If you’re traveling to Yosemite with your dog, you want to get out and explore nature. The good news is that Yosemite allows dogs on all paved paths and trails. This means there are plenty of places you can bring them in the park, but it also means you can’t take them everywhere.
If you’re looking for some great dog-friendly trails in Yosemite, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve highlighted some of the top options in the park for you to consider down below.
The 10 Dog-Friendly Trails in Yosemite
1. Bridal Veil Fall Trail
The trail is open year-round
0.9-mile out-and-back trail (roundtrip)
200-foot total elevation
2. Mirror Lake Trail
1-mile trail to Mirror Lake
Do not go past the paved trail with dogs
Mirror Lake fluctuates in size depending on the season
You cannot go into the basin with your dog
3. Lower Yosemite Fall Loop
You can see North America’s tallest waterfall
The trail takes you to the lower section–a 320-foot waterfall
Peak waterfall volume is from spring to early summer
1-mile loop trail
4. Chowchilla Mountain Road
🗺️Address:
Chowchilla Mountain Road, Mariposa, CA
🕐Open Times:
Dawn to dusk
💲Cost:
$35 for a 7-day pass to Yosemite or $70 for a Yosemite annual pass
🐕Off-leash allowed?:
No
Hidden hiking trail
12-mile out-and-back trail
Parking can be challenging to find
Unique trail without much foot traffic
5. Wawona Meadow Loop
🗺️Address:
Wawona Meadow Loop Trailhead, Wawona, CA
🕐Open Times:
Dawn to dusk
💲Cost:
$35 for a 7-day pass to Yosemite or $70 for a Yosemite annual pass
🐕Off-leash allowed?:
No
3.6-mile loop hike
The trail is near a 9-hole golf course
Great trail to see wildflowers in early spring
Gentle rolling hills throughout the trail
6. Tuolumne Trailhead
5.8-mile hike (one way)
Downhill from the trailhead to the campground
You get to see giant sequoia trees throughout the hike
7. Tunnel View
🗺️Address:
Wawona Rd, CA
🕐Open Times:
Dawn to dusk
💲Cost:
$35 for a 7-day pass to Yosemite or $70 for a Yosemite annual pass
🐕Off-leash allowed?:
No
Not a full hike but very pet friendly
Pets cannot go on the artist point trail
Outstanding scenic spot
Very easy to access
8. Glacier Point
0.6-mile out-and-back trail
Only open from May to November
Outstanding views from the trail
It gets very crowded
9. Cook’s Meadow Loop
🗺️Address:
Yosemite Valley, CA
🕐Open Times:
Dawn to dusk
💲Cost:
$35 for a 7-day pass to Yosemite or $70 for a Yosemite annual pass
🐕Off-leash allowed?:
No
2.25-mile hike
Great views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome
Very close to Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead
Tons of parking available
10. Half Dome
Not an actual trail but great views!
Dogs cannot trek to the actual dome
Yosemite Park staple landmark
Conclusion
Now that you know about some of the best dog-friendly trails in Yosemite , all that’s left is for you to start planning your next trip to the park . There are tons of outstanding trails and places for you to visit with your pup, and it’s sure to be a trip that both you and your dog won’t forget any time soon !
Featured Image Credit: Viktoriia Bu, Shutterstock