Top 5 least pet friendly National Parks in the U.S
If you and your pet love the great outdoors, it may seem like a good idea to pack up your pet and head to one of our beautiful National parks but did you know that some of our National Parks are actually extremely UN-Pet friendly? This is usually for the safety of your pet, the local wildlife, and to preserve and protect the parks natural conditions. If you prefer to spend your trips either sitting at the campsite or going for scenic drives then you can disregard this list. However, if you want to bring your pet hiking with you, the below is very important! We want you and your pet to enjoy your time at these parks, so we created a list of least pet friendly National parks. Don’t worry, we will also have a future blog on the most pet friendly parks for all of you hikers!
This park is definitely at the top of our list. First, your pet is not allowed on any trail, along or in the river, off roads, or backcountry. Your pet is only allowed to go where your car can go, so you can take Fido on a scenic road trip which can be fun, but no hiking allowed! Another reason this park is on our list is because of the critters...we are talking mountain lions, bears, scorpions, rattlesnakes, vinegaroons (google it) and many, many more. And lastly, the weather. This park is in the middle of the desert in Texas. This means the highs are very high and the lows are very low. Some nights can be below freezing while days can be well over 100. Your pet will most likely require protection for the elements while outside of your car.
This park is going to be very similar to the above, Fido can only go where your car can go! No trails, no backcountry, and no boardwalks. Now, if you know about Yellowstone, you know it has boardwalks through incredible thermal features (geysers and hot springs) and is a must-do experience, however bringing your pet along is not allowed nor advised and is very important for their safety. Some of these pools can reach temperatures of 180 degrees and higher, some even reaching boiling point. Serious accidents, injuries, and even death may result from water at these temperatures. Also, very large bison, bears and wolves.
And... another one where your pet isn’t allowed on any trails or in the backcountry. Are you sensing a trend yet? This park has a wonderful scenic drive that you and Fido will certainly enjoy, but that will be all you two are allowed to do in the park.
But wait, here is another one! Fido is allowed on the paved roads but still no trails, meadows, or backcountry allowed. This means you can go to road trips, parking areas, picnic areas, and campgrounds but still no hiking together!
Glacier Bay is one of the world’s largest international protected areas. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches….that Fido can’t go on. Your pup must be leashed at all times, and is not allowed on any trails, beaches, or backcountry.
We hope this information helps you when making the decision to take your furry friend with you to a national park. We have linked each park’s pet policy in the title for further review if needed! If you want to know more about the parks we do recommend for hiking with your pet…..stay tuned!
Photography by Brooke Lauer