If you google "pets in Yosemite" you'll be taken to Yosemite National Park site that outlines park rules, but it can be a little difficult to follow if you're not familiar with the area. So let us help you break it down:
What are the Regulations?
First, the Park states where pet are allowed:
In developed areas. This means places where you will find infrastructure, stores, and parking lots like:
Yosemite Village and Curry Village in Yosemite Valley.
Tuolumne Meadows Store or Visitor Center Area in the high country
Washburn Point and Glacier Point veiwpoints
Wawona Visitor Center Area in the southern region of the Park.
On fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths (except when signed as not allowing pets). Always look for No Pets Allowed signs or ask a Ranger, but some common areas where we see pets are:
Lower Yosemite Falls Trail
Bridalveil Fall Trail
Mirror Lake Trail
Wawona Meadow Loop
Tuolumne Grove Trail (paved Portion)
Glacier Point Walk
In all campgrounds except walk-in campgrounds (e.g., Camp 4) and in group campsites
Then it states where Pets Are Not Allowed
On unplowed roads covered in snow
Think Glacier Point Road in the winter.
In undeveloped and wilderness areas, and in all walk-in and group campgrounds/campsites, including Camp 4
That's right, you cannot take your dog backpacking with you.
You cannot take your dog on a legit day hike.
In public buildings or lodging areas.
Make sure to call ahead to see if you dog can join you in your AirBnB or accommodation.
This is worth considering before bringing your 4 legged bestie, becuase they may not be able to access AC during your walk through the Valley.
On shuttle buses
This means no pets to Mariposa Grove
No pets on the Valley shuttle
No pets on Glacier Point Tour Shuttle
No pets on YARTS
In any other areas, as signed
The Vernal Falls Trail
Mariposa Grove
O' Shaunessy Dam in Hetch Hetchy
There are no exceptions to these pet regulations for carried pets (in arms, carriers, strollers, backpacks, etc.) in the areas of the park where pets are not allowed.
Why are regulation so strict?
These rules are in place to safeguard both your pets and wildlife from illness and injury. The National Park Service has enforced a long-standing ban on pets along trails because some pets chase wildlife, contaminate water sources, and exhibit defensive behavior in unfamiliar environments. In return, wildlife can react aggressively in the presence of pets or abandon their natural behaviors in a pet's presence.
The park recommends that when pet is with you in permitted areas, that you please give wildlife additional space. Also consider the smaller creatures! Refrain from allowing your pets into meadows, as nesting birds and rodents may be concealed in the grass.
How to Be Responsible Pet Parent
Manage disruptions
As a pet owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your pets does not disrupt the park or its visitors. Keep your dogs from barking incessantly or pulling after people or animals.
Leave No Trace
Always pick up your dogs waste and ALWAYS dispose of it in a waste receptacle.
Do not allow your dog to pick up sticks, eat plant material or disturb artifacts.
Do not allow your dog to dig or disturb the ground.
Stay in Control
It doesn't take long to completely loose control of a pet, especially when there are several of them or they are seeing a bear for the first time! Make sure that you have them under complete control.
Trigger Warning: I once saw a couple almost loose their bestie to a herd of wild horses in Arizona after he broke loose during a photo op. He was saved in the end, but the horses, the parents and dog suffered extreme stress for literally no reason!
Feed Your Dog Responsibly
Try to feed your pets inside of your vehicle. If that is not possible, then stay in the presence of your pet the entire time to fend of any wildlife. Do not leave any food or kibble behind, no matter how small.
Ensuring Your Pet's Safety
Pets in Yosemite may be at risk from wildlife, either through direct encounters or indirectly. To minimize the likelihood of harm or illness, it is important to keep your pet under close supervision, on a leash no longer than six feet, and ensure they are fully vaccinated. Cases of rabies and distemper have been reported in wildlife within the park.
What about Service Animals
Service Animals The park states, "Dogs classified as service animals are individually trained to perform a specific task that assists a person with a disability. Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. Learn more about requirements for service animals. Service animals in training are not service animals and must abide by all pet regulations."
Emotional Support Animals
The Park states, "Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals are not service animals and must abide by all pet regulations."
Please note that wildlife can still act out in the presence of properly trained service animals, so we recommend taking others with you, joining a guided tour or staying in populated areas to help mitigate the risks of wildlife encounters.
The National Park has put together this fun pledge for all pet parents!
For many, pets are an important member of our families. If you are planning to bring a furry family member on your trip to Yosemite, make sure you are prepared and are following the B.A.R.K. Ranger code. The code helps protect you, your pet, and the park while you are here. If the activities you have planned for your visit do not allow for pets or are unsafe, consider leaving them at home.
Bag your pet’s waste
Always leash your pet
Respect wildlife
Know where you can go
Demonstrate to other visitors that you know how to explore the park safely and help protect special places like Yosemite! Stop in any Yosemite visitor center to pick up your official B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge card to become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger.
I'm still confused?
Call, message or come into the Yosemite Basecamp and our adventure coordinators can help you make more sense of the rules and regulations! Better yet, pop into any Ranger Station or ask the Entrance Stations about specific hikes, regulations or exceptions!
Contact Us
Adventure Like a Local with Yosemite BasecampÂ
Call -Â 209.336.3233
Browse -Â yosemitebasecamp.com
Message -Â gear@yosemitebasecamp.com
Visit - 11892 Ponderosa Lane, Groveland, CA 95321
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