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U.S. national parks are inconsistent when it comes to dogs. Some allow them in developed areas, but not in undeveloped. Some allow pups on designated trails, but not others. Dogs are welcome in some national forest wilderness, but not most national parks’.
Take, for example, Yosemite’s policy:
Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are only allowed in developed areas; on fully paved trails and roads except trails signed as not allowing pets (pets are not allowed off the floor of Yosemite Valley, including the trail to Vernal Fall); and in campgrounds (except walk-in campgrounds and in group campsites). DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite operates a dog kennel in Yosemite Valley from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dogs must be at least 20 pounds (smaller dogs may be considered if you provide a small kennel).
Or Dinosaur’s:
Dinosaur National Monument is located on the southeast flank of the Uinta Mountains on the border between Colorado and Utah at the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers. Dinosaurs once roamed here; their fantastic remains are still visible embedded in the rocks. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed within 100 feet of developed areas such as roads, parking lots, campgrounds, day-use areas, and river launches. Pets are allowed on the following trails along the Harpers Corner Road (Colorado side): Cold Desert, Plug Hat Butte and other trails at the Plug Hat Picnic Area, Echo Park Overlook, and Iron Springs Bench Overlook. In Utah, leashed pets are allowed on the River Trail. Pets are not allowed on the shuttle or in any buildings, on trails other than those open for pets, in the monument’s backcountry, or on river trips.
It distills down, basically, to: keep ’em leashed, keep ’em close, and keep ’em from the vast open spaces where other people like to go for escape. This makes some people happy, others not at all. For many of us, dogs are our most reliable companions and every bit as adventurous as the average human, without the neuroses. Why shouldn’t they be allowed?
Well, there’s the critter issue–you know, bears and such, like squirrels, marmots, deer, and other species that would be disturbed by the presence of a canine. And there’s other people, for whom the backcountry is a break from civilization and domestication. It’s an issue that divides–or potentially does–those who are typically on the same side. Let’s see where you AJ folks shake out:
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No.
I’ve been bitten by a dog once already this year and jumped on by countless other dogs who are “harmless” or “never do that.” I’m also tired of seeing bags of poop on the trail. I used like hiking with dogs, I’m no longer an advocate of dogs in the wilderness (National Parks or otherwise) due to the number of irresponsible dog owners on the trail.
I have a small, well-behaved dog who I love traveling with, but I totally understand why dogs should stay off of the National Park Trails. It’s not because of MY dog, it’s irresponsible dog owners who will not observe the same care on the trail. I’m more of the Swiss mentality of always picking up the poop, no matter how remote or “unseen” it might be.
How about the number of irresponsible people who do stupid stuff? Have you seen what Everest looks like? The dogs aren’t the problem, it’s the people.
If your having that many problems with dogs maybe you should look at your behavior.
I’m a fan of the no dog policy. As an avid hiker of Yellowstone’s backcountry, I enjoy venturing out on the trail and being able to see wildlife and enjoy the near pristine ecosystem. I believe allowing dogs on the trail can potentially alter the natural behavior of wildlife and bring down the experience for hikers who may normally encounter elk, antelope, and bison along the trail. I’m also concerned about dog waste entering Yellowstone’s water systems. The greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the headwaters for seven rivers and should remain at the highest quality.
Wait, the dog is altering behavior of wildlife? You don’t think you are?
HA!
I’m not a dog person.
National parks have become over used. Not only do we need to not allow dogs in the back country, we need to raise the entry fees for all national parks and increase back country fees.
Yes, let’s prohibit the economically disenfranchised from enjoying one of the few remaining affordable options for wholesome recreation – keeping them from opportunities that may instill enough hope to rise above their current situation, and to share their experiences with others making the world a better place. Even though they have paid taxes to contribute to the system, let’s add more prices and fees essentially making the parks private again. Great idea.
Yes. Woof.
They won’t ever be but …yes. For now I’ll head to a national forest.
I am a dog person, but still no. Allowing them in just gives people more reason to think that the rules don’t apply to themselves and their dogs. Do the Vernal Falls hike on a Saturday and you’ll see a dozen or more dogs.
No.
Yep. Think of all the new dog speed records to be set!
Diseases from domestic dogs nearly caused the extinction of the Island fox. Parks should be for wildlife and healthy ecosystems, not human convenience.
dogs should be allowed in only national parks that are outdoors
That’s a tough one. I would have to say Yes, if on a short (6 foot) leash. However, I have been nipped at while trail running by dogs whose leases were taken off once they got on the trail, because “they would never bite anyone”. So my final answer is No, except for my dog Ziggy Stardust.
no dogs
no
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/4a/43/91/4a4391627f4f88d732c9e0cf6869a956.jpg
Absolutely not.
One of my kids will have a scar on their forehead forever due to a “harmless and friendly” dog chasing him down the street trying to “play”.
Most owners have a blind spot in their logic centers when it comes to their dog.
Yes. I would hope owners would keep their dog quite. Leashed if they are around other people. And not bring an untrained dog that might bite someone. Obviously all laws regarding this would be upheld still. It kind of irks me to see someone allowed to ride a horse on a trail that I can’t bring my dog on too.
Yes. If abused, that is a different issue.
yes.
I think we would all hope that dog owners are responsible, keep their dog under control on the trail, and not liter. However, the fact remains that there are enough irresponsible owners on the trail that it significantly detracts from the experience of being on the trail. There is no obvious enforcement of these rules so the problem gets worse each year. Why should I be in favor of expanding the territory in which I have to tolerate irresponsible dog owners?
Going into the backcountry by myself would be better with my pup
I love dogs, but I love national parks more. This is the only place I can hike without having to see dog poop bag after dog poop bag left to be “picked up later.”
Right.
No, and I enjoy hiking with my dog. Not every outdoor space needs to have the same level of access.
I love my dog. Your dog…not so much. I’m willing to leave my dog home when I go into a park if I don’t have to deal with your dog. There are so many great places to bring a dog. Lets keep them out of the parks. Now how about generators???
BEST COMMENT, thank you!
THIS is what responsible dog ownership looks like.
+1 vote to ban generators!
Excellent comment. I respect the national parks and its wildlife too much to say yes to dogs, even my dogs. Generators: I recently did a bikepacking trip in the Black Hills and after an exhausting day of riding, ended up at a beautiful campground, with barely anyone there. There was, however, a grotesquely large RV there that ran a generator non-stop for most of the night. I actually wrote a pretty nasty note and left it on their windshield. The next morning it fired right back up again.
So divisive. My heart say yes, my brain, no. I pretty much don’t step into the woods with out my Shadow right where you’d think she would be. I’ve been a dog person from the day my parents finally said yes. Maybe 25 years ago now. I’m a born and raised Floridian, who never ventured out of the state before last year. Shadow and I embarked on what turned out to be a three month road trip. Big cities were great, but we left in search of backcountry exploring. We found plenty, and in fact made it all the way out to Neah Bay, Washington. Before we left I made trail etiquette a priority, especially because shadow is off leash as much as possible. Now while my point of view hasn’t changed, I can understand why the no’s are winning this poll. We ran across many a negative situation with other dogs on the trails. More often than not, sadly, and that’s why I picked yes but feel the better answer is no. Truth is I’ve got more time on my hands than most people. Single with no children. I’ll always take her when I go out but I’m comforted in knowing I’ve done my best to not add to the problem. Consequently I’ve realized Florida is a terrible state and have decided to move to Colorado in search of some “problem free” backcountry. I can’t wait to start exploring with my Shadow right where she belongs. Wish us luck.
No, last thing I want to hear is someone’s dog barking all night.
As a dog owner, this is tough. I love to take my dog hiking, and she loves to be outside on trails. But when I’m on the trail I make sure that my dog is on a max 6 foot non-retractable leash. I clean up after her and make sure to bring extra poop bags. And although my dog is very people friendly, I understand other hiker’s may be wary of my dog and I’ll move to the side of the trail and stop to let people pass. However, I also understand that there are irresponsible owners that make for a bad experience for other hikers. I believe that dogs should be able to go onto National Park trails, but maybe owners should be required to register their dogs at a ranger station (maybe be assigned a number they have to display on their dogs collar/harness so hikers can easily identify and report irresponsible owners) and show proof of rabies vaccination? Maybe adding in extra steps will weed out the irresponsible ones. But really, it’s the irresponsible owners who are at fault and not the poor dogs. My dog loves the trails as do I, and planning trips where we both can enjoy a nice, scenic hike is difficult.
I like your Ideas!
Yes, depending on the park. I have no desire to bring my dogs to Yellowstone or similar parks with a dense population of wildlife (large dangerous wildlife). Visiting southern Utah a great deal, I find it amusing that dogs aren’t allowed in Canyonlands but are perfectly fine next door at Dead Horse Point SP (Zion vs GSENM, Arches vs greater Moab area, etc.). In my home state, at Pictured Rocks Nat’l Lakeshore, no dogs unless they’re hunting dogs (hunting season) and you’re a licensed hunter – how does that make sense? I’ve often wondered if the US allowed dogs in more places (like some European countries) if we’d see better behaved more socialized dogs or are there too many lazy owners. I travel all over with mine, they are now senior citizens, and for now we’ll happily avoid national parks when they’re along – too many people anyway!
Yes
I love when my dog is with me, but i hate it when your dog is untrained and pisses on my tent. So to be fair Ill leave mine home… please do the same.
It’s a doggone shame that they are not allowed everywhere.
more dogs less people
Dogs scare off the wildlife.
Parvovirus, which dogs carry, can wipe out wolf populations. See Isle Royale National Park 1980 (http://www.isleroyalewolf.org/overview/overview/at_a_glance.html).
Dogs should be allowed only if they’re off leash and only in the backcountry. That way only well trained dogs would go or make it.
If you run across a bad dog it’s likely attached to a bad human. Unfortunately the NPS doesn’t have an asshole test for entry.
Yeah for sure- providing they are controlled, leashed and picked up after. Those who argue about the impact of them in the park should step back and look at the bigger picture; remember those parks were at one time untouched, wide open spaces before humans paved roads through and added bus stop view points.
No, never.
No. I love my dog but not every place needs to be open to her.
Hmmm I voted yes if leashed, but I’ve already changed my mind. Too many terrible dog owners.
Yes, many designated open space land use areas allow off-leashed dogs that are in sight and sound control. There are precedents for such guidelines throughout the country.
Maybe the question should be” Should People be allowed in National Parks” .
All the reasons for not allowing dogs that I have read perfectly describe people in the park. Waste, pristine ecosystem, noise ect..how many animals get killed by cars, or bears shot because of people taking pictures of them, or leaving garbage everywhere?
Well behaved and controlled dogs should be allowed assuming they have responsible owners. However access doesn’t have to be completely unrestricted and longer leashes especially in more crowded areas is a good idea.
Boulder Colorado has a certification program for dogs to be off leash in its public parks. Owners and their dogs have to demonstrate high levels of control and friendly behavior. It’s a good example.
Yes if leashed. It seems like it should be reversed, dogs should be allow in the back country and not the paved trails. If your scared of a leashed dog, you should not be allowed in the back country where the real threat animals exist.
No, absolutely not in the backcountry or anywhere in National Parks.
I agree with Kyle, above, on the people question. How sanctimonious of someone to think that his or her presence doesn’t also affect wildlife in a national park. On a different, but related, note, I also find it ironic that hunting is allowed in wilderness areas but in most of them, dogs must be leashed—wildlife shouldn’t be harassed, but it’s okay for it to killed? Canada does allow dogs on trails in most of its national parks; would be interesting to see some sort of comparative study between their parks and ours in the U.S.
My dog is so happy to be out hiking that he makes everyone around him happy!
I voted no because I believe it can be potentially dangerous for the dog. I also believe there are many irresponsible owners that would betray any restrictions implemented, and again, make it dangerous for the dog and maybe others too.
Its a case by case basis. You shouldn’t be taking your dog up the cables route in Yosemite or up to Vernal falls, or any of the other really popular trails that are already packed with too many people. But other areas that aren’t as packed, maybe it should be allowed. I voted yes, but I definitely think there should be limits.
No, it comes down to irresponsible dog owners. Plus there are plenty of places to go where dogs are allowed.
As is usually the case, the answer is more complicated than it seems. I would say that my dog is both better behaved and more outdoors/backcountry capable than the majority of people who visit national parks. This thinking suggests they should be allowed. However, there are plenty of other outdoor places to take your dog to (national forests, state parks, etc.) where their impact is likely much less since most national parks have some clearly exceptional form of flora/fauna/ecosystems. And sometimes it’s just nice to not travel with your dog, so in general I think the current policy is just fine.
I love my dog and like his company but I think the other peoples’ rights should carry.
Keep them out of wilderness areas and other fragile environments!
Yes, but pack out the friggin poop!
Yes, never met an unfriendly dog on any of the trails in the Sierra from Yosemite south thru Mineral King.
I’m in the “yes but on a leash” camp, but I would like to take a second to reflect on the vast majority of “no’s” here. Your opinion (of which I value greatly in its collective insanity, especially whilst basking in the anonymity of the internet) is that we as humans, in our effort to preserve something natural from becoming more or less domesticated, should keep animals that we ourselves intentionally domesticated out of a preserved natural environment? Oh my.
Let’s remember that your resounding “no’s” are coming on the heels of the recent bromantic shizerstorm at Grand Prismatic Spring. Golf clap for the human race…
There are plenty of places for dogs back country doesnt have to be one of them
Yes, with set rules according to management prescription for that trail and or area. Any violations of the rules leads to a harsh fine and on federal land would of course be a federal offense.
Can see the smartphone videos by the cat people coming crying to the rangers now. Of course my dogs would win in court after I proved they have a bloodline tracing back before park status.
Federally designated wilderness areas with leash regulations should be enough indication that dog owners won’t abide and with decreased funding for federal lands, there will be even less enforcement.
i trust the dogs more than some owners. so no, no dogs. also some people shouldn’t be allowed in parks. thank god for tour buses. and parking lots. and rvs. Who’s Ed Abbey?
If horses are.
No. I love dogs but not appropriate for backcountry in NPs.
Dogs should always be leashed regardless of where they are
I can’t go in many parks because I travel with my dog. He is my only companion, my security, and my buddy. And I firmly believe in “leave no trace” (or as little as possible since there is really no way to actually leave no trace whatsoever)
I echo what Kyle said above: “Maybe the question should be” Should People be allowed in National Parks” .
All the reasons for not allowing dogs that I have read perfectly describe people in the park. Waste, pristine ecosystem, noise ect..how many animals get killed by cars, or bears shot because of people taking pictures of them, or leaving garbage everywhere?” and also Cindy’s astute and informative reply.
I’ve had far more problems with people being rude, loud (especially their children), and leaving trash strewn about. Not to mention the graffiti some humans feel the need to leave behind.
Let’s look in a mirror.
No, Too many people, too many dogs.
My dog could charm a gung-ho ranger in her day though.
Too many “fifi’s poop is insignificant” and ” Old Barney is fine on voice command” for me to vote yes. My dogs however should get waivers.
Given the amount of dog waste including bagged waste (which really annoys me) found here in the UK along most paths and trails I would be a no (but I’ve not voted as I’m not in the US). Apparently a lot of people don’t think leave no trace applies to their pooch
Nobody loves your dog as much as you do. Nobody.
dam…hate to say no, I have three myself but they cant be bothering others or wildlife who are there to enjoy their space.
I afraid not. Twice bitten by dogs who “don’t bite”. Stepped in dog crap on the trail way too many times (note, if your dog is off leash, you may not know that your dog crapped on the trail ahead or behind you). Not a big fan of dog barking or people yelling to keep their dog under voice control. I’m guessing a party with a dog just ahead of you on the trail pretty much insures you will see no wildlife. I grew up with dogs and like them but not everywhere.
I’m not sure there’s anything intrinsically wrong with canines on trails, but as many have pointed out the issue is the management of them. I do not see why the same controls that the parks exercise over people could not be exercised over people and their dogs.
Above Gabrielle had a great idea of registering and tagging dogs (visibly) so that they can be reported if there’s an issue.
Just keep the dog on the leash. Follow the rules (when they allow for leashed dogs) and it works well for everyone. Think you’re more important than everyone and it doesn’t work at all.
That’s a tough one. Just like people, all it takes is a few bad ones to ruin it for everyone else.
Too many people have dogs that run at you or chase you and the owner always says, ” Oh, they never do that”.
No,
No. If I feel the need to have my crotch sniffed by a stranger, I’ll just go to Portland.
My girlfriend’s dog is seriously the best behaved dog I’ve ever seen. Gets me to think about it, but definitely for the larger population of people/dogs, no.
Yes, absolutely. I do understand that some dog owners don’t clean up after their pets, and some dogs aren’t well behaved. But I believe that the majority of dog owners in the backcountry are good about cleaning up and have well behaved dogs. Human hikers, especially children, can be pretty horrible too sometimes. Leaving trash, being loud, bothering wildlife, etc. Should all humans be banned too then?
Yes, on a leash and with penalties for not being a responsible dog owner in the back country.
Dogs are ok, it’s just their annoying owners.
I have 4 Dogs so this is a tough one..
I have to say no as there are so few places that Wild things can be..undisturbed…
so I will take my pups to more impacted places and try to keep wild places, wild..
T
I have a dog that I love to bring on the trails, but I have to say NO. Dogs should not be allowed in NPs. Regardless of how I feel about dogs, I do not trust most dog owners to act responsibly in the wild. I also do not trust most humans to act responsibly in the wild, but that’s another story!
I think dog owners, especially in my home of the PNW, have gotten too entitled and don’t understand that not everyone loves their dog as much as they do. Stop allowing your dog to walk in my path on the trail, stop bringing your dog into the grocery store, stop getting BS documents that show your dog is a service dog so you can bring your dog on a plane. Dogs are a responsibility and require sacrifice by the owner. They are well worth it if you’re up to it, but I think too many owners are unwilling to make that sacrifice and end up sharing the burden with everyone else in their path.
The crappy dog owners ruin it for the responsible ones
I love dogs, but they’re dogs. They don’t need to go everywhere.
yes
No. I love dogs, especially out on the trails in parks, rec. areas, etc. But responsible dog owner or not, dogs have the ability to cause undue disturbance in the back country. E.g. it’s bad enough to happen upon barely buried toilet paper and s*** covered sticks by so many campsites, lets not tack on more from our best of friends.
Wilderness areas are not meant to be easily accessible and wilderness management shouldn’t cater to everyone’s individual wants or needs. The more activities and beings we allow in the back country the more it becomes the front country.
No other creature would have more fun!
I voted no. But I’d maybe add a caveat that I’d be ok with leashed in some parks on a case-by-case basis.
My lab is as biddable as a first year plebe hoping for a weekend pass. Not every other owner/ dog is. So only on leash to get along with others.
As I dog owner, I can understand wanting to bring your pup on backpacking trips, but I’ve seen too many owners leave piles of poop near the trail and have even seen a dog catch and murder a marmot.
bark
Nope … love my dog and he loves being in the backcountry, but I can’t claim privilege just because I have a well behaved dog. Leave some areas to the wildlife.
Dogs or no dogs. Some backcountry travelers leave a trace and others do not. That’s the route of the problem. In areas where there is sensitive habitat you have to ban dogs as they can ruin nests of endangered species. But take Yosemite backcountry- no reason a dog can’t roam w a partner up there.
Yes, if leashed
I think so, if they are leashed. The owners should be held completely responsible for them, following the leave no trace rules and being respectful towards other hikers. I love dogs, but respect that not everyone else feels the same way.
Leash ’em. I’ve had a few heart attacks solo hiking and seeing something huge running after me from up the trail. In fact, some of these people are lucky their dogs don’t get bear sprayed here in AK.
Yes. We let terrible people into the backcountry, why not good dogs? People are far more destructive than dogs. Ive never seen a dog chop down a tree in a national park for firewood.
Yes dogs are our friends, they go everywhere with us. However the protection of our dwindling wild areas outweighs one weekend of fun with fido. Pony up and pay for boarding if you care to venture out to the areas.
It should be dependent on the specific NP
No, the areas that dogs are allowed are many. The National Parks are the cleanest and most well kept public lands in the country. We have all seen people with dogs off leash in places they should be leashed. We should do everything we can to keep the National Parks as pristine as possible.
Well I voted yes, but after reading the comments I’m reconsidering. Good commentary!
Humans are dangerous. Way more dangerous than anything else in this world.
My dogs are there to protect me and my belongings. I don’t trust any of you people. I have absolute faith in my dogs abilities to protect me from you all and the other critters out there.
Besides they’re already working, unleashed, in some of the wildest, most remote areas of wilderness in the PNW.
https://www.great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com/livestock-guardian-dogs.html
I think we should allow dogs, but keep their owners back at the camper.
I was harrassed by two huge dogs a few months back on a very remote trail while trail running. They cornered me in such a way that I was preparing to be attacked, I felt hunted. The owner finally came along and alluded that it was my fault because I had been running (I trail run) and that the dog I should really be worried about was the one he had on a leash. He had to create a barrier with his trekking poles (he also hit his dogs) just so I could pass by. I’m sure the owner did not care that they destroyed the nice outdoor experience I was having. I’m not worried about bears or large cats. I’m mostly worried about #1 aggressivehumans and #2 aggressive dogs.
Absolutely yes, it’s absurd to ban them from the back country of a park. I understand it incrowded areas where they might get in people’s way or get stressed and mis-behave, but out away from people, YES!
I’m basically banned from National Parks because every outdoor thing I do, I do with my dogs.
My dog, yes. Others, no.
If I’m allowed to come over, assault you, bite your children, and shit on your lawn, then sure.
My husband and I travel with our dogs and with that being said when we go to National Parks we find out where they can or can not go or we have left them home. When we have going to Nat’l Parks with our dogs we have never felt like we have missed out, we still hike and trade off who baby sits the furry kids. I live in the Sierra all summer long and my one dog is my hiking buddy and it makes me laugh when people get upset that my dog is leashed and not being “free” and I just state for one unless it states at the trailhead that dogs can be off leash it is required that they be on a leash but also my dog isn’t your dog. I go on long hikes so I tell them my dog doesn’t know he will be hiking 15 miles with that being said I am carry his water usually. He does have a pack. But again my dog has been jumped by those “friendly” dogs which is why I hike with my hiking stick. Also its a safety issue as well since I hear about it all the time dogs drowning in fast moving water. Oops off topic. Sorry love Nat’l Parks and they need to remain wild and if only we could keep the idiots out but I guess that would be another poll.
No! Not only will it effect the wildlife, but I doubt the majority of people are responsible enough to “pack it out” I live in Colorado and everywhere I hike I see poop bags left behind which detracts from the natural beauty and makes me angry…your pet, your responsibility and if you’re not willing to take it with you, leave the dogs at home
I love dogs. But no. Barking dogs running amok doing dog things wouldn’t be good . It will never happen anyway. Dog owners are the problem. And also just to many people visiting the parks anyway with no real plan on how to manage it. The true backcountry is still a place where a person can experience solitude or close to it without noisy people and barking dogs.
Here is a good example of why they should not be allowed into national parks.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/05/02/guadalupe-fur-seal-killed-off-leash-dog-california-national-park/3651485002/?fbclid=IwAR171jdKJJNFgzhpEbKDEMfsK9lk1WQKW3Fo9ECcVvNbmnMsIggo0k7NTRA
That story occurred to me too.
I vote no, but with a heavy heart. Would love to have had my dog along on hikes in national parks but I understand that if all dog lovers brought their dogs along there would be cumulative negative impacts of one kind or another. My dog is perfect in every way, it’s all those other people’s dogs that are the problem…
Yes
Absolutely NO. And no bikes in Wilderness. I have owned dogs for 30 years and there’s plenty of room for us on other public lands.