Of the more than 90 million households in the United States with a pet, 78 percent travel with their pets. Your pet is a beloved member of your family. So it only makes sense that you’ll want them to share in your adventures.
However, traveling with a pet like a dog comes with some added challenges. One big challenge is finding pet-friendly lodging. You’ll also need to find activities that your whole family can enjoy together—furry members included. This means avoiding museums, indoor dining, theme parks, and more, as these locations often don’t allow pets.
Visiting a national park might seem like an obvious choice for a pet-friendly trip. But dogs are allowed in far fewer places than you might think in national parks. If you’re considering bringing your pet along for your stay at Zion Wildflower Resort, keep reading. We’ve compiled the ultimate dog parent guide to visiting Zion.
Are Dogs Allowed in Zion National Park?
Each national park has its own rules about where pets are and are not allowed. Understanding these rules can help you avoid getting into trouble—and even potentially facing fines.
If you’re planning a stay at Zion Wildflower Resort, you might be wondering whether dogs are allowed in Zion National Park. The answer is yes—but there are strict rules that you’ll need to follow.
Pets are not allowed on any trails, in wilderness areas, or in public buildings in Zion National Park. The only exception is the Pa’rus Trail, which does allow pets. If you want to visit Zion and enjoy other hikes besides Pa’rus Trail during your visit, plan to board your pet for at least a portion of your trip.
You can walk with your dog along roadways in the park. However, they are not allowed on any shuttle buses. So if you want to visit the park with your pet during your stay in Zion National Park resorts when the shuttle buses are in operation, you’ll need to park at the entrance to the park or in Springdale and walk into the park.
Other Rules for Visiting Zion With Your Pet
Every national park has its own rules for where pets are and are not allowed. But most parks share similar rules that pets and their owners must follow. Most of these are common sense rules that you’ll already know as a responsible dog owner.
For instance, you’re always responsible for bagging your pet’s poop and transporting it to a trash can, even when hiking in wilderness areas. Pets must also remain on a leash — in most cases, a leash that is 6 feet or shorter. Your pet should never be allowed to harass wildlife.
The exception to these rules is service animals. Trained service animals are permitted on all trails, as well as in buildings and on shuttle buses. Emotional support or comfort animals are not considered service animals. Therefore, they must follow the same rules as pets.
Checking the rules of any national parks that you plan to visit ahead of time can help you to better plan your trip and avoid disappointment. Keep in mind that breaking the rules can lead to a fine, and bring a quick end to your fun trip.
Is Zion Wildflower Resort Pet-Friendly?
As we’ve already mentioned, another challenge that comes with planning a trip with your pet is finding lodging that allows them, and that makes your stay more comfortable for you and for your four-legged friend. Before you search for a “luxury hotel near me,” consider whether a hotel will be the right choice, even if they do allow pets.
Some hotels do allow pets. However, they can be cramped, and less than ideal for your pet. Noises from surrounding rooms may also make their way through the thin walls. This can leave your pet agitated, or even cause them to bark.
Luckily, there’s a simple solution. For an additional nightly fee, Zion Wildflower Resort welcomes your four-legged family members. To find out what pet-friendly lodgings are available during your stay, give us a call to talk to one of our friendly staff members. When it comes to Zion National Park resorts, you can’t beat ours for a family-friendly stay for your whole family.
Look for Other Hiking Options Nearby
If you have your heart set on hiking and enjoying the outdoors with your pet during your trip, consider visiting other parks and outdoor destinations besides national parks. Most state parks and other public outdoor areas have fewer rules about pets and will allow them on marked trails.
If you’re visiting our pet-friendly Utah resort with your pet, nearby Quail Creek State Park can be a fun addition to your itinerary. This beautiful state park features stunning red rocks and a large reservoir. Pets are allowed on all trails in the park as well as on the beach, as long as they are kept on a leash.
Putting Our Dog Parent Guide to Visiting Zion National Park to Work
With this dog parent guide to visiting Zion National Park, it’s easy to plan a stay at Zion Wildflower Resort for your whole family—including Fido! From choosing the right lodging to learning the park’s rules for where pets can and can’t go, these tips can help you follow the rules and make incredible memories together.
Ready to start planning your visit? Give us a call to learn more about our pet-friendly lodging options.
