Can you bring your dog to Yellowstone National Park?

With the popularity of the Paramount series Yellowstone and it’s spin-off series, it makes sense that people would want to visit the actual Yellowstone National Park. Honestly, even before the series hit it big, this park was on many people’s bucket list.

And knowing how popular Yellowstone National Park is, it makes sense that people might be wondering what the rules were around bringing your dog with you to the park. It turns out that there are some very strict rules when it comes to dogs getting to visit this iconic National Park.

So right off the bat, we can confirm that dogs are welcome at Yellowstone National Park. However, there are restrictions and rules that apply to this news.

Dogs can visit Yellowstone National Park with their owners, but there are a few catches

According to Bring Fido,

"While dogs can join their owners in Yellowstone National Park, strict rules apply to four-legged visitors because of the extreme heat inside some of the hydrothermal features and the 67 different mammal species who take up residence in the park. Leashed dogs can join you inside your car, in front country campgrounds and within 100 feet of roads and parking lots, which means no boardwalks, trails or backcountry exploring for Fido. However, pups can witness some of the park’s most famous highlights like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs from a safe distance."

Your pup is allowed on specific paved areas within the park, including near Old Faithful and by the visitor center. This means you can still experience the magic of the National Park, but if you are with your dog, there will be restrictions on the experience overall.

We should also point out that there are a number of trails that you and your pups can explore together in Shoshone National Forest which may not be in Yellowstone National Park, but it is nearby. This means that even though your pup may not be able to explore the trails at Yellowstone National Park, they can still hike with you nearby.

Honestly, it makes sense that there are restrictions in this particular National Park since there is plenty of danger to be had from both the wildlife and the heat associated with the natural wonders found there.

While you may be able to bring your pup with you to the park, this is one time when we think you might enjoy the experience more without your fuzzy companion at your side.