Dog Friendly Yosemite Itinerary
Yosemite National Park, with its towering granite cliffs, giant sequoia groves, and breathtaking waterfalls, often tops the list of must-visit destinations. But if you’re like me, the thought of leaving your beloved four-legged family member behind can put a damper on even the most epic travel plans. Fear not, fellow dog lovers! While some of Yosemite’s most iconic trails are off-limits to our furry friends, there’s still a wealth of incredible experiences to be had together. This guide unveils a fantastic dog friendly yosemite itinerary, proving that you and your canine companion can indeed soak in the majesty of Yosemite, creating unforgettable memories side-by-side.
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most don’t know that yosemite is a very dog-friendly national park
A Quick Introduction to Yosemite
“In Yosemite, we see how everyone can inherit the earth” -john muir
Planning your first trip to California and wondering where to begin? Let me tell you, Yosemite National Park is a destination that will absolutely take your breath away. Imagine a land of giants – colossal granite cliffs that scrape the sky, waterfalls that cascade hundreds, even thousands, of feet, and ancient sequoia trees that have stood for millennia. It’s a place where nature’s grandeur is on full display, offering stunning vistas and unforgettable moments around every bend. Trust me, Yosemite is a California gem that deserves a top spot on your travel list!
taken at tunnel view yosemite
closest airports to yosemite
In case you have a small doggie that you travel on the plane with, here are some of the closest airport to fly into on your dog friendly Yosemite trip:
The closest major airport to Yosemite National Park is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), located approximately 65 miles (about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive) from the park’s South Entrance and roughly 2.5 hours from Yosemite Valley. This airport offers a good range of domestic flights and is a convenient option for direct access to the park.
Also consider San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and San Jose International Airport (SJC): These Bay Area airports are all roughly a 3.5 to 4-hour drive to Yosemite Valley, depending on traffic. They offer a significantly larger selection of domestic and international flights, which can sometimes be more cost-effective. However, factor in potential Bay Area traffic and the longer drive time when considering these options.
road-tripping to yosemite with a dog
Typically when people are traveling with dogs, they’re road tripping! At least we are! Whether you’re coming from somewhere in California, or Nevada, or Utah, the Pacific Northwest, or Arizona like us, a dog friendly Yosemite trip should be on your list. One of my favorite ways to road trip with a dog is in a campervan. That way they have room to move around, a nice bed to sleep in with you, and a place to rest if you need to go do something quickly that is not dog friendly.
If you’re traveling from Arizona, where we live, I highly recommend Boho Camper Vans. The owners are amazing, and actually were on Shark Tank- fun fact! I love the way their vans are made- we’ve done a trip with them at least once a year now! We took our rental van from Tempe, Arizona (in the Phoenix area) to Sequoia, Yosemite, Napa, San Francisco, Big Sur, and then back to Phoenix- it was amazing. See my reel below! Book HERE with my code OUTDOORS10!
best months to visit
Planning your dog-friendly Yosemite adventure involves considering the best time to visit, keeping your furry friend’s comfort and park regulations in mind. Here are some of the best months to consider:
- Late Spring (May): As the snow begins to melt at higher elevations, the weather is generally mild, making walks on paved trails and exploring outside the valley comfortable for your dog. Waterfalls are also at their peak flow, creating stunning scenery. Be aware that some higher elevation areas and Tioga Pass may still be closed.
- Early Summer (June): Temperatures are warming up, but it’s generally still pleasant for dog-friendly activities, especially in the mornings and evenings. Tioga Pass usually opens this month, granting access to more dog-friendly areas outside the main valley.
- Early Fall (September): With the summer crowds thinning out and temperatures cooling down, September offers a sweet spot for visiting with your dog. The fall colors start to appear, adding to the beauty.
- Mid to Late Fall (October): Crisp air and fewer visitors make October another excellent choice. While some higher elevation facilities might be closing for the season, lower elevation areas remain accessible for dog walks. Just be prepared for potentially cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings.
- Off-Season (Winter): We’ve actually gone to Yosemite twice in winter (February and March) and love it because it’s MUCH LESS BUSY, and honestly we loved the weather.
views out of my Boho Camper Van at Tunnel View in Yosemite while making coffee with my dog- aka heaven.
Dog Friendly Yosemite Itinerary: Best Things To Do
I’ll lay out our specific itinerary at the bottom of this blog post, but I thought the best way to share dog-friendly things to do in Yosemite with you is to list them individually, so you can choose what you want to do!!
1: Tunnel View
I’ve mentioned this a few times so we might as well go over it first- the famous tunnel view of Yosemite Valley. It’s called tunnel view as you have to pass through an epic tunnel to get to it. It is an out of this world stunning view. And the whole area is dog friendly!
Yosemite is so large, it actually has multiple different entrances and only one of them goes through this tunnel. The south entrance (from Wanona) goes through the tunnel. If you have to use another entrance, don’t worry because you can always go back up to the Tunnel view on your way out!
2. Hike Bridalveil Falls
Bridalveil Fall is a must for your dog friendly Yosemite trip! While you won’t be able to hike all the way up to the top of the falls with your furry friend, the short (about 1/2 a mile) relatively flat walk offers incredible views of the wispy, ethereal cascade as it plunges 620 feet. Feel the refreshing mist on your face (and your dog’s!) as you admire this iconic Yosemite waterfall up close – it’s a fantastic and easily accessible experience to share with your canine companion.
Important Considerations for Hiking with Your Dog:
- Leash Requirement: Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
- No Unattended Pets: Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Waste Disposal: You are responsible for bagging and disposing of your dog’s waste properly.
- Paved Trails Only: Remember that dogs are only allowed on fully paved roads, sidewalks, bicycle paths, and this specific paved trail to Bridalveil Fall. They are not permitted on other trails, in meadows, wilderness areas, or on shuttle buses within Yosemite.
- Paw Protection: During warmer months, the pavement can get hot and potentially harm your dog’s paws. Consider hiking during cooler parts of the day or using dog booties.
3. Walk to the Base of Lower Yosemite Falls
Can you witness the majesty of Yosemite Falls with your four-legged friend? You can!! This short walk is approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) round trip and takes around 20-30 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time to soak in the stunning views. For convenient access to the trailhead, aim to park in the Lower Yosemite Fall parking area, which is well-signposted within Yosemite Valley. From there, it’s a short and scenic walk to experience the sheer power and beauty of Yosemite’s iconic waterfall with your canine companion- remember to stay on pavement!
Other Dog Friendly Hikes in Yosemite: Glacier Point, Wanona Meadow Loop Trail, Olmsted Point, and anywhere in the park with paved trails!!
4. See Yosemite Firefall in February
Aside from Yosemite Firefall being STUNNING, there were sooooo many doggies and it was the best. If you’re not familiar with this event, in February each year, if the conditions are right, Horsetail Fall lights up bright orange and looks like fire, the way the sun hits it at sunset. Because you walk on a paved trail, it’s dog-friendly. And wow there were so many dogs there and I loved it!
5. Go Camping with your Pup
While some of Yosemite’s campgrounds don’t allow pets, there are options for those of us who can’t imagine leaving our furry family members behind! The key is to plan ahead and snag a spot at Upper Pines Campground (in designated pet-friendly loops), the only campground within Yosemite Valley that currently permits dogs. Outside the valley, Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, and Wawona campgrounds (where I stayed) also typically welcome leashed dogs. Imagine waking up to the crisp mountain air and the sounds of nature with your loyal companion nestled by your side. Just be sure to always keep your dog on a leash, never leave them unattended, and properly dispose of their waste to help preserve the beauty of Yosemite for everyone. With a little preparation, camping with your dog in Yosemite can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
views out of my Boho Camper Van at Wanona Campground in Yosemite
Dog Friendly Yosemite Campgrounds
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Okay, here are some links to the dog-friendly campgrounds mentioned, where available:
Within Yosemite National Park (Dogs allowed in specific campgrounds):
- Hodgdon Meadow Campground:
No direct booking link available, reservations are typically made through Recreation.gov - Crane Flat Campground:
No direct booking link available, reservations are typically made through Recreation.gov - Tuolumne Meadows Campground:
No direct booking link available, reservations are typically made through Recreation.gov - Wawona Campground:
No direct booking link available, reservations are typically made through Recreation.gov - Upper Pines Campground:
No direct booking link available, reservations are typically made through Recreation.gov - Lower Pines Campground:
No direct booking link available, reservations are typically made through Recreation.gov - North Pines Campground:
No direct booking link available, reservations are typically made through Recreation.gov
Surrounding Areas (More dog-friendly options):
- Yosemite Pines RV Resort and Family Lodging:
https://yosemitepinesrv.com/ - Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping:
https://www.wildhavenyosemite.com/ - Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes RV Resort:
https://thousandtrails.com/california/yosemite-lakes-rv-resort
- Hodgdon Meadow Campground:
Like Hotels Better? Dog-Friendly Hotels near Yosemite
While lodging directly within Yosemite Valley that welcomes dogs is scarce, the areas surrounding the park offer several pet-friendly options for travelers. Gateway towns such as El Portal, Oakhurst, and Mariposa boast a variety of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals that understand our furry companions are part of the family. I recommend Tenaya Lodge just south of the South Entrance, or AutoCamp Yosemite. It’s always wise to confirm the specific pet policies, including any size restrictions or fees, directly with the hotel before booking to ensure a comfortable stay for both you and your canine pal during your Yosemite adventure.
Final Thoughts about Your Dog Friendly Yosemite Itinerary
We loved our time in Yosemite with our pooch. We were coming from Sequoia, made the drive to Yosemite in mid-day, saw Firefall, and then spent the next day (after camping) walking around the park, and seeing Bridalveil Falls. Totally worth it to bring your furry friend!!