If your dog measures joy in miles, spring in Yosemite Mariposa County delivers. Dog-friendly trails inside the Valley and throughout nearby national forest lands offer space to roam beneath towering granite cliffs and whispering pines. Visit midweek for open trailheads and room to explore together.
One of the most highly recommended paw-friendly trails is the Wawona Meadow Loop. This trail is nice and quiet, apart from the usual birdsong, and for those who know flowers, you may even spot a delicate Mountain Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium montanum) which occasionally blooms alongside the trail.
If your dog is fond of awe-inspiring water features, the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is a short, paved and very popular route at the base of the lower fall. At 620 feet, Bridalveil Fall is another easy hike in the Valley, a perfect attraction for visitors looking for minimal effort in return for maximum views. Then there’s the Mirror Lake Trail, leading to the lake that lives up to its name, which offers pixel-perfect reflections and a prime venue to cool your toes (or paws).
For adventures with leashed dogs, the famous El Capitan Meadow is a sight to behold. Dogs are not permitted in the meadow area as it is not paved, but you can still see the incredible view from the parking lot. At more than 3,000 feet above the valley floor, the iconic granite wall is 2.5 times as tall as the Empire State Building, or more than 3 times as high as the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Food and fun beyond the Park in Mariposa County
You’ll need to refuel at some stage of your day, and we’ve got plenty of wag-worthy places to eat like Village Grill in Yosemite Vall, Sticks Coffee and 1850 Restaurant and Brewery to name a few. You may want to pack a collapsible dog bowl (or your Sierra Cup) for hydrating along the way.
Once you’ve stepped beyond the National Park, feel free to hit the Hite Cove Trail, a 7.2 mile scenic, popular dirt trail near the Merced River. For a longer hike, the Briceburg Canyon Trail offers a 4–18 mile dog-friendly, non-paved riverside trail. And last but certainly not least, there’s the Stockton Creek Preserve. This hike features a small lake, the Stockton Creek Preserve, Stockton Creek and a waterfall!
Laws for paws
Don’t forget the leash law: within Yosemite National Park, pets must be on a leash 6 feet or shorter. Dogs are not allowed on unpaved hiking trails, in wilderness areas or on shuttle buses. And you are responsible for cleaning up after your pet…only leave behind paw prints and memories, and you’ll be just fine.
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