Pet Friendly Lodging Zion National Park – With walls of red and white Navajo Sandstone rising 600 feet above you, hiking with your pet in Zion National Park is an experience you’ll never forget!
Zion was Utah’s first national park. And as you walk along the Virgin River, gazing at the sandstone cliffs towering against the bright blue sky, it’s easy to see why! So how much of Zion National Park can you see with a pet? To answer this question, we conducted pawpaw research.
Pet Friendly Lodging Zion National Park
Located in southern Utah, not far from Bryce Canyon National Park and Dixie National Forest, Zion is simply breathtaking. With elevations within the park ranging from 3,600 to 8,700 feet, the park preserves breathtaking wildlife, vegetation, and scenery.
Dog Friendly Travel
Summer is the best time to visit Zion National Park with pets, but anytime! The park became the second most visited national park in the United States with 5 million visitors in 2021. Besides the crowds, summer temperatures in Zion can be downright dangerous. During our visit in late August, the elevation at the canyon floor reached 104 degrees!
For a quieter visit, consider visiting Zion in winter. More than 550,000 visitors come to the park between December and January, with this number peaking in July. Even though it is the middle of winter, daytime temperatures often reach 54 degrees; Perfect weather for exploring with your pup!
For our RV friends: Plan to go to Zion’s South Gate. The east side of the park is accessed through a historical tunnel. Almost all motorhomes, buses, trailers, fifth wheels, dual-wheel trucks, campers, and boats require traffic control, which means rangers must stop oncoming traffic for you.
At Zion National Park, leashed pets can join you on all paved surfaces. This includes public roads and parking lots, developed campgrounds, all 22 turnouts along Hwy 9 (Zion to Mount Carmel Hwy), and the Paras Trail. Pets are also welcome in Zion Lodge’s picnic area and grounds.
Zion Canyon Trail Descriptions
Pets are not allowed on any of the other trails, which means companion walks are limited in Zion. But read on; We have a pet walking solution you will love!
Finally, pets are not allowed in the wilderness, on shuttle buses, or in any park buildings, including Zion Lodge.
Zion National Park has two entrances, the East Gate and the South Gate. When you arrive at the East Gate, you will immediately be immersed in the view of the monument. Then head to the Visitor Center. But stop at each survey to enjoy the massive sandstone cliffs in cream, pink and red.
When you visit Zion National Park with your pets, be sure to check out the visitor center. Watch the 22-minute orientation film and demonstration as pets are not allowed inside. Grab your pet’s Bark Ranger tag and it’s time to hit the road!
A Dog-friendly Retreat: Exploring Zion National Park
From the visitor center, cross the road and cross the bridge over the river to the pet-friendly Parous Trail. Following the Virgin River through the canyon, the trail extends 1.8 miles to Canyon Junction.
Plan to spend a few hours walking the trail. Or have a picnic and spend more time. For longer hikes, read Zion Canyon.
If you’re visiting Zion with your pet during the summer, consider walking the Paras Trail early in the morning or around sunset.
It is hot! And there isn’t much shade. And cooling off in the river is not an option. Zion monitors the park’s Virgin River for the presence of harmful cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins. These toxins can be present at any time, so keep your dogs away from water.
How To Spend An Unforgettable 2 Days In Zion National Park
It’s a good idea to pack your dog’s boots too! There are many bridges on Parus Road, and the composite material from which the bridges are made gets very hot on sunny days. Before your pet walks on the deck, touch the surface to make sure their paws are not burned.
If you arrive at the South Gate of Zion, check out the Visitor Center and walk the Paras Path, then head to the East Gate and enjoy the chests along the way.
The main attraction of Zion National Park is Zion Canyon. It is home to the famous Hanging Gardens, waterfalls and Zion Lodge. For most of the year, access to Zion Canyon is open to shuttle buses only. And pets are not allowed on the shuttle.
Of course, you can also take a detour on the shuttle to see Zion Canyon. Or you can find a local pet grooming or boarding facility for your travel companion. However, if you want to see Zion Canyon with your pets, you have two options.
Winter Activities To Enjoy At Lodging Near Zion National Park
The first is walking or cycling. Pets are allowed on all paved roads in Zion. And for most of the year, only shuttle buses operate on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. From the Visitor Center, follow Paras Road 1.8 miles to Canyon Junction, where the road begins to close. From here it is 5.6 miles to Sinawa Temple at the end of the road.
Your other option is to visit Zion when the service is not running. (That’s why we recommended planning your trip for December or January!)
Zion service is closed from late November until before Christmas. During this time, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to private vehicles. This is your window to drive the famous canyon with your best friend. Remember that pets should stay on sidewalks or paved surfaces.
The town of Springdale is conveniently located outside the south gate of Zion. This is a pet-friendly place, with hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and dog parks.
Zion National Park Cabin
Stop by the visitor center for some tips and then grab lunch or dinner! We found the pet-friendly patio at Oscar Cafe to be the perfect place to dine.
To explore a less popular part of Zion National Park with your pet, head west on Hwy 9 to Kolob Terrace Road and then north. The 25-mile drive descends from 3,550 feet to 8,118 feet and enters the national park. But it’s the views that make the ride so enjoyable!
You will pass many roads on the way. Unfortunately, pets are prohibited on all these trails. However, there is a picnic area and the view from Lava Point is worth seeing!
At the end of the road is the Kolob Reservoir. Not only is it a gorgeous body of water, the temperature here was almost 20 degrees cooler than Springdale the day we visited!
Pet Friendly Zion Hotels & Lodging
There is a private campground surrounding the reservoir, but most sites were open the day we visited. A boat launch and canoe, canoe and paddle board rentals are also available. This would be a great place to spend the day!
Please note: We do not have cell phone coverage at the reservoir, so I recommend calling ahead to arrange your kayak, canoe or paddle board rental!
If life in Zion inspires you to get out into nature for more trips with your pets, we can help! As we said, there is only one pet mark in Zion. But there’s a great solution just down the road.
Two areas of the Dixie National Forest are within walking distance of Zion! Pine Valley Ranger District, St. George, Utah. The Cedar City Ranger District is east of Cedar City, Utah. There are excellent hiking opportunities in both areas. Or head to Red Canyon, our favorite area in Dixie. The good news is that all trails in Dixie are pet-friendly!
Booking Zion National Park Accommodations In The Fall: What To Know
Stop at any visitor center for road conditions and maps. So go out and enjoy the journey together!
We hope our visit to Zion National Park inspires you to plan a trip with your pet! Although pets can only go down the trail here, the Dixie National Forest has great hiking opportunities just down the road. And Southern Utah is a great place for pet adventures.
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Where To Stay Near Zion With Kids: 17 Kid-friendly Lodging Options
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