Activities For Dogs In Yosemite National Park

As we mentioned above, areas for dog-friendly hiking can be a bit limited, but it doesn't take much to find appropriate roads. Start by downloading a digital map or getting a physical one from one of the park's visitor centers. To get familiar with the park, use the Pets page of the website to outline which roads and trails are appropriate. Our best suggestion, however, would just be stopping in a station or visitor's center beforehand and talking to a park ranger, as they will easily be able to identify the sometimes hidden fire roads (and let you know if they're open), plus they can highlight all pet-appropriate areas in general. It will likely save you a lot of time and hassle in the planning process. This is also a good time to review the park's basic rules on pets.

Once you've outlined all the possible areas you can go, it's time to do a little research. Much of this can be as simple as hopping online and typing in the names of the roads or trails. Users on various websites are often quite detailed in their trail descriptions, which means you can see each trail's length, approximate hike time, difficulty and what it offers for you to see (and sometimes even photos!). This is the BEST way to pick which trails will be best for your and your dog's skill levels. Consider how much time you'll have available, how far apart some of trails are and general travel times. If you only have 1 to 3 hours, you may only fit in one, but if you have 6 instead, careful planning may allow you to hit up to 3 (as long as you have the energy!).

Once you've got your trip outlined, double check the weather for any last minute changes, grab your supplies and your dog and hit the road. Pay the necessary entrance fee and head in towards your first location. Make sure you have enough water for the trip and then you're off!

If you've participated in the hiking above, or at least read through it, you'll be in a much better place for camping, as you'll most likely already know which trails and roads are dog-friendly. For those who aren't familiar with it, the same process is encouraged: get a physical or digital map and outline dog-friendly areas, as it will help you determine where to stay and what is close in proximity. Once you've outlined the campgrounds, figure out what other activities you plan to participate in, then try to pick a campground that minimizes your travel time and maximizes activity time. If you have all day and are good at getting up early, this may not be a factor, but it's always better to prepare better beforehand. Additional guidance can always be sought out in the form of a ranger or informational guide in the visitor's centers.

Before you start packing your supplies, it's a good idea to read through the park's pet rules and camping guidelines. We can't list them all, but it's good to be familiar with food storage to minimize interactions with bears, as well as waste disposal to keep the park clean and safe for others. Once you've looked at what areas are dog-friendly and their respective rules, consider making a reservation. Some campgrounds are walk-ins, but given that it is the 5th most popular park in the country, sites often fill up quick, making reservations a good idea unless you're flexible (which is harder with a dog). Then, you'll want to pack supplies appropriated to your specific campsite including a tent and sleeping bag but without forgetting your dog's needs too!

Once you've outlined your activities and campsite and gathered your supplies, you can pack the car, grab your dog and hit the road. Make sure to double check the weather before making any long drive. It's also a good idea to check the condition of areas of the park internally, as fires, washouts, and many other natural events can change availability quickly (website and calling the park are both good options). Make sure to pay your entrance fee, head to your site and get set up. When all is said and done, you'll have shelter for the night and tons of time to explore the park with your dog!

If you're limited on time, it may be a good idea to first map out your route. Start by picking what you really want to see most, then adding in stops along the way. Many of the park's great views can be seen from the road, so look at points of interest on the map and consider getting suggestions from rangers as to the best viewpoints to see them from. Generally speaking, because of the road layouts, it's either best to start in the Northeast, drive west across the park, then south and back east into the Yosemite Valley Loop, then back out and south out of the park (or vice versa). This is the most all-encompassing route, but feel free to come up with your own that is suited to your specific interests.

Once you've outlined the main points you'd like to see, look on the park's website and other informational sites about point-to-point drive times, as this should give you a better idea of how much you can see in a given amount of time. If you end up with extra time on your hands, you'll know you can stop at more locations that strike your fancy in between. We also suggest checking out Yosemite Village at the near eastern end of the Valley Loop, as you can even have lunch on the picturesque patio of the Village Grill or have a prepackaged lunch in one of the nearby picnic areas.

Once you've got everything outlined, grab your supplies (including your camera!), your dog and hit the road. Pay your entrance fee and begin your four-wheeled adventure! Don't forget to stop to give your dog bathroom breaks and provide plenty of water and walks to keep them as happy, healthy and entertained as you are.