A breakdown of where you can and cannot take your dog.
So, you may be wondering, what is the difference? Well, from a broad perspective, they are both public land. But, if you take a closer look, they serve different purposes. National Parks are public lands that are geared toward preservation. They are what most people know of as "vacation spots" like the Grand Tetons, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone....to name a few. While National Forests are also public lands, they are managed for multiple uses, like recreation, wildlife, and fish among many others. So how does this affect planning a trip with your dog? Let me break it down further.
National Parks
In short, dogs are not usually allowed in National Parks. Why? Because of their purpose to preserve said public lands. The goal is to not disrupt vegetation and wildlife in these places, something I guess dogs may not be good at. Maybe something about barking...I don't know. But don't be discouraged, as with everything, there are rules. A general rule for most National Parks is that dogs ARE allowed wherever vehicles are allowed. Meaning your dog can be inside your car while you drive through a Park to take in the sights. Or your dog can be walked along paved roads and parking lots. Now, I am no expert with National Parks or National Forests, but I can speak to my experience with some. Here is why you STILL want to do your research of the specific Park you are planning a trip to:
Grand Teton National Park. While living in Wyoming, I took an extended weekend trip to Jackson, WY. Of course I am going to bring Rusty, so I first hit the internet to plan my trip. Now I might add that my trip was in mid April. This is important because, well, that is the end of the off-season for the Tetons. It is no longer ski season, and it is not quite warm enough for hikers. Or hikers who aren't named Shawna, rather. A little snow never stopped me haha. BUT what I found was that yes, dogs are only allowed where vehicles are allowed, but during the off-season, aka winter, certain roads are closed due to snow so they aren't maintained. And guess what. Those closed roads? Basically become "trails" in the winter, and yep, you can take your dog! And with me going in April, the end of the off-season, snow was already largely melted, but the roads would not open back up until early May. So I was able to take Rusty on a "road/trail" in the Tetons! Not many doggy's can say they were allowed INSIDE the Park. But what if you are looking for more of the typical "trails"? Well then that is where you may want to look into National Forests.
National Forests
Usually, surrounding a National Park may be a National Forest. But they are certainly all over the US as well. But if you ARE visiting a National Park and are wanting to enter a more secluded trail with the pup. Search for a National Forest. Like I mentioned earlier, these public lands are managed for multiple uses. In other words, it is ENCOURAGED to use and basically take advantage of these places. Hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, logging, etc. So what is my experience with National Forests?
Surrounding the Tetons is the Bridger-Teton National Forest. They fully allow dogs on any and all trails. Most have a leash requirement, but a few places may allow off-leash dogs during off-seasons. Again, research to accurately plan your trip. Bridger-Teton National Forest was so dog-friendly, they actually offered leashes for temporary use at the Trail Head. I mean come on. Can't get any better than that. Can you tell I love the Tetons!?!
But that is just one of many National Forests I have been to with Rusty. I have ventured into National Forests in Texas, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Vermont, Colorado, and Missouri to name a few. Each offering a wonderful trip into the wilderness to find whatever it is you may be searching for.
But what about National Monuments? Well, they are protected areas as well that are similar to National Parks. These are also common "vacation spots" like Devils Tower, Statue of Liberty, or Mount Rushmore. Again you will have to do your research to know the specifics, but in my experience, dogs are usually allowed where vehicles are allowed, much like with National Parks. During my visit to Mount Rushmore, Rusty was able to be on the grounds surrounding the monument. They had a clearly placed sign stating exactly how close your pup could get before it no longer was allowed.
Now, for the silver lining in all of this. There ARE most definitely certain Parks that are way more dog friendly than the average. Unfortunately, I do not have experience with those places (yet), but throughout my research, I have found a few helpful websites for locating dog-friendly parks, forests, and monuments. You can check them out below:
Now I hope you have found this post helpful, and if you learned only one thing, is to not assume that your pup cannot come along too! Research, research, research! It may be the off-season or it may be super dog friendly. At the very least, your pup can travel in your car with you through these beautiful Parks! Most Parks have lookout points and parking lots to take in amazing views, and you bet your pup is allowed there too! If you have had any experience traveling to National Parks or Forests with your furry pal, I'd love to hear about it! I am always looking for my next grand adventure!
Shawna + Rusty
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