Dog Friendly Lodging Near Yosemite – Yosemite National Park in California is one of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. While your options are limited when you visit Yosemite with your dog, there is still plenty to see and do as long as you want to hit the many hiking trails. Learn more about things to do while visiting Yosemite with your dog, as well as where to stay and eat.
Pets can only accompany you in certain parts of Yosemite National Park, just like when you visit all US National Parks. Pets are only allowed in landscaped park areas, fully paved roads, sidewalks and bike paths (unless otherwise noted) and regular campsites (not walk-in or group campsites).
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On the other hand, dogs are not allowed on any of the hiking trails in the park, including the trail to Spring Falls (even the paved portion), with the exception of the Wawona Meadow Loop. Dogs are also prohibited from riding on shuttle buses, in public buildings, in residential areas, and in undeveloped and wild areas, including grass.
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When visiting Yosemite National Park with your dog, keep them on a leash no longer than six feet and never leave them unattended.
Corrals used to be available during the summer months at Yosemite Valley Corrals, but these corrals are now closed. Alternatively, dog kennels and boarding are offered at Tenaya Lodge, see below, near the park.
In 2024, you will again need to make reservations to visit Yosemite National Park during peak season. This applies to certain dates from February to October, especially weekends. See this page for a list of dates and make a reservation. This is true even when driving through a national park.
One of the highlights of visiting Yosemite with your dog is driving through the park and enjoying the beautiful scenery, one of the reasons Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the United States.
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The Yosemite Valley Scenic Drive is spectacular, with stunning views of El Capitan and several waterfalls, depending on the season, as well as the beautiful Merced River that flows through the valley.
Don’t forget to stop and head to Bridalvale Falls, with an observation deck accessible via the short, dog-friendly paved Bridalvale Falls Trail. The falls are best in early spring, but can flow year-round thanks to the wetlands above the falls.
Along the road, there are some amazing views of the majestic El Capitan towering high above Yosemite Valley. At nearly 3,000 feet from base to summit, rock climbers can sometimes be seen attempting to scale the nearly vertical rock face.
As you leave Yosemite Valley, en route to Glacier Point or Wawona, stop and enjoy the view from Tunnel View. This observation deck is located just before the Wawona Tunnel and offers a view of the entire Yosemite Valley.
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After closing the road in 2022 for maintenance, the road to Glacier Point reopened in 2023, although construction delays still occur on weekdays. This long and winding road will reward you with great views of the desert terrain and the expansive Half Dome.
Dogs are allowed to accompany you on short walks at the observation decks. Be sure to take plenty of photos, especially if the weather is clear and sunny like the day of your visit!
In addition to driving and stopping at observation points, there are also a small number of walks, usually short routes, that you can do with your dog in Yosemite. Remember to always keep your dog on a leash no longer than six feet.
Perhaps the most popular hike in Yosemite National Park for dogs is the Lower Yosemite Falls hike. Although the falls are dry all year round, including when we visited in November, they are still beautiful and the trail passes through a beautiful grove.
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A flat and easy hike that begins near the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, the Lower Yosemite Fall Loop is just one mile long and takes about 20 minutes, not including time for photography. A cobbled footpath is also accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Extend your trip by walking along the boardwalk through Cook’s Meadow for more views of Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America, and there are also views of Half Dome and Sentinel Rock.
Another dog-friendly hiking trail in Yosemite Valley is the Mirror Lake Paved Trail. Dogs are allowed on the first part of the paved trail, which is also popular for cycling. Turn back when you reach Mirror Lake, which is over 2 miles round trip.
In the southern part of Yosemite National Park, near the tourist center of Wawona, there is the Wawona Meadow Loop. This trail is the only dirt trail where dogs are allowed in the park.
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The 3.5 mile trail is relatively flat and circles one of the largest meadows in Yosemite. This trail is especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, and even more so in the fall when the trees change color.
In the southern part of Yosemite National Park, one of the main attractions is the Mariposa Giant Sequoia Grove, home to giant grizzlies and other tall sequoias. Unfortunately, this attraction is not allowed for dogs. If you want to visit, it’s best to leave the dog for the day or drop in for a visit.
Instead, consider hiking the less popular Tuolumne Giant Sequoia Grove. From the parking lot on Tioga Road, just east of Crane Flat, the round trip is 2.5 miles. Pets are allowed on the paved paths through the forest, but not on the roadsides. Allow about 90 minutes for the climb.
If you don’t bring your own picnic when you visit Yosemite, one of the best dog-friendly places to eat in the valley is the Village Grill. Located in Yosemite Village with a large outdoor patio, this restaurant is open seasonally – double check to see if it will be open when you visit.
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An alternative location, open from January to November and during the holidays, is the Village Curry Pizza Deck. This restaurant also has a large outdoor area, but double check if pets are allowed. All types of pizza and pizza by the slice are available. Be prepared for long lines in the winter because limited options are available.
Not far from Yosemite, Restaurant 1850 is located in Maripasa. Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday, the restaurant has a dog-friendly covered patio. There is also a brewery on the premises, which offers a variety of author’s and seasonal drinks.
There are plenty of dog-friendly accommodations in Yosemite and outside the park, from campgrounds to pet-friendly hotels. There are also several pet-friendly cabins for rent.
Yosemite National Park has many campgrounds. Pets can stay with you at all but guest campsites (including Camp 4) and group campsites.
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Different campsites have different opening dates and different amenities. Most, but not all, require reservations, North Pines has an early bird lottery. If you’re camping in Yosemite, make sure you store the right pet food to keep it safe from bears, just like you would people food.
While none of the Yosemite lodges are pet-friendly, consider staying at the upscale Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite, just outside the South Gate entrance.
Book a Fido-Friendly Room with Premium Lodge or Pondok Room accommodation, including a one-time $100 fee for up to two dogs, dog bed, dog bowl, dog treats and more. Alternatively, you can enjoy the Deluxe Pampered Pet Package, which includes two hours of pet grooming and gourmet dog bone biscuits.
Direct booking is essential. Generally, only two well-behaved dogs are allowed per room, and dogs over 70 pounds require a special permit. Tanaya Lodge has kennels and some tables in the restaurant are reserved for dogs.
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A more rustic option for a vacation near Yosemite with your pet is the Yosemite Bug Mountain Rustic Resort. North of Maripasa, it’s a 45-minute drive from the resort to Yosemite Valley.
We stayed in one of the tented cabins at an affordable resort near Yosemite. Some regular tented cabins and upgraded private rooms are dog-friendly. Look out for rooms marked “Dog Friendly” when booking.
There is an additional one-time fee of $60. Only one dog is allowed per room, and dogs are not allowed on the furniture or left unattended.
Another dog-friendly camping option also near Maripas is AutoCamp Yosemite, a boutique campground with accommodation options including Airstream Suites, luxury tents and handicap accessible cabins.
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Note that only a few options are dog-friendly, including some but not all luxury tents – depending on what you bring with your pup. A maximum of two well-behaved dogs weighing 80 pounds (36 kg) may accompany you for an additional fee of $75
