most picturesque and impressive driving routes among all other national parks in the United States. For those who plan to drive through the park, the most famous route would be the Grand Loop, which covers most, if not all of the park’s must-see sites. While the loop is doable in one day, it is recommended that you take at least two days to cover the entire route. Maps are provided in the visitor’s center for reference.
Step
2
Take stops along the way
Once you have your map, go and drive to some of the park’s best spots. There are easy-to-spot signs that indicate all the sites worth seeing and all you have to do is drive from one site to another. While dogs are only allowed in the parking areas and selected developed areas, you should still take your dog out to stretch their legs and take “bathroom breaks”. Don’t forget to take a picture or two as well.
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Paradise Valley

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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Water and snacks
Waste Bags
Activity description

Once you have seen all that you can see in your drive through the park, it does not necessarily mean that the fun and adventure has to stop. The Yellowstone National Park has lots of beautiful spots surrounding it that are just waiting to be discovered. One of these places is Paradise Valley, just to the town of Livingston. This river valley, which is bordered by the Gallatin Range (west) and Absaroka Range (east), used to be the original entry point of Yellowstone National Park. Paradise Valley boasts a stunning mountain range, lovely pastures that seem to stretch endlessly and a river that flows over lovely rocks.

Step
1
Explore the area
With all the impressive spots that the Paradise Valley area has to offer, you would probably need half a day to see most of it. There are numerous recreational activities that can be done in the area, including wildlife viewing, fly fishing and hiking. Some of the best trails in the area, including the Gallatin National Forest, are also dog-friendly, which means you can go trek with your pooch.
Step
2
Visit the hot springs
When you get worn out after a full day of hiking, you may want to relax and end the day with a hot spring visit. Luckily, Paradise Valley is home to plenty of hot spring locations. The most well-known places, hands down is Chico Hot Springs, which is also a day spa and resort. You can either avail of a day pass or stay for the night. They also pride themselves in being dog-friendly, which means you won’t have to worry about leaving your dog behind in the car.
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Area Visits

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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
24 - 48 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Activity description

While the Yellowstone National Park may be the main highlight of your trip, you should not leave without trying to see as much as you can during your visit. Even the towns near the park have a certain charm that is worth checking out. Gardiner and Jardine are two towns close to the national park that you will not regret visiting. These places are small and unassuming with a lovely vibe. Just a couple of miles away is the city of Bozeman, which is the exact opposite of the other towns. Here, you will find lots of stuff to do and several vendors and booths. By visiting, you get to experience what each place has to offer before concluding your trip. 

Step
1
Check out the little towns
When checking out the towns near Yellowstone National Park, it would be hard to miss the town of Gardiner. This little western-style town is practical, authentic and modest. The locals are also always willing to entertain guests and go for a chat. They also have some pet-friendly restaurants with an outdoor patio in case you and your dog would like to have a meal together. Then, just seven miles up the road is the town of Jardine. The drive going there offers spectacular views, too!
Step
2
Move on to the city
When you are done with the simple and charming towns, you might want to visit a more lively and vibrant city. If this is the case, Bozeman is the one you should check out. The main street is filled with people, shops and eateries. They also have a dog-friendly farmer’s market every Saturday during the months of June through to September.
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More Fun Ideas...

Camping

Although dogs are not allowed in the majority of trails and boardwalks within the Yellowstone National Park, visitors will be pleased to know that they are permitted in the campgrounds. Take advantage of this by setting up camp during your visit. You can either bring an RV and park it in the campground or set up your tent.

Book a Cabin

For visitors whose dogs are housebroken and are used to indoor living, a better lodging option would be to book a cabin. These cabins can accommodate up to two pets per room. They do, however, charge a cleaning fee (per location) worth $25 in case you decide to have your dog stay with you. 

Conclusion

The Yellowstone National Park remains to be one of the United States’ top national parks because of the amazing sights and healthy ecosystem that it offers. While it may have certain restrictions when it comes to dogs, there are still plenty of activities for you and your pooch to enjoy when visiting the area.Â