Where dogs can go

  • Public roads and parking areas, developed campgrounds and picnic areas, and the Zion Lodge grounds.
  • The Pa’rus Trail, which begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, is the only trail open to pets.
  • Not on any other trail, in wilderness, on shuttle buses, or in public buildings. No pets on any Kolob Canyons trail.

Leash and waste

Use a leash no longer than 6 feet. Retractable leashes that extend past 6 feet are not allowed. Pick up waste everywhere, and keep noise down so pets do not disturb wildlife.

Keep dogs out of the river

Zion monitors the Virgin River for harmful cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, which may be present at any time of year. Keep dogs out of the water and on a leash, and check the NPS pets page for current cyanobacteria information.

The Zion Canyon road beside the Pa’rus Trail with green trees and red cliffs under a blue sky.
Along the Pa'rus Trail, Zion National Park. Photo: Vulturesong, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Heat and parked cars

Zion is hot, and for most of the year a car interior can quickly reach dangerous temperatures. Leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle when conditions pose a health risk is prohibited. Restrained pets may be left in developed campgrounds only when conditions are safe and the pet is quiet.

Planning a trail day? NPS suggests leaving your pet at home or with a boarding kennel. It lists veterinary services in Hurricane, St. George, Kanab, and Cedar City, and kennels in those towns and Rockville.

Service animals

Service animals, dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability, may go to all park locations. Emotional-support animals do not qualify.

Want more dog-friendly trails?

Snow Canyon State Park, near St. George, welcomes leashed dogs on its trails. See dogs at Snow Canyon and our Zion + Snow Canyon page.

Riding Pa’rus instead? See e-bikes.