By Melissa Bowersock
Zion National Park is awesomely beautiful, but a tough one for dog-lovers. Why? Because with all those wide-open spaces, all that natural beauty, there is actually only one trail where dogs are allowed. One. Yeah, I was surprised, too.
It’s called the Pa’rus Trail, and dogs are allowed—on leash of course. The paved trail starts close to the visitor’s center and is easily accessible to hikers, bicyclers, and even wheelchairs. You can catch it just north of the visitor’s center near the South Campground, and it meanders through the lower end of Zion Canyon along—and across—the Virgin River.
There are several places where you can access the river, but be aware, especially during hot weather, of blooms of blue-green algae. The river is shallow and when it’s heated by the summer sun, the algae multiply rapidly, and it’s toxic to dogs and people. It would be advisable to check with the park rangers about the status of the river before heading out.
The area here is home to many mule deer and some bighorn sheep, so keep an eye out for the local wildlife. Annie, my Airedale, is getting used to seeing deer near our home in Kanab, even seeing them in our yard, but she still sometimes barks at them or tries to chase them. The deer, as well, are very used to people and dogs, and they may or may not run from you.
If a buck decided to stand his ground instead of running from a dog, it could certainly inflict some serious damage. Their antlers are not to be messed with, and even the does have sharp hooves that can cut through skin and bone. Enjoy the wildlife, but give them their space.
That said, leashed dogs are also allowed along public roads, in parking areas, and in campgrounds and picnic areas. Because there are jaw-dropping views everywhere, there are lots of turnouts along the roads. The flip side of this, of course, is that there are lots and lots of people and never-ending traffic.
Anytime you’re tempted to stop and investigate a turnout or parking area with your dog, stay aware of your surroundings. So many people and cars in juxtaposition is a recipe for disaster, so safeguard your pet and yourself from accidents. It’s not unusual to see tourists—either walking or driving—gaping with awe at the grandeur around them, but not minding what’s directly in front of them.
Although most of Zion sits at about a 4,000-foot elevation, it does get extremely hot during the summertime. Plan accordingly with clothing choices, and always pack plenty of water for you and your pet.
In the wintertime, Zion gets its fair share of snow, and during the summer monsoon months violent thunderstorms and even flash floods are not uncommon. You only need to look around you to realize that all the deep canyons and high peaks were eroded by water, and you can guess at the power that can be unleashed.
Like at all our national parks, be aware and respectful of the weather. It can be the backdrop of a perfect day or it can do its level best to kill you.
The first time I went to Zion was in October of 2020. This was a time when most of us felt like the Covid danger was easing up, and people were eager to get out of the house and especially to get out into the wilderness.
The park was jammed. The more popular turnouts and parking areas were complete chaos, so even trying to stop to get a good look at some of the more famous views was nearly impossible.
The second time I went was in January of 2021, and it was a completely different story. There was little snow so the roads were clear, and until almost noon, I only had to share the road with a handful of cars. During January, the shuttle does not run, so visitors may drive the scenic road all the way up the canyon. It can be dicey, depending on the weather, but well worth it.
Additional park regulations prohibit dogs on shuttle buses or in public buildings anywhere in the park. You must, of course, pick up after your dog and deposit waste in trash containers. Any pet owner not adhering to the park’s regulations can be fined, and the minimum is $100.
If you feel the need to explore Zion more than your four-legged companion will allow, there are boarding kennels available in the surrounding towns, the closest being Kanab or Cedar City.
The good news is that there are many beautiful and interesting things to see and do outside of the park: slot canyons, pink sand dunes, even dinosaur tracks. Southern Utah is packed with adventure; you just have to go out and find it. Stay safe and your dog will love exploring beside you.
