Yosemite is positively pawsome for dogs

By: DogTrekker Staff

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Is Yosemite dog-friendly? Every DogTrekker headed in this direction wants to know. And the answer is…“Yes!”…with caveats. More than 4 million people visit Yosemite each year, and while no one counts the dogs, we know from experience that many visitors share the trip with four-legged companions. Here are the basics of what you need to know (but be sure to read up on the rules before you go).

Leashed dogs are allowed in picnic areas and at these campgrounds (with the exception of group or horse sites):

Upper Pines Campground & RV

Lower Pines Campground & RV

North Pines Campground

Bridalveil Creek Campground & RV

Wawona Campground & RV

Hodgdon Meadow Campground & RV

Crane Flat Campground & RV

White Wolf Campground & RV

Yosemite Creek Campground

Tuolumne Meadows Campground & RV

Leashed dogs can also accompany you on paved roads and trails and on a few dirt fire roads. Get started here:

Hazel Green Creek trailhead

Dogs are not allowed in or around park lodging with the exception of dog-passionate Tenaya Lodge, two miles from the south entrance; and in pet-friendly, privately owned vacation rentals at the Redwoods in Yosemite, a 130-home development sequestered within park boundaries in the Wawona area. Thousands of additional rooms, many dog-friendly, can be found elsewhere in the Yosemite Region.

The Village Grill at Yosemite Village welcomes dogs at outdoor tables.