Tag: national parks and dogs

Leash up for the next National Bark you and your dog need to visit: Badlands National Park in western South Dakota. The varying terrain and sediments throughout the park will leave you feeling like you’ve been transported to a sci-fi planet one moment and the moon the next. You and your hiking hound can truly get back to nature here.

The various formations throughout the park are made up of sandstones, siltstones, mudstones, claystones, limestones, volcanic ash and/or shale — a result of millions of years of deposition and erosion. Through all these ecological changes, visitors and researchers alike have found an abundance of fossils in the area. This includes 28-million-year-old fossils of the hesperocyon, one of the earliest dogs or canids to walk our planet. So, as you can see, it’s only right that your dog experiences the Badlands. Their ancestors once walked those lands, after all. But to ensure you and Fido stay safe, there are a few guidelines to note.

Timing Is Everything When Taking a Dog to a National Park

Most of the terrain Fido can walk on at Badlands National Park will be grassless and unshaded, so it’s important to factor in that summer heat when planning your visit. The best time to visit the Badlands is April, May or early June before the heat becomes too unbearable; or, for perfect fall temperatures, head there during September and October.

While this national park is open year-round, you’ll want to take proper precautions if traveling in the summer and the winter. Temperatures can soar up above 110° Fahrenheit during the summer months and as cold as -40° Fahrenheit in the winter. If traveling during the summer, make sure you have plenty of water for Fido (and yourself!), stick to early morning or late evening ventures outside of a vehicle and keep an eye out for when your dog gets too hot so you can immediately seek a cooler location. If hiking or camping in the winter, limit the exposure to the cold and consider snow boots to prevent frostbite or hypothermia for both you and Fido.

Sleeping Arrangements for Dogs at Badlands National Park

A common theme you’ll notice in our National Barks series is camping. This is because pets are not allowed in cabins or public buildings at national parks. Under the starry skies, it is!

The Badlands National Park provides visitors with two campsites: Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground. Reservations for Cedar Pass Campground can be made prior to your arrival. Summer is one of the busiest seasons, so if traveling during June, July or August, consider booking your reservation as far out as March. This will help ensure there’s a spot available for you and Fido.

At Cedar Pass Campground you will have access to covered picnic tables, showers ($0.50 for 4 minutes), running water and toilets. You’ll also be mere minutes from the visitor center and café. Cedar Pass Lodge handles all the reservations and questions for the campground.

Sage Creek Campground is a free, first-come first-serve location. You’ll have access to covered picnic tables and pit toilets, but make note to take extra fluids for you and Fido. There is no running water at this location. This campground is located off the unpaved Sage Creek Rim Road, which is sometimes temporarily closed to travelers when winter weather or heavy rains roll through — something to be cognizant of when planning your trip.

Pets must be kept on a leash no more than six feet in length at the campgrounds and throughout the entire park. Additionally, remember to clean up after your dog and properly dispose of pet waste during your stay.

Hiking with Your Dog at Badlands National Park

When walking up to hiking trails, boardwalks, most overlook areas and public buildings, you’ll notice “No Pets Allowed” signage. But don’t worry. There’s plenty of beautiful scenery to see from walking or driving throughout the Badlands. The Badlands Loop Road alone provides 30 miles of walking through the heart of the park!

Pets are allowed on all public roads (paved and unpaved) and in the campgrounds mentioned above as well as:

• The grassy area outside of Ben Reifel Visitor Center (bonus: there are picnic tables at this location)
• Roadside pullouts and parking lots
• Bigfoot Pass Overlook picnic area
• Conata picnic area

Take proper care when hiking on paved and unpaved roads. Watch out for cars. Move out of the way of oncoming traffic. Keep a safe 100-foot distance from all wildlife — big or small. If the wildlife notices you, you’re too close for comfort. And lastly, always take extra fluids for you and Fido while walking. It’s important you both stay hydrated no matter how far you hike.

Due to the lack of grassy or shaded options along the walk, this is why it’s important to make sure you either choose a month where it’s cooler or hike only in the early morning or late evening daylight hours. The pavement will be hotter than the outside temperature due to its reflective nature.

Roadtripping Through Badlands National Park with Your Dog

Driving from one end of the park to the other takes about an hour and a half. Wildlife could prolong that travel schedule though, so be sure you and Fido keep an eye out for any movement outside of the vehicle. Unpredictable and speedy wildlife make it imperative that travelers follow designated speed limits throughout the park. You can be driving along without a critter in view and blink to find a bighorn sheep darting in front of your vehicle.

If you see something you want to explore further while on the drive, remember Fido must be able to go with you. Do not leave Fido in a parked car as a compromise — even if it’s just for a few minutes. An air conditioned, running vehicle can become a dangerous piece of machinery unattended. You never know when a car could malfunction, nor can you anticipate how your dog will behave without you inside the vehicle. They could accidentally bump the gear shifter, gas pedal or emergency break. If you anticipate you’ll want to hike the trails throughout your drive, we recommend traveling with friends or family. You can take shifts on who walks a trail while the other hikes a dog-friendly road with Fido.

So now, the only other question you may have is “How long should I plan to stay at the Badlands National Park?” We recommend mapping out two to three days for exploring and hiking pet-friendly areas. Yes, you can drive straight through the park within an hour and a half. But there are roads to hike, fellow traveling doggos to greet and memories to make at this 244,000-acred park full of incredible geological formations, wildlife and fossils dating back to the Eocene and Oligocene epochs.

RELATED POST: National Barks: How to Take Your Pet to Yellowstone

Welcome to National Barks, our semi-regular guide to taking your dog sightseeing in the national parks. This month we’re going to have you and your doggo daydreaming about a visit to Grand Canyon National Park.

It’s a rockin’ place to take your dog.

Northern Arizona is home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon! Known for its layered bands of rock, the Grand Canyon National Park showcases roughly 1.7 billion years of fossils and geological history across a 277-mile span. And this park is pet friendly to boot! Let’s unearth what portions of the park are open to doggos and how to keep your pet safe while admiring the Grand Canyon’s absolutely stunning views.

Trip Timing

Northern Arizona may experience all four seasons, but the region’s weather is mild enough for you to visit the South Rim of the canyon any time of the year. The North Rim entrance is closed between December 1 and May 15.

The South Rim houses the park’s visitor center and other facilities. They are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the park’s peak time of May–September and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the park’s off-peak months of October–April. There isn’t a timed entry or reservation system to enter the park either.

While the park is open 24 hours, it is important to note that daytime temperatures in Northern Arizona during June, July and August average 93 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat, coupled with elevation changes, can affect your doggo. If traveling to the Grand Canyon in the summer, be sure to pack enough water, snacks and paw protection for your pet. Don’t forget to pack enough water and snacks for yourself, too.

Neither of you want to be without these essentials in that summer heat! Check here for ways to prevent canine heat stroke while packing that extra water jug.

If Fido gets nervous around large groups of people, travel experts recommend visiting during the off-peak months. Off-peak months of October–April can be less crowded and provide more comfortable temperatures during the daytime hours. Evening temperatures in the off-peak months can fall below freezing, so either make sure you’re at your vehicle by dusk or pack plenty of layers for both you and your doggo.

B.A.R.K. Ranger in Training

Your pet can even become a B.A.R.K. ranger when touring the Grand Canyon. This program is part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative for furry companions traveling to national parks across the country. B.A.R.K. stands for:

B = Bag your poop

A = Always wear a leash

R = Respect wildlife

K = Know where you can go

Let’s go on a W.A.L.K.

Cats and dogs are allowed in the following locations at the Grand Canyon:

• South Rim Trail: a 12-mile paved trail that includes the Yavapai, Hopi, Mojave and Mather Points. Perfect for burning off a lot of energy and catching your breath while seeing breathtaking views.
• Bridle Trail: a 3.2-mile hike that connects the North Kaibab Trail and the Arizona Trail on the North Rim. Great for all skill levels and for those hoping to see wildlife in a nearby forest.
• Established roads and the campground at Tuweep: also on the North Rim. This remote location is great for unplugging from the real world.

No matter which trail or road you choose, your dog must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length at all times and don’t forget the B in B.A.R.K. Always bag your doggo’s poop and properly dispose of the waste.

For the safety of your furry friend and you, pets are not permitted on trails below the rim or on park busses. Your doggo could attract predators such as cougars or coyotes below the canyon rim, so park rangers, travel experts and our team strongly urge you to follow the guidance set forth for pets. The Grand Canyon is home to 70 species of mammals, 250 types of birds, 25 species of reptiles and five types of amphibians.

Now, keeping this mind, if your pet barks at other animals or scares easily, we recommend reading through our list of helpful tips for unwanted barking and overcoming fears. After working with your pupper to overcome their fears or excessive barking, reevaluate Fido’s behavior. You’ll know best if your dog is truly ready for the adventure.

Lastly, we should mention when deciding between visiting the North or South Rims, keep in mind the South Rim offers more pet-friendly options. Most trails and sleeping options on the North Rim are not pet-friendly.

Lodging with Your Pet at the Grand Canyon

You and the fur baby have a variety of sleeping options at Grand Canyon National Park. No matter which option you choose, pets must be kept on a leash and with an owner at all times.

Campground reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance and must be done prior to your arrival. National Park Service campgrounds do not have RV hook-ups. The only pet-friendly RV campground in the park is at Trailer Village.

South Rim Lodging Options:

• Mather Campground – open all year
• Desert View Campground – open April 15 through October 15
• Ten-X Campground – open May 15 through September 30
• Trailer Village – open all year
• Yavapai Lodge – open all year and is the only in-park lodge that has pet-friendly rooms
• Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel – open all year

North Rim Lodging Options:

• Tuweep Campground – open all year but make note that it is fully remote and getting to the grounds can be challenging. There is no water, gas, food, Wi-Fi or cell service.

Boarding is also available when you want to explore areas where your doggo is not permitted. The only kennel option is located on the South Rim. The Grand Canyon Kennel requires proof of vaccination upon entering the facility. Necessary vaccinations include rabies, DHLP, bordetella and parvo. It is best to make reservations in advance to ensure there’s room for your doggo.

So now that you know the ins and outs of taking your furry companion to the Grand Canyon National Bark, who’s ready to see this natural wonder? We can hear your doggo barking that they’re ready in the background. They’ve got fossils to sniff out and scenic routes to explore.

RELATED POST: National Barks: How to take your pet to Yellowstone