Yosemite National Park, famous for its stunning landscapes and challenging rock climbs like El Capitan, tends to have strict rules about where you can take your furry friends. Although many trails are off-limits to dogs to help preserve the park’s unique ecosystem, there are a few places where you and your pup can still enjoy the great outdoors together. Let’s dive into six dog-friendly trails you can visit in 2024!
First up is the Wawona Meadows Loop. This easy, five-mile loop is perfect for a casual walk. The trail is mostly flat with lots of shade, making it a comfortable spot for both you and your dog. However, it can get a bit muddy after rain or snow, so be prepared for some dirty paws! Located near a hotel and a restaurant, this trail requires a Yosemite entrance fee, which ranges from $20–$35 per week. Just remember, keep your dog on a leash!
Next is the Mirror Lake Paved Trail. This 2.4-mile path is perfect for a leisurely stroll around a lake, offering flat and kid-friendly terrain. While it tends to get crowded, the scenic views make it worthwhile. Convenient parking is available nearby, but again, dogs need to be leashed, and there’s the entrance fee to consider.
Bridalveil Falls Trail is another dog-friendly option, although it’s currently closed for a rehab project and set to reopen in the summer of 2023. When open, this short, half-mile paved loop offers views of one of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls. Be cautious—parts of the trail can be slippery, and it does get busy, so visit early if you can.
Lower Yosemite Falls Loop boasts an engaging one-mile loop with multiple views of a spectacular 320-foot waterfall. Easily accessible from Yosemite Falls or Yosemite Village lots, this path is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible on the east side. Just watch your step; it can get icy! The waterfall may dry up by late summer but walking through the towering forest is rewarding at any time.
If you’re near the visitor center, Cook’s Meadow Loop offers panoramic views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock in just a one-mile stroll. This paved loop is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, unless snow covers it. You’ll find restrooms and water available at the visitor center, and plenty of spots for a picnic too.
Finally, there’s Chowchilla Mountain Road, an old stagecoach road within the park. While no amenities are available, this trail offers a more rugged adventure, with some steep and rough sections. Off-road vehicles can be used here at certain times of the year. Parking is easiest at the Wawona Visitor Center, and as always, your dog can join only on a leash.
These six trails offer breathtaking glimpses of Yosemite’s iconic scenery while allowing pets to tag along. While dogs are generally welcome in campgrounds and along paved roads throughout the park, remember to keep them leashed and pick up after them. If you’re keen on more outdoor adventures, nearby areas like the Sierra and Stanislaus National Forests also offer dog-friendly hiking options. Happy trails to you and your furry friend!
