If you’re traveling to Bryce Canyon anytime soon, you’ll want to know whether you need to find a pet sitter, board them somewhere, or if you can bring them along. The good news is that Bryce Canyon is a bit more pet-friendly than most National Parks, but that doesn’t mean you can bring them wherever you want.
You’ll want to know all the details about where they can and can’t go in the park before you start planning your next trip, so keep reading and we’ll break it all down for you here.
Areas You Can Bring Pets in Bryce Canyon
Unlike many National Parks that don’t allow pets in most places, Bryce Canyon has many locations where you can bring your pup.
According to the National Park Service, you can bring pets to any parking lot, paved roads, paved viewpoint areas, on the Rim Trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, on the paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point, and at the campgrounds.
That’s quite a few areas at Bryce Canyon where you can bring your pet. Just ensure you bring waste bags to clean up after them, and you keep them on a leash at all times when visiting the park.
Areas You Can’t Bring Pets in Bryce Canyon
While you can bring your furry friends to quite a few locations in Bryce Canyon, you can’t bring them everywhere. For starters, you can’t bring pets to any unpaved trails or unpaved viewpoints. As far as unpaved viewpoints at Bryce Canyon, only Piracy Point fits this description, so don’t bring your dog there.
Pets also can’t go into any public buildings or any public transportation vehicles, and this includes if you’re carrying them or if they’re in a carrier. The most important thing to notice about this is that it also encompasses public restrooms, so if you’re bringing your pup for an extended trip, we recommend going with a friend so they can watch your pet while you’re using the restroom.
Rules for Pets at Bryce Canyon
Not only are there some locations where you can’t bring your dog at Bryce Canyon, but there are also some rules you’ll need to follow no matter where you are in the park. First, pets must remain on a leash at all times, and the leash cannot be longer than 6 feet.
Next, your pet must remain with you at all times. You cannot tie them to an object or even leave them in a vehicle while you’re on a hike or running into the bathroom.
Moreover, pets may not make “unreasonable” noise. This regulation is rather vague, but you’ll want to keep your pup from barking as much as possible. Finally, you need to pick up after your pet. When they use the bathroom, you need to clean up after them. If not, you face a minimum fine of $75.
Tips for Traveling With Pets
Whether you’re heading to Bryce Canyon or somewhere else entirely with your dog, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow that’ll make your next vacation go that much smoother. We’ve highlighted five of our favorites for you here:
Bring a Pet Travel Kit
You never know what your next trip will throw at you and Fido, so you’ll want to pack a pet travel kit that covers everything you could need. Common items include a bowl, leash, waste scooper, plastic bags, medication and first aid kit, water, some food, and one of their favorite toys.
Never Leave Pets in a Parked Vehicle
The inside of parked cars can reach scorching hot temperatures even on relatively cool days. Because of this, you should never leave your pup in a parked vehicle. Not only is it illegal in many states and parks, including Bryce Canyon, but it’s downright irresponsible!
Anchor Your Pets While Driving
There’s a reason you and your passengers put on a seatbelt while you’re driving, and all those same reasons apply to your pet too. Doggy seatbelts keep your pup in place in case of an accident, and they’ll keep them from roaming your vehicle and causing an accident in the first place.
Keep Pets in the Rear Seat
Front seats have airbags, and just like airbags can kill children, they can be fatal to pets. Not only that but if your dog is in the back seat, they’re less of a distraction, so you can keep your eyes on the road.
Plan Plenty of Rest Stops
Not only does your pup need to get out and relieve themselves throughout your trip, but they also need the time to get out and stretch their legs. When you’re at a rest stop, give them access to food and water since they usually won’t have access to this stuff while traveling in the car.
Final Thoughts
If you’re traveling to Bryce Canyon and thinking about bringing your dog along, there’s really no reason you can’t. You won’t be able to visit Piracy Point and a few of the unpaved hiking trails, but for the most part, you can go throughout the park with your pup at your side.
Follow the rules, keep your pet under your control, and most importantly, have fun!
- See Also: Are Dogs Allowed on Governors Island?
Featured Image Credit: Adeline MAN, Pexels
