Pet Friendly Lodging Zion Ut – Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you decide to buy something, a small portion of the proceeds will help me and Juno. thank you!
The first time I went to Zion National Park, I cried. (Don’t worry, tears of joy.)
Pet Friendly Lodging Zion Ut
– Red like Yosemite! I screamed out the window of my rickety car, craning my neck, watching the giant sheep standing on the gray walls.
Where To Stay In Zion National Park
I didn’t even know Juno on my first visit, but soon we will visit Zion. At least once a year from 2016 to 2020. Here are some of the best dog-friendly things to do in and around Zion National Park.
Like most national parks, Zen does not allow dogs on the trails. But they are allowed in camps, on roads and on boats.
The only exception to the “no dogs on the trails” rule is the Pa’rus Trail, a paved trail near town.
As I’ve written before on Instagram, Parris Road is a short version of Zion’s hiking trail that follows the Virgin River past the busy camp areas and restrooms. But in fact, it’s like saying “the worst beach in Hawaii” or “Sunday is the worst day of the weekend”: even if “the worst” is really surprising.
How To Spend An Unforgettable 2 Days In Zion National Park
If you live near a national park and need a good dog ranch or dog boarding, I recommend Doggy Dude Ranch. Their website says, “30,000 feet of fun for your best friend!”
I’ve left Juno in their care twice now, once for dog boarding and once for an overnight stay, and both times I’ve had a great experience. As of October 2020, dog care is $30 per day and only $40 per night for overnight stays.
Be sure to make reservations as far in advance as possible, especially in the summer, as the Dog David Ranch is always booked!
Although the Parris Trail is the only dog-friendly trail in Zion National Park, there are many dog-friendly trails nearby.
The Lodge At Zion Country
Nearby dog areas include Snow Canyon State Park, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, and the Red Canyon section of the Dixie National Forest. See more posts on each of these areas, and in the meantime, check them out on AllTrails!
The last time I stayed in Juneau near Zion, we stayed at this beautiful Airbnb home. They welcome dogs at no extra charge and are less than a mile from the park!
Traveling to Utah with your dog and hoping to make the most of your trip? Check out my dog-friendly guide to Bryce Canyon National Park!
I’m a writer traveling to the wild west with my dog, Juno. When I’m not telling campfire stories, I sometimes tell them here.
This A Frame Cabin With Glass Walls Near Zion National Park Is The Most Liked Airbnb On Instagram
When you purchase through the link below, a small portion supports Becky and Juno at no additional charge. Thank you for your support! Rising 2,000 feet along the red and white walls of Navajo Sandstone, hiking with your pet in Zion National Park is something you won’t forget.
Zion is Utah’s first national park. And as you walk along the Virgin River, watching the giant rocks rise into the bright blue sky, it’s easy to see why! But how much of Zion National Park can you see with pets? We did some research to answer this question.
Located in southern Utah near Bryce Canyon National Park and Dixie National Forest, Zion is truly amazing. As the altitude of the park ranges from 3,600 feet to 8,700 feet, the park protects a variety of wildlife, plants and beautiful scenery.
The best time to visit Zion National Park with pets is anytime except summer! Five million visitors visited the park in 2021, making it the second most visited park in the United States. And besides the crowds, the summer heat in Sion can be quite dangerous. During our visit in late August, the high in the valley floor reached 104 degrees!
Where To Stay In Zion National Park
For a quieter visit, visit Zion in the winter. Although more than 550,000 visitors come to the park in July, December and January, it sees a fifth of the people. And even though it’s the middle of winter, daytime temperatures often reach 54 degrees — the perfect time to explore your dog!
To our RVing friends: Plan to visit Zion’s South Gate. Going to the east side of the park means passing through a prominent canyon. Almost all RVs, buses, trailers, handwheels, RVs, campers and boats require traffic control, which means the police must stop oncoming traffic for you.
In Zion National Park, pets can accompany you on all levels. This applies to public roads and parking lots, developed campgrounds, all 22 Hwy 9 (Zion – Mount Carmel Hwy) intersections and Pa’rus Road. In addition, pets are welcome in the recreational areas and on the grounds of Zen Lodge.
Pets cannot travel otherwise, so traveling together in the saddle is prohibited. But keep reading, we’ve got some amazing pet tours you’ll love!
Kanab Vacation Rental
Finally, pets are not allowed in wilderness areas, on shuttle buses, or in park buildings including the Zen Lodge.
Zion National Park has two gates, East Gate and South Gate. If you reach the east gate, you will almost be amazed by the amazing view. If so, go to the visitor center. At each stop you’ll be greeted by large boulders in cream, pink and red.
When visiting Zion National Park with pets, be sure to visit the visitor center. Pets are not allowed inside, so watch the 22-minute film and show. Find your pet’s tag on the BARK ranger and it’s time to go!
From the visitor center, follow the road and bridge that leads to the pet-friendly Paris Trail around the river. Following the Virgin River through the canyon, the trail heads 1.8 miles to Canyon Junction.
The Best Budget Hotels Near Zion National Park
Plan to spend a few hours on the road. Or book a vacation and spend more time. And for a longer hike, read the Zion Canyon section.
If you’re visiting Zion with your pet in the summer, plan to walk the Paris Trail at dawn or sunset.
Wow! And there is not much shade. And freezing in the river is not an option. Zion monitors the presence of harmful blue-green algae and cyanotoxins in Virgin River Park. These toxins can be present at any time, so keep your dog on a leash and out of water.
It’s also a good idea to store dog shoes! The Pa’rus trail has many bridges and is very hot on sunny days. Before your pets walk on bridges, stretch them to make sure their legs don’t burn.
A Guide On Where To Stay When Visiting Zion National Park In 2023
If you arrive at Zion’s South Gate, after visiting the visitor center and walking the Paris Road, enjoy a drive to the East Gate and join the trails.
Zion National Park’s main attraction is Zion Canyon. It is home to the world famous hanging gardens, waterfalls and Zion Lodge. For most of the year, Zion Canyon is only accessible by shuttle buses. And pets are not allowed on board.
Yes, you can drive to Zion Canyon by car. Or you can find a pet sitter or boarding house for your travel companion. But if you want to visit Zion Canyon with your pets, you have two options.
The first is walking or cycling. Pets are welcome on all Zen trails. And for many years, the only access to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive was by bus. Take the Pa’rus Trail 1.8 miles from the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction where the road begins to turn off. From there it is 8.9 miles to the end of the road to the temple of Shinawa.
Where To Stay Near Zion With Kids: 17 Kid Friendly Lodging Options
Your other option is to visit Zion when the traffic is not moving. (So we recommend planning your trip for the first of December or January!)
Zion Shuttle Service is closed from late November through Christmas. And during this time, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to private vehicles. Your window takes in the famous valley and your best friend. Just remember that pets should stay off the streets or sidewalks.
The town of Springdale is just outside Zion’s southern gate. With pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, restaurants and dog parks, it’s a welcoming place for pet travelers.
Stop by the Visitor Center for some tips and then grab lunch or dinner! We found the pet-friendly terrace at Oscar Cafe to be a great place to eat.
Dog Friendly Travel
To explore a lesser-known part of Zion National Park with your pets, head west on Hwy 9 to Kolob Terrace Road, then north. A 25-mile ride starts at 3,550
