Are you planning on taking a vacation to Bryce Canyon National Park with your dog?  Do you want to know if your dog is allowed in the park?  Lots of people do so that’s what we’re discussing today.  Is Bryce Canyon National Park considered “dog-friendly”?

Bryce Canyon is one of many places in Southern Utah to vacation.  There’s so much to see.  Many people, like you, also bring their dogs with them on vacation.  So, naturally, you want to know where you can take your dog.  Bryce is a big beautiful outdoor attraction.  Maybe you’d like to bring your dog there with you.  So, you’ve come here seeking answers to that question.  Well, I’ve got answers for you.

Bryce Canyon is Dog-Friendly Sort-of

Bryce Canyon is well known for its outdoor experience: hiking, camping, exploring, and more.  However, there are most definitely areas of the park where you can bring your dog and where you can’t bring your dog.  According to the National Park Service website featuring Bryce Canyon, here is a list of permitted areas for dogs followed by not permitted areas for dogs.

Permitted Dog-Friendly Areas

Please note that all of these areas of the park are considered “paved” areas.

• Campgrounds
• Parking lots
• Paved roads
• Paved viewpoint areas (all viewpoints except Piracy Point)
• On the paved trail section of Rim Trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point
• On the paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point

Non-Permitted Areas for Dogs

Please note that these rules apply to all dogs no matter whether they are leashed or carried.

• On hiking or other trails
• On unpaved viewpoints (Piracy Point)
• In public buildings
• On public transportation vehicles

Failure to follow these rules may result in a hefty fine.

Additional Dog-Friendly Rules

There are some additional rules you must also follow to bring your dog with you to Bryce Canyon.  I list them below.

• Pets must be on a leash at all times with a leash no longer than 6 feet
• Owners must not leave pets unattended: including tied up or left in vehicles. No exceptions (including hiking).
• Pets must not make unreasonable amounts of noise
• Owners must control their dog in the presence of wildlife and keep the dog at a respectful distance
• Owners must clean up after their pets including solid waste. Facilities may be provided to assist.

The same hefty fine for taking your dog into non-permitted areas applies to you failing to follow these rules too.  So make sure you follow these rules as well.

Heed the Warning Signs

Bryce Canyon rangers post signs all over the park warning visitors about certain rules including where dogs may go.  Please heed those signs.  They’re everywhere for a reason.  Also, listen to the park rangers directions just as you would heed a warning sign.

Dog-Friendly Options Near Bryce Canyon

If, for some reason, you cannot bring your dog with you into the park (like cited and banned), then I have an option for you.  Several surrounding communities offer kennels where you can board your dog while visiting Bryce Canyon.  Contact each kennel to learn about their policies and availability.

• Panguitch: Pawz Kennel
• Cedar City: Red Rover Retreat
• Kanab: All Creatures Great and Small Pet and Home Sitting
• Kanab: Happy Horse Hotel

These are some of the kennels you’ll find in the area.  You’ll find others with a simple internet search.  Also, I don’t endorse any business listed here (not a paid endorsement).

Service Dogs in Bryce Canyon

If you happen to be one of those people requiring a service dog, you’re probably wondering about you and your dog.  Don’t worry, I’ve got the answers you need.

You know that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) considers service dogs as medical devices under the law.  The law grants them special privileges and access not granted to emotional support animals nor pets because of this designation.  You’ll be happy to know that your service dog may go with you all over the park, even in those places not otherwise permitted.  This means you can take your dog on the shuttles, into the buildings, and on the trails.

If your service dog is not recognized as a service dog BY THE ADA, then it’s not afforded the service animal permissions.  The park rangers will consider it a pet and ask you to remove it from those non-permitted locations.

Please be aware that the National Park Service does NOT consider an emotional support animal to be a service animal.  The staff will treat your emotional support animal as a pet according to their policy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, is Bryce Canyon dog-friendly?  Certain portions of the park are and certain portions are not.  Make sure that you know where your dog may go and where it may not go before you arrive.  Otherwise you might face a hefty fine.

Other than that, you can easily enjoy the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park with your furry friend.  Also, your dog’s presence might even enhance the trip just a bit for you.  Hope to see you and your dog at Bryce Canyon sometime soon.