Heading to Joshua Tree National Park with your dog? Like most National Parks, there are restrictions to a pet’s visit, but with a little compromise, there is plenty to enjoy!

Nestled in the heart of California, Joshua Tree National Park is a desert wonderland for adventurers. Whether you’re a hiker, climber or simply love the outdoors and stargazing, you’ll love the unique landscape and iconic Joshua Trees. For those who also prefer to travel with their dogs like we do, your trip might be more limited but there is still plenty to enjoy.

Safety First! While Joshua Tree offers a great environment for adventure, it’s essential to prioritize safety for both you and your dog. The desert can be harsh and the combination of desert air and elevation can quickly lead to dehydration, so be sure to carry enough water for both of you, protect your dog’s paws from hot surfaces, and be most mindful of the temperature. It’s best to keep your dog at home in the summer months.

You should also review the park’s rules on pets in the park. Generally speaking, leashed pets are allowed as long as they remain within 100 feet of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. You can check park maps for the most up to date acceptable locations.

So where can you go with your dogs in the park?

We have found that the best way to enjoy the park with your canine companion is by entering through the West Entrance Station. This entrance is closest to the trails and campgrounds we enjoy.

Luckily, according to the park’s rules, you are allowed to walk your dog anywhere you can drive your car, so we enjoyed walking the pups on a handful of dirt roads that the park has. This offered several paths to stretch our legs and enjoy the views. Some of our favorites include the roads around Hidden Valley Campground and the Geology Tour area. You can find many of these roads designated on the park map. We also suggest asking a ranger which roads offer the best scenery and are most appropriate for your skill level.

Most of the roads start near a parking lot and have pull-outs along the way where you can begin your walk. Just be sure you are not blocking traffic and that your dog is leashed the entire time. And also remember to pick up after your dog. Some roads have more traffic than others, so be sure to stay alert and move out of the way of any vehicles that need to pass.

One of our favorite pet-friendly paved trails is Keys View Trail. This is an easy and family-friendly trail (just about a quarter mile long in total) that offers a nice little loop to a spectacular overlook of the valleys below. There you’ll also be able to see the shining surface of the Salton Sea, San Jacinto Peak, and the usually snow-covered peak of San Gorgonio Mountain. Some have noted that on really clear days, you might be able to see Signal Mountain in Mexico, but that has become somewhat rare due to the poor air quality over the years. Our favorite time to visit Keys View is at sunset. However, traffic picks up quickly at that time so you’ll want to head over a little earlier to grab a parking spot.

Joshua Tree is one of the national parks that is pretty easy to explore without having to hike for miles. You’ll be able to stop at pullouts or take side roads to see the rock formations and Joshua Trees that make this park so special.

If rock climbing is your thing, or maybe you just enjoy watching the climbers while having your favorite snack, you’ll be happy to know there are four rock climbing areas within 100 feet of a road, picnic area, or campground and therefore pet-friendly. Check out the climbing areas at Belle Campground: Castle Rock, Hidden Valley Campground, Indian Cove Area (there are a few climbing areas here), and the Quail Springs Area.

And if you enjoy camping, there are plenty of campgrounds in and around the park to choose from.

So whatever reason brings you to the park, with a little compromise, there are ways to enjoy Joshua Tree with your dog.

Happy Adventures!

Most National Parks aren’t very dog friendly, but of the handful we’ve visited along the West Coast, Yosemite is one of the best.

Being a California Native, I can’t believe my first time visiting the Park was last Fall (2021). It’s quickly become one of my favorites and I’ve looked for any excuse to go back – like signing up for my first half-marathon because it was just miles from the Park!

Before I go on about all the things you can do, I should mention that some of our visits to the Park were during COVID-19 and weather/fire restrictions that limited some of our experience. Oh, and if it isn’t already obvious, I’m focusing on the dog-friendly options here!

Have additional dog-friendly recommendations? Leave them in the comments below!

One of the great things about this list is if you are short on time you can still experience many of the recommendations below in one day.

Before your visit

Be sure to double check if a reservation is required to visit the Park. Although we did not need them during our visits, as of late May 2022 and seasonally, reservations are required. It’s also important to note that depending on the time of year, some entrances and roads might be closed. You can find more information on reservations, road closures, and general Park alerts HERE.

Visiting Yosemite

Now that you’re in the Park you might be wondering, where can I go with my dog?

Here comes the good stuff!

Visit Yosemite Valley and Plan Your Hikes Early

Whether you’re visiting in the summer or a random long weekend, you’ll want to beat the heat and crowds.

Leashed dogs are welcome on most fully paved roads, sidewalks, and paths, and most of Yosemite’s most popular points are within view from these trails.

Short and popular dog-friendly hikes

Bridalveil Fall – 1.2 miles and 200 ft of elevation gain
Bridalveil Falls is often the first waterfall you see when entering the Park. It’s not as tall as Yosemite Falls, but it is still very impressive. It’s famous for the mist that wafts off in the breeze that make it look much like a bridalveil.

Lower Yosemite Falls – .5 miles from trailhead, or 1.5 miles round trip from Yosemite village and very little elevation gain
Yosemite Falls is the tallest in North America and fifth tallest in the solar system. The 2,425 foot waterfall is broken up in two parts called upper and lower falls. Lower Falls is the shortest section of the waterfall at 320 feet.

Cooks Meadow – 2.25 miles and no elevation gain
This flat, easy hike takes you around the Yosemite Valley Meadows and includes views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome.

Glacier Point – 1 mile round trip and no elevation gain
Some of the best views in Yosemite and California.

Mirror Lake/Mirror Meadow – 2.4-4 miles and approximately 100 feet of elevation gain
One of the closest points to Half Dome, and a popular swimming pool. You can often see the crown of Half Dome reflected in the lake’s water in some locations.

Not sure what to pack when hiking with your dog? Find a list of essentials here.

All of these hikes are central to Yosemite Valley, where you can also find the village and Visitor Center.

We always make a stop at the Visitor Center to pick up souvenirs. Recently our “thing” has been collecting National Park multitools with one of our names engraved in them. What sets Yosemite’s Visitor Center apart from many other National Parks, however, is that they offer a BARK Ranger program!

Become a Bark Ranger

With Yosemite being one of the most dog-friendly National Parks, it’s only fitting that they offer the Bark Ranger program. Chase and Rado earned their first Bark Ranger tags here by following the BARK Rangers pledge to always:

Bag your pet’s waste
Always leash your pet
Respect wildlife
Know where you can go

We were sworn in and picked up our official BARK Ranger tags at the Visitor Center in Yosemite Village. Find more information about becoming a BARK Ranger HERE.

Picture Worthy Stops

Pictures or it didn’t happen, right?

After you take your obligatory “Yosemite National Park” sign selfie, there are a number of stops just off the main roads that make for a great scenic tour on hot summer days when you don’t want to spend too much time walking in the heat.

Tenaya Lake

Take a scenic drive along HWY 120. Bring a snack and enjoy the views at Tenaya Lake. We saw people out on kayaks and families having picnics. There’s plenty of shade around the lake to sit and relax.

Tunnel View

A very popular stop, and rightfully so, is Tunnel View. Don’t pass it up! The point offers views of El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Half Dome. In the Spring you can also see Bridalveil Falls flowing.

We actually passed on stopping at Tunnel View the first time we drove by because it was crowded, but went out of our way to drive back because the views are so unique.

Doing more without your dog

Of course there is much more to do in the park, but to protect the Park and wildlife, they aren’t all dog friendly.

If you’re looking for some time to explore those options, you might consider Yosemite’s Dog Kennel in Yosemite Valley. Owners must provide vaccination records, and the daily rate of $10 per dog (or $20 overnight). The kennel closed in 2020 during the pandemic. It is unclear if they have fully reopened since then.

Have additional dog-friendly recommendations? Leave them in the comments below!

Happy Adventuring!