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Pet Friendly Lodging Zion National Park – A hike with your pet in Zion National Park at 2,000 feet of red and white walls of Navajo sandstone is something you’ll never forget!
Zion was Utah’s first national park. It’s easy to see why when you walk along the banks of the Virgin River and see the sandstone cliffs rising up against the bright blue sky! But how much of Zion National Park can you see with pets? To answer this question, we conducted an on-site survey.
Pet Friendly Lodging Zion National Park
Located in southern Utah, not far from Bryce Canyon National Park and Dixie National Forest, Zion is truly spectacular. The park ranges in elevation from 3,600 feet to 8,700 feet and protects a diverse range of wildlife, flora and breathtaking scenery.
Zion National Park With Kids
Summer isn’t the best time to visit Zion National Park with pets! The park is expected to have 5 million visitors in 2021, making it the second most visited national park in the United States. Despite the crowds, summer temperatures in Zion can be quite dangerous. During our visit in late August, it reached 104 degrees at the bottom of the canyon!
For a quieter visit, consider visiting Zion in the winter. At its peak in July, more than 550,000 visitors flock to the park, but each December and January sees a fifth fewer people than historically. It’s the middle of winter, but daytime temperatures often reach 54 degrees, which is a great time to travel with your dog!
To our RVing friends: Plan a visit to Zion’s South Gate. Access to the east side of the park is through a historic tunnel. Almost all RVs, buses, trailers, semi- and two-wheeled trucks, RVs and boats require traffic control, which means rangers must stop oncoming traffic for you.
Leashed pets can join you on all paved surfaces in Zion National Park. This includes public roads, parking lots, designated campgrounds, and all 22 intersections along the 9 (Zion – Mount Carmel Hwy) and Paras Trail. Additionally, pets are welcome on Zion Lodge’s picnic grounds and grounds.
Ultimate Guide To Zion National Park — Best Things To Do & See!
Pets cannot travel the other way, which means hiking together in Zion is limited. But read on – we’ve got a pet-friendly hiking solution for you!
Finally, pets are not allowed in the wilderness, on buses, or in parks such as Zion Lodge.
Zion National Park has two entrances, the East Gate and the South Gate. If you approach the East Gate, you will almost immediately be overwhelmed by the monument. If so, go to the Visitor Center. Stop at every transition to see the giant sandstone cliffs in cream, pink and red.
When visiting Zion National Park with pets, be sure to visit the Visitor Center. Pets are not allowed inside, so take turns watching the 22-minute orientation film and exhibits. Grab your pet’s BARK Ranger Tag and it’s time to hit the road!
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Cross the road from the visitor center, cross the bridge over the river and follow the pet-friendly Paras Trail. The trail follows the Virgin River through the canyon for 1.8 miles to Canyon Junction.
Plan to walk the trail for a few hours. Or have a picnic and spend more time. Also, for a longer hike, read the section on Zion Canyon.
If you’re visiting Zion with your pets in the summer, plan to walk the Trail of Sails early in the morning or at sunset.
It’s getting hot! And there isn’t much shade. And freezing in the river is not an option. Zion Park’s Virgin River is monitored for harmful cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins. These toxins can be present at any time, so keep your dog on a leash and away from water.
Pioneer Lodge Zion National Park-springdale, Springdale (updated Prices 2024)
It’s also a good idea to pack your dog’s shoes! There are many bridges along the sailing route and the composite decking material gets very hot on sunny days. Before walking on the bridge, make sure that pets do not touch the surface and burn their paws.
If you reach Zion’s South Gate, check out the visitor center and walk the Path of Sails, then head to the East Gate, enjoying a detour along the way.
The centerpiece of Zion National Park is Zion Canyon. It is home to the world famous Hanging Gardens, waterfalls and Zion Lodge. For most of the year, access to Zion Canyon is open only by bus. Also, pets are not allowed on shuttles.
Of course, you can also take a tour of Zion Canyon. Or you can find a pet daycare or boarding facility for your furry friend. But if you want to explore Zion Canyon with your pets, you have two options.
What To Do In Zion National Park With Kids — Big Brave Nomad
The first is walking or cycling. Pets are welcome on all paved trails in Zion. And for years, the only traffic on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive was shuttle buses. Take Pa’rus Road 1.8 miles from the visitor center to Canyon Junction where the road closures begin. It is 5.9 miles from this point to the Temple of Sinawa at the end of the road.
Your other option is to visit Zion when the shuttle is not running. (That’s why we recommend planning your trip in December or January!)
Traffic to Zion will be closed from the end of November until just before Christmas. During this time, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to private vehicles. This is your window into the famous canyon with your best friend. Remember that pets must be kept on sidewalks or paved surfaces.
The town of Springdale is located outside the south gate of Zion. Pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and dog parks are great places to welcome pets.
Zion National Park With Kids
Stop by the visitor center for some tips, and enjoy lunch or dinner! We found the pet-friendly area at Oscar’s Cafe to be a great place to eat.
To explore a less popular part of Zion National Park with your pets, head west on Hwy 9 to Kolob Terrace Road, then north. The 25-mile trail climbs from 3,550 feet to 8,118 feet and weaves in and out of the national park. But the view is what makes the drive such a treat!
On the way you will pass many roads. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on all of these trails. But the picnic area here, Lava Point, is worth a visit.
At the end of the road is Kolob Reservoir. In addition to the amazing pool, the day we visited it was 20 degrees cooler than Springdale!
Pet Friendly Zion Hotels & Lodging
There are private campgrounds around the reservoir, but most sites were open the day we visited. Boat launches, canoes, kayaks, and canoes are also available for rent. It would be a great place to spend the day!
Please note: We did not have cell phone coverage at the pool, so I recommend arranging kayak, canoe or paddle boat rentals!
If being in Zion inspires you to take more nature walks with your pets, we can help! As we mentioned, there is only one pet lane in Zion. But there is a great solution on the way.
Both states of Dixie National Forest are an easy drive from Zion! Pine Valley Conservation District in St. George, Utah. The Cedar City Ranger District is east of Cedar City, Utah. Both these places are accessible for trekking. Or visit Red Canyon, a Dixie favorite. The great news is that all of Dixie’s trails are pet-friendly!
Mount Zion Holiday Rentals & Homes
Stop by any visitor center for trail conditions and maps. Then get out and enjoy your hike together!
We hope this Zion National Park tour inspires you to plan a trip with your pets! Although pets can follow the trail here, Dixie National Forest offers some great hiking along the trails. Southern Utah is a great destination for pet-friendly adventures.
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How To Spend One Epic Day In Zion National Park
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