Can dogs go on trails in Bryce Canyon?

Only on Rim Trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point (the 1/2 mile section) and Paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point. All other trails are off-limits to pets.

Can I take my dog backpacking in Bryce Canyon?

No. Pets are not allowed in Bryce Canyon's backcountry.

Is there a kennel near Bryce Canyon?

The page lists kennels in Panguitch (30 mi), Richfield (100 mi), Cedar City (85 mi) and Kanab (74 mi); it does not say whether a kennel exists in the park.

Does Bryce Canyon have a B.A.R.K. Ranger program?

Yes. Bryce Canyon takes part in the B.A.R.K. Ranger program (Bag your waste, Always leash, Respect wildlife, Know where you can go); ask at a visitor center about tags.

Dogs & pets

Dogs in Bryce Canyon: where they can go

Last verified October 5, 2026A few trails6 ft leash maxB.A.R.K. Ranger park

Yes, but only in a few places. Pets are only allowed on paved surfaces: campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads, paved viewpoints (not Piracy Point), the Sunset-Sunrise Rim Trail section and the paved Shared Use Path.

A red rock landscape and plateau forest glows with the morning sun — Photo: NPS Photo / Peter Densmore

Where pets are allowed

Trails

• Rim Trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point (the 1/2 mile section)
• Paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point

Areas

• Campgrounds
• Parking lots
• Paved roads
• Paved viewpoint areas (all viewpoints except Piracy Point)

Off-limits

• Trails (other than the two above)
• Unpaved viewpoints (Piracy Point)
• Public buildings
• Public transportation vehicles (shuttle bus)

Backcountry: no pets

Rules & services

Leash: 6 ft or shorter, at all times
Kennels: The page lists kennels in Panguitch (30 mi), Richfield (100 mi), Cedar City (85 mi) and Kanab (74 mi); it does not say whether a kennel exists in the park.
B.A.R.K. Ranger: Yes
Service animals: Only service animals recognized by the ADA are permitted off pavement; emotional support animals can be treated as pets under the park's pet policy.

In the park's own words

What Bryce Canyon says about pets

Sentences quoted from the park’s nps.gov pets page, last updated December 7, 2024, captured 2026-10-05.

“Pets are only permitted on paved surfaces in the park; this includes: Campgrounds Parking lots Paved roads Paved viewpoint areas (all viewpoints except Piracy Point) On the Rim Trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point On the paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point” nps.gov

“Pets are only permitted on paved surfaces in the park; this includes: Campgrounds Parking lots Paved roads Paved viewpoint areas (all viewpoints except Piracy Point)” nps.gov

“Kennels near Bryce Canyon are located in Panguitch (30 mi, 48 km), Richfield (100 mi, 160 km), Cedar City (85 mi, 136 km), and Kanab (74 mi, 119 km).” nps.gov

“Pets are not permitted on trails or unpaved viewpoints (Piracy Point), in public buildings or on public transportation vehicles (shuttle bus).” nps.gov

“Sign up for the park’s Bark Ranger program to properly enjoy Bryce Canyon National Park with your pet.” nps.gov

“Only Service Animals recognized by the ADA are permitted to accompany their owners off pavement.” nps.gov

Worth knowing

Backcountry is marked prohibited because the page says pets are only permitted on paved surfaces; the page does not use the word backcountry.
The restrictions also apply to pets that are carried.
Pet owners not following the regulations may be cited (minimum fine is $75).
Pets may be left in vehicles while owners hike, but idling and generator use are not permitted in park parking lots.
The page points dog owners to nearby Red Canyon, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, for dog-friendly trails.
The Bark Ranger sign-up steps are: ask at the Visitor Center front desk, read and agree to the Bark Ranger card, get a pet treat.

How we read the rules

Every statement on this page was taken from the park’s own pets page on nps.gov and the quoted sentences are re-checked against our saved copy of that page each time the site is built. Parks change pet rules for wildlife, heat and trail conditions, and superintendents can close areas at short notice, so treat the park’s pets page and the ranger at the entrance as the final word. Service animals are covered by different rules. Compare all 63 parks.

Sources · 2

1.Bryce Canyon National Park — Pets (nps.gov), last updated December 7, 2024 · National Park Service
2.Pets pages of each park on nps.gov (62 park units), read and quoted · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)

FAQ

Bryce Canyon pet questions

Are dogs allowed in Bryce Canyon National Park?: Pets are only allowed on paved surfaces: campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads, paved viewpoints (not Piracy Point), the Sunset-Sunrise Rim Trail section and the paved Shared Use Path. Leashes must be 6 feet or shorter. (From the park's nps.gov pets page, updated December 7, 2024.)
Can dogs go on trails in Bryce Canyon?: Only on Rim Trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point (the 1/2 mile section) and Paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point. All other trails are off-limits to pets.
Can I take my dog backpacking in Bryce Canyon?: No. Pets are not allowed in Bryce Canyon's backcountry.
Is there a kennel near Bryce Canyon?: The page lists kennels in Panguitch (30 mi), Richfield (100 mi), Cedar City (85 mi) and Kanab (74 mi); it does not say whether a kennel exists in the park.
Does Bryce Canyon have a B.A.R.K. Ranger program?: Yes. Bryce Canyon takes part in the B.A.R.K. Ranger program (Bag your waste, Always leash, Respect wildlife, Know where you can go); ask at a visitor center about tags.

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