Before you bring your dog to Yosemite National Park, read up on the rules so you won’t be disappointed. While access to trails is restricted (see where you can hike below), there’s still lots of scenery that can be enjoyed with your dog, especially in the spring when the waterfalls are running at maximum flow.
In general, leashed dogs are allowed in drive-in campgrounds, on paved trails and in developed areas such as picnic grounds. While dogs are not allowed in lodging areas, a great exception for staying in the park with your four-legged companion is the Redwoods in Yosemite, a collection of private vacation rental homes, many of them dog-friendly, located within park boundaries and convenient to all the iconic sights.
Dogs are also allowed on the following trails:
Yosemite Valley: Lower Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley: Bridalveil Falls Trail
Yosemite Valley: Cook’s Meadow Trail
Yosemite Valley: Mirror Lake Trail
Wawona: Meadow Loop
Hodgdon Meadow: Carlon Road trailhead
Hodgdon Meadow: Hazel Green Creek trailhead
Hodgdon Meadow: Old Big Oak Flat Road to Tuolumne Grove
Campgrounds that allow dogs:
Yosemite Valley:
Upper Pines
Lower Pines
North Pines
Along Wawona Road (Hwy 41) & Glacier Point Road:
Along Tioga Road (Hwy 120):
Hodgdon Meadow
Crane Flat
White Wolf
Yosemite Creek
Tuolumne Meadows
Dog kennels are available in Yosemite Valley at the stables (open seasonally) from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Dogs must be gentle, 6 months of age or older, and have proof of shots and license required. The kennel’s phone number is (209) 372-8348.
