Zion National Park
I visited in May of 2023 and it surely does live up to the hype! I was on a trip with a friend, so Axel didn’t get to come. But don’t worry, I made note of all the dog friendly things to do if you do take your pup with you! I suggest two full days at this park if you want to explore it all without feeling stressed for time. If you are making it a dog friendly trip, one day is plenty!
We rented E-Bikes to get around the park- during the main season buses are the only vehicles allowed on the roads of the park. So if you want to avoid the crowds (and not spend all day on and off buses) then I would suggest rented E-bikes. We rent through Zion Peddler for a full day- they give you a quick tutorial at the beginning of your day then given you all the tools you need (helmet, bike lock etc) to enjoy your time!
Entrance Free is $25 per vehicle and it’s valid for 7 days or $45 for a Great Sand Dunes Annual Pass. America the Beautiful pass is accepted. I suggest at least one full day of visiting with your pup.
Angel’s Landing isn’t the only hike
Angel’s Landing now requires a permit to be able to hike, but did you know you can hike up to Scout’s Lookout which is only a mile short from the top of Angel’s Landing. Get these gorgeous view without going on the most dangerous trail in the park. This is still a very strenuous trail, but the views are worth it.
E-Bike through Zion!
This was the best decision we made, during the peak season, the roads through Zion are closed to normal car traffic and everyone must travel by bus to get to their hiking destination. Everyone EXCEPT BIKES. This allowed us all the freedom to go wherever we wanted whenever without the crowds. The e-bike was perfect because we could zip from on path to another while allowing us plenty of energy left to still hike!
Pa’rus Trail
This is THE dog friendly trail in Zion, but it is gorgeous. 3.5 miles round trip with these incredible views!
Be a Bark Ranger
The Zion National Park Store has EVERYTHING to commemorate your trip and your pup being a B.A.R.K Ranger- bandanas, patches, dog tags, mini stuffed Bark Ranger Dogs.
Where to Stay: You can actually stay within the park at the Zion Lodge (which has its own Cafe, Grill, and Beer Garden) but they do not allow dogs. If you need a dog friendly stay, there are four campgrounds to choose from in the park or there is a plethora of rentals right outside the park gates.
Where to Eat: Feel Love Cafe is the perfect stop in the morning on the way into the park! It’s in the same shopping center as where we picked up our e-bikes for the day, so we went early and grabbed a drink before our big day of biking and hiking. Cafe Soleil (sandwiches, wraps, smoothies) and Zion Brewery are walking distance from the main entrance. Zion Brewery has a great selections of beer and food- their patio is dog friendly and they frequently have live music!
Axel’s Pup Tip: Zion during the summer gets HOT! The main dog friendly trail is paved, meaning it will heat up quickly. Getting going as early as possible (and maybe ever catching a sunrise?) will be the best for a happy dog!
And even though there is a river running through Zion, there are harmful cyanobacteria in the water and please do not let you dog swim or drink from it. You can find the most up to date information on the National Park website.
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Dog Friendly Stay: Our suggestion in camping in the National Park. These canyons around you while you sleep?! I don’t thin you could find a better campground.
Must Do Hikes: Pa’Rus Trail, Lower Emerald Pool Trail, West Rim Trail (to Scout’s Lookout)
