Utah National Parks

[paiceman]

We are going to travel this spring to Utah from PA and our goal is to volunteer at Best Friends Animal Society but also to see as much of the National Parks as possible. I've noted that they do not allow dogs anyplace except in the parking lots and on the roads. So, my question is what have you all done or what do you suggest for what will be an 8-9 month old Labrador Puppy. She will not be spayed at the time so we cannot put her in a day kennel. She can stay in the AS ok, but not for over about four hours.

Thanks

[Lumatic]

There may also be a rule about leaving dogs alone in a trailer. There should be BLM land around where you are allowed to have your dog off leash.

[n2916s]

At Yellowstone (just as an example of a national park's pet policy) your dog is welcome in campgrounds and in developed areas (parking lots, sidewalks near buildings...) but must always be leashed. You may leave your dog in your camper as long as the pet does not create a disturbance to others.

Dogs are not permitted in buildings, on trails or on boardwalks.

I have seen plenty of well behaved dogs in our picnic areas and although technically against the rules, I have never seen anyone enforce this.

Enjoy your journey,

Mike

[youngpeck]

Zion National Park pet policy:

Pets - Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Utah State Park web site:

Utah State Parks

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is just north and a little west of Kanab:

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park | Utah State Parks

They allow dogs, and have good rv camping sites. It's also just a short distance west of Best Friends. Will B.F. allow you to let your pup out and about? I would think they would.

When will you be there? Among the many other delights, if you've never been to the north rim of the Grand Canyon, you really should take that in--but it won't be open 'til sometime in May, perhaps even late May.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which begins just east of Kanab and runs all the way to Glen Canyon National Rec. Area, is run by the BLM. Their pet policies are much looser than the Park Service. And GSE is such a large and primitive entity that it wouldn't matter anyway. You can pull over or off and camp and/or picnic anywhere on hundreds of back roads. Just bring tweezers to pull the cactus spines from your dog's paws.

There is a lot more to see in southern Utah and northern Arizona, and depending on which routes you will be approaching and leaving from, you can easily take in quite a bit more and leave feeling you've given your dog a wonderful vacation!

[paiceman]

Thanks, YoungPeck, we will be camping at Best Friends, they have two fully equipped RV sites that anyone can rent and all proceeds go to the Society. But no "pets" cannot run free and are not allowed to walk around the rescue, but the RV park is some distance down the road so she will be out there. We plan on being at Best Friends mid may thru Memorial Weekend and then not sure what we are doing as we both just retired and looking forward to some trips we've planned for years.

[youngpeck]

Originally Posted by paiceman

Thanks, YoungPeck, we will be camping at Best Friends, they have two fully equipped RV sites that anyone can rent and all proceeds go to the Society. But no "pets" cannot run free and are not allowed to walk around the rescue, but the RV park is some distance down the road so she will be out there. We plan on being at Best Friends mid may thru Memorial Weekend and then not sure what we are doing as we both just retired and looking forward to some trips we've planned for years.

I did some volunteer work at Best Friends years ago. They run a fine operation.

I'm sure you will enjoy your stay. There are any number of possible side trips for you, and it appears as though you have researched this thoroughly. Kanab is an supremely located point for exploring southern Utah and northern Arizona. At the risk of sounding immodest, don't hesitate to contact me if I can shed light on any of the surrounding areas. I've backpacked and four-wheeled extensively in that entire area over the years. And like you, my wife and I are now looking forward to enjoying the vast Colorado Plateau without having to unpack tents and sleeping bags any more.

[Woosch]

We meant to stop at Best friends when we did our trip there a couple of years ago. Don't remember exactly why we missed it but we got a day behind. Our pups stayed in the trailer while we were out exploring. Camped in Moab and visited Canyonlands and Arches (try a sunrise hike to delicate arch. you won't regret it) Stayed just outside Mesa Verde (inside Colorado) and really enjoyed it. Durango isn't far away and you will want to stay a little while to see the area. Monument Valley will be on your way to Zion and Bryce. Bryce Canyon and Zion were AWESOME! Capitol Reef….we figured you had to be a geology geek to really appreciate it.
I had to stop at Four Corners. Wife didn't like it but I had a lot of fun with it.
PM me if you want any specific info.
Cheers,