Ely MacInnes and her husband, Tom, began traveling in the western United States with their 85-pound mutt, Alaska, in March 2020. Driving and living in an R.V., they visited White Sands and Petrified Forest National Parks in New Mexico and Arizona before heading to California, Oregon and Washington. They sometimes struggled to figure out where Alaska could and couldn’t roam, but often found that they could have wonderful experiences.
“We could have a great time viewing the park from the car and doing the limited options that allowed dogs,” said Ms. MacInnes. “Most people think you can’t bring your dogs to national parks, but many national parks actually make it very welcoming.”
In June of that year, the couple started a Facebook group, U.S. National Parks With Dogs, to exchange advice and information about their travels and provide a forum for others to share their experiences, both positive and negative. The group now has nearly 5,000 members.
“We want to make sure everyone can enjoy the parks, whether or not they have a dog,” said Ms. MacInnes, adding that another pup, a blue heeler named Smoky Joe, is now part of her family.
For humans who like to enjoy the outdoors with their canine pals, planning a park visit has gotten easier in recent years thanks to a host of online resources, as well as expanded programs courtesy of the Park Service.
Here’s what you need to know about bringing your pup to the parks.
First things first: Dogs are, by and large, allowed in national parks. But there are rules intended to conserve the land, protect the wildlife and keep dogs safe. In all parks, dogs must be on leashes no longer than six feet, and picking up and disposing of pet excrement is a must. Then specific destinations may have their own rules. In Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks, dogs are largely restricted to developed car campgrounds and paved roads, while others, like White Sands, in New Mexico, have more areas open to dogs, though they must be leashed.
The Park Service website has a section dedicated to pet visitors, including a map that illustrates which parks allow dogs, and then most individual parks have sites with dedicated pet pages, offering the most reliable and current sources of information.
Danielle LaFleur and her husband, Brodin Ramsey, have been traveling with their dog, Chia, since March. They make a point to speak to park rangers on arrival to get the most up-to-date information and suggestions on which areas to visit.
“In Joshua Tree, the rangers directed me to a four-wheel-drive road that no one goes on,” Ms. LaFleur said. “We were able to do quite a bit of exploring there.”
Other resources include sites like AllTrails and apps including BringFido (for dog-friendly hotels and
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From inspiring future generations to offering once-in-a-lifetime adventures, there’s no limit to what visitors to national parks can gain from their experiences. And California, with nine national parks, boasts a remarkable range of natural wonders in its parks. That includes the hottest place in the United States, the biggest tree in the world by volume, and a national park accessible only by ferry.
Acadia National Park stretches over a rocky and mountainous coastal landscape of the Maine coast. The park has a wild beauty reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest and is home to an extensive network of hiking trails (120 miles, in fact) and its 30 lakes are prime fishing, biking, and boating spots. Mount Desert Island, where the majority of the park is located, has a quintessentially New England atmosphere, with charming fishing villages, bustling lobster boats, and colorful buoys dotting the harbors. While there are no lodges within the boundaries, there are plenty of hotels near Acadia National Park for anyone who would prefer a comfortable bed after a day of adventuring.
Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park showcases the largest collection of hoodoos — thin spires of rock — and despite its name, it’s not actually a canyon but rather a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The park is relatively small compared to other national parks in the state, like Zion, Arches, and Canyonlands. The 18-mile scenic road that runs north-south through the park traces the rims of the amphitheaters for the most part and has turnoffs for viewpoints, hiking trailheads, and picnic areas. Small or not, the park can afford you days of on-foot exploration, and the varying levels of hiking difficulty and length mean there’s something for everyone. There’s no need to rush. Staying for a few days gives you ample time to explore the region and immerse yourself in the desert.
In 2021, the Pretty Rocks Landslide on Denali Park Road in Alaska shut off the only driving route to the old mining town of Kantisha. The closure is predicted to continue until 2026, cutting off access on the iconic 92-mile road in Denali National Park. This means that Kantishna, previously a popular destination for day visitors to the park, is now only accessible by air. It takes a helicopter over the glaciers, braided rivers, and multi-colored mountain peaks with America’s tallest mountain, Denali, in the background. In short, it’s become an exclusive destination that only a small percentage of visitors have a chance to access.
If you’re still looking for last-minute Labor Day weekend getaway ideas, these three locales, all located within a five-hour drive of Washington, D.C., will do just the trick. They’re also full of family friendly attractions and plenty of points hotels so you can save on your stay by cashing in rewards through their loyalty programs.
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