Zion National Park allows dogs, but the policy is highly restrictive, limiting where pets can go and what activities they can participate in. The vast majority of trails and wilderness areas are off-limits to protect the delicate desert ecosystem and wildlife. Pet owners must adhere to strict rules, including mandatory leash laws and specific location limitations, to ensure a safe and compliant visit.
Designated Areas for Dogs: The Pa’rus Trail and Paved Roads
The Pa’rus Trail is the singular designated trail where dogs are permitted within Zion National Park. This paved path spans 3.5 miles round-trip, follows the Virgin River, and connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Canyon Junction, passing through the developed campgrounds. It offers views of the iconic Watchman peak and accessible river access points.
Beyond the Pa’rus Trail, dogs are allowed in other developed areas of the park, provided they remain on a paved or hardened surface. This includes public roads, parking areas, designated picnic spots, and the grounds surrounding the Zion Lodge. Properly restrained dogs are also welcome within the developed campgrounds, such as Watchman and South Campground. In all permitted areas, dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet in length.
Strict Restrictions: Prohibited Trails and Transportation
Dogs are prohibited from almost all hiking trails, wilderness areas, and public buildings within the park. This restriction applies to all unpaved trails, meaning popular destinations like Angels Landing, the Emerald Pools trails, and The Narrows are off-limits to pets. The prohibition minimizes the impact of domestic animals on wildlife and the fragile desert environment.
The Zion Canyon Shuttle System, which provides transportation throughout the main canyon for much of the year, does not permit pets. Pet owners must rely on their own vehicle for access to the limited dog-friendly areas, or walk along the paved roads when the shuttle is operating. Only trained service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are granted an exception to accompany their owner on the shuttle and all other park locations.
Essential Rules for Responsible Pet Owners
Compliance with the park’s pet rules begins with the mandatory waste removal policy known as “Pack it In, Pack it Out.” Pet owners are responsible for immediately bagging and disposing of all pet waste from every area of the park, including the Pa’rus Trail and developed areas. Proper disposal is necessary because pet waste can introduce non-native diseases and disrupt the park’s natural ecosystem.
Safety regulations prohibit leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle. Interior vehicle temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels in the desert environment, posing a serious health risk. Owners should also be aware that asphalt and paved surfaces can become excessively hot, potentially causing severe burns to a dog’s paw pads; walking should be limited to cooler times of the day. All dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times when outside a vehicle or tent, ensuring control and minimizing disturbance to other visitors.