Top 5 Dog Friendly National Parks

Getting ready for summer travel? Why not pick one of these pet-friendly natural wonders to check out. From desert dunes to forest falls, there is something for everyone, even the dog, on this list.

1. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area – Arizona

Nestled amongst the amazing rock formations in the Arizona desert are 2,000 miles of shoreline oasis that make up Lake Powell. A stunning retreat, the area is definitely pet-friendly, with lots of activities for you and your dog. Last year they even hosted a “dogs at the lake” photo contest.

Lodging

• Lake Powell Resort & Defiance House Lodge – $20 flat fee per animal, per stay)
• Houseboats (economy and deluxe $10 a day fee)

 Activities

• Powerboats $10 pet fee per day (note, for people who rent both a houseboat and a powerboat there is only one $10 daily fee, not two)
• Trails around the lake
• Swimming
• Boating
• Paddle boarding
• Inner tubing

Restaurants

• Latitude 37
• Wahweap Grille

For more information on Lake Powell., visit their website.

 

2. Great Sand Dunes National Park – Colorado

Containing the largest sand dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park has a host of things for you and your canine companion to do while visiting. In Fact, they are one of the few national parks that allows dogs in most areas of the park.

Lodging

• Great Sand Dunes Oasis Campground
•  Zapata Falls Campground (Be sure to bring enough water for yourself and the dogs as there is no running water)

Activities

• Zapata Falls
• Medano Creek wading
• Hiking

Restaurants

• Yak n Cracker Cafe
• San Luis Valley Brewing Company

For more information on the Great Sand Dunes National Park, visit their website.

 

3. North Lake Tahoe – California & Nevada

A stunningly clear lake nestled in the mountains with quaint shops and year-round activities, North Tahoe is just as fun for dogs as it is for people. With a dog-friendly amenity list a mile-long, you are sure to find something you can do together.

Lodging

• The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe 
• Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
• Cedar Glenn Lodge
• Holiday House
• Rustic Cottages
• Tahoma Lodge
• Tahoma Meadows Bed & Breakfast Cottages

Activities

• Thunderbird Beach
• Chimney Beach Skunk Harbor Coon Street Beach (specified Dog Beach south of the boat launch area with picnic tables and bathrooms)
• Watermans Landing
• Carnelian Bay Marlette Lake
• Shirley Canyon
• Rim Trail  (start in Tahoe City and walk along the Truckee River. There are an abundance of swimming holes perfect for dogs (and their owner) to cool off in Truckee River Rafting)
• Tahoe City Dog Park
• Tahoe Regional Park
• Tahoe City Winter Sports Park
• City Golf Course Watermans Landing
• Peaks & Paws Festival (August)

Restaurants

• Auld Dubliner
• The Blue Agave
• Brockway Bakery
• CB’s Pizza & Grill
• Char-Pit
• Dam Café Kings Café Lakeside Pizza
• Old Post Office Coffee Shop Rosies Café
• Syd’s Bagelry Tahoe House Bakery
• Mamasake
• Obexers
• Watermans Landing

For more information on North Lake Tahoe, go to their website.

 

4. Great Falls National Park – Virginia

Full of lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls, Great Falls National Park is a forest retreat located just 15 minutes from bustling Washington, D.C. If you are looking for history on your trip, this is the place to go. George Washintong’s Mount Vernon Estate, Museum, and Gardens in a very pet-friendly attraction. Washington himself was acutally a huge dog lover and is credited with developing the American Foxhound breed.

Lodging

They have over 50 dog friendly hotels in the area. Check them all out here.

Activities

• Hiking
• Paradise Springs Wineries
• George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate
• Canine Cruises on the Potomac

 

5. Yosemite National Park – California

With big pine trees and the smell of sage, there is really no bad time to visit Yosemite with your dog (though it’s beautiful in the snow).

Lodging

• Tenaya Lodge
• The Groveland Hotel
• America’s Best Value Inn Mariposa Lodge
• Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel
• Comfort Inn Yosemite Valley Gateway
• Yosemite Pines RV Restort
• Yosemite’s SierraScape Vacation Rentals
• The Pines Resort
• Yosemite Gold Country Lodge
• The Monarch
• Narrow Gauge Inn
• Hotel Charlotte
• Sunset Inn

Activities

• Sleigh ride (winter only and as long as no one else in the sled minds)
• Hiking
• Biking

Restaurants

• Degnan’s Deli

For more information, visit their website.

About the Author

Based in Tustin, Calif., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She also owns her own custom pet products company, A Fairytail House, where she makes personalized collars, leashes, beds, keepsake pillows and blankets, and anything else your imagine can think up. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs. She smartly married a Veterinary Technician, who helps keep the fur kids happy and healthy, and provides a quick resource for articles