Why do some trails not allow dogs? Simple and Effective Tips

So what, you might ask, is the harm to a national park if a true or faux service dog is well behaved while it’s there? Badly behaved teenagers surely do more damage to the wilderness than dogs; after all, dogs don’t spray paint their name on the rocks.

This story appeared on High Country News. Photo by Jf Brou.

There seem to be many people who cannot bear to be away from their fuzzy loved one for the length of a hike in the wilderness, so they bring their dog along – even when it is prohibited. How do they get away with that, you may ask? Easy. They just say it is a “service” or “therapy” dog.

This is becoming enough of a problem on and off trails that municipalities such as Prescott, Arizona, are passing or proposing laws penalizing the pseudo-service dog. Meanwhile, national parks are allowed to close an area to service animals if it is determined that the animal poses a threat to the health or safety of people or wildlife. Grand Canyon and Yellowstone national parks both require that service dogs be registered with the backcountry office. The owner is schooled on trail etiquette, and SAR is alerted.

What I say will not make me a popular person, but here it is: For excellent reasons, dogs should not be – and usually aren’t – allowed in the backcountry of national parks. Dogs, being predators, bother wildlife even when they’re leashed. Then there’s canine fecal matter, which carries a number of diseases and parasites that may be passed on to wildlife.

Pet visitors to Yosemite National Park can enjoy walks along fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths (except those signed as not allowing pets), as well as visits to developed areas and campgrounds (except walk-in campgrounds). Leashed pets are also allowed on the Wawona Meadow Loop trail, an easy-going 3.5-mile trail where you can spot wildflowers blooming in the spring months.

Like in Acadia, ticks can be found in the tall grasses, ground cover, and near structures or woodpiles in this park from spring to fall. Avoid such areas when hiking the trails with your pet and be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep you and your pet safe when visiting the park.

Safety is a major concern around the canyon, so follow the B.A.R.K. principle of “Always Wear a Leash” to keep your pets safe when visiting Grand Canyon National Park. Pets are not allowed on park shuttle buses, so make sure to plan ahead. The park even offers a kennel for dogs near the South Rim Trail; please note that proof of pet vaccinations are required upon entering the kennel.

In Shenandoah, as well as any other pet-friendly park, make sure you follow the first principle of a B.A.R.K. ranger and bag your pets waste! Be sure to have a bag or canister to put it in until you find a trash can — do not leave waste bags in trees, on trail posts, or discarded in the woods.

Pets are not permitted below the rim of the Grand Canyon, but you can take your dog for a stroll on any of the hiking trails that stay above the perimeter, including the spectacular South Rim Trail. Pets can also enjoy trips to Mather and Desert View campgrounds, Trailer Village, or throughout developed areas. Yavapai Lodge even offers pet-friendly rooms.

The 10 Commandments of Hiking with Dogs

If your dog does not come back to you when you call them on the first time, every time, then they are not ready to hike off leash. Be honest about your dog’s skills.

Signs your dog should remain on leash? Your dog…

  • Does not come when called
  • Runs up to people and other dogs
  • Chases wildlife
  • Does not stay on the trail
  • Disappears for several minutes (or longer) at a time
  • None of these behaviors indicates that you have a “bad dog.” It simply means that you have work to do to earn that off-leash freedom. Consult a trainer to work on their behaviors.

    Why Aren’t Dogs (and Other Pets) Allowed in National Parks?

    Hiking with dogs comes with a set of responsibilities that some simply do not understand or just choose to ignore.

    If you want to start a heated conversation among dog owners, just ask about their encounters with other dogs on the trail.

    I’ve been there. When I first became a new dog mama, I did not understand the rules. They’re not laid out in a pamphlet provided by the dog adoption agency or your breeder.

    I made poor choices based on accepted societal norms and through my mistakes, learned how to responsibly share the trails with other users.

    In the decade that I’ve been hiking and trail running with my dogs, I’ve come up with a set of guidelines that I follow when I’m out in the woods with my pup.

    I personally seek the trails to find peace, quiet, and solitude, and to spend quality time in nature with friends and my dog. When an uncontrolled dog approaches us without permission, I feel frustration and anger.

    Everyone has the right to enjoy the trails safely and without disturbance from a random dog getting into their space.

    To me, responsible hiking with a dog means that the owner has control over their dog, whether on leash or off-leash, at all times. The 10 Commandments of Hiking with Dogs I’ve put together below illustrates the rules I wish all dogs owners followed when hitting the trails with their dogs.