Dog-friendly Yosemite Mariposa County is clearly best in show.  Offering tail-wagging things to do, scenery worth a sit and stay, and great restaurants with tasty treats for plates and bowls alike, this is the place to take your furry friend. Ready to embark?  Here are four pet-perfect days of a dog-friendly Yosemite itinerary, including pet-friendly hotels near Yosemite National Park and dog-friendly trails in Yosemite Mariposa County.

  • Day 1 – Discover the historic dog-friendly towns
  • Day 2 – Yosemite National Park highlights for pets and their owners
  • Day 3 – Yosemite National Park lesser-known pet-friendly spots
  • Day 4 – Stanislaus and Sierra National Forest pet-friendly options
View of Yosemite Falls
Day 1
Woof This Way

Discover the historic dog-friendly towns of Yosemite Mariposa County

The open road beckons, the journey begins. Mariposa County is located within easy driving distance for most Californians, and is approximately 200 miles east of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles.  Roll those windows down a press or two, and let your furry friend sniff the adventure ahead.

Everyone appreciates a nice stretch upon arrival. Check in to one of our pet-friendly hotels near Yosemite (see below for great options), leash up and head out.  Yosemite Mariposa County is a vast county with eight distinct regions, each with beautiful trails in developed areas as well as the mountain wilds where you can go on a dog-friendly hike.  And Yosemite Mariposa County’s historic towns are every bit as dog-friendly.  Walk the charming main streets of Mariposa, Coulterville, Fish Camp, Midpines, El Portal, Catheys Valley and more, and you’re bound to see happy dogs and water bowls outside many public buildings and local establishments.

Hit a yappy hour to enjoy a libation or two and some high-value treats.  Many dog-friendly restaurants in Yosemite Mariposa County allow well-mannered dogs to join you at your table.  In the town of Mariposa, 1850 Restaurant is one, with covered outdoor patio dining where dogs are always welcome. 1850 is equal parts craft brew haven and farm-to-table oasis. Sample over a dozen flagship and seasonal brews with names like Bridalveil, White Wolf and Trailblazer that pay homage to local landmarks and legends.

As you take your furry friend out for a breath of fresh mountain air just before bed, gaze up to the sparkling Sierra skies and say hey to Sirius, the Dog Star and unofficial celestial beacon of four-legged travelers.  Get ready to dream about your next day in pet travel paradise.

Paw tip: Pack a collapsible dog bowl (or your Sierra Cup!) for hydrating along the way. Pack a collapsible dog bowl (or your Sierra Cup!) for hydrating along the way.

1850s Restaurant and Local Brewery
Stop in at 1850s Restaurant. You won’t get a better taste of local culture anywhere. Unfortunately, only dogs over 21 can be served alcohol.
Yosemite Valley seen from Valley View Bridalveil Fall
Day 2
Yosemite National Bark

Visiting the famous Valley and the rest of the park with your furry buddy

Today we go big. Get ready to explore dog-friendly trails in Yosemite that will take you and your pooch into the majesty of the Sierra.

When visiting Yosemite, leashed dogs are allowed on most fully paved roads, sidewalks, parking areas and bicycle paths unless there is a sign that specifically forbids them. Pavement is the general rule of paw. Many of Yosemite Valley’s greatest hits are in full view from paved paths and pet-friendly hikes, like Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls.

The titanic grandeur of Yosemite makes it one of the world’s foremost places to visit.  While America’s national parks are not generally considered the best places for pets, Yosemite National Park is more pet-friendly than most of our country’s citadels to conservation. There are a few simple rules to follow to keep everyone safe and happy, and by observing them you and your dog can discover the wonders of Yosemite side-by-side.

Get an early start to crush the rush and take advantage of the scenic vista points on your approach to Yosemite National Park. Snap that holiday card portrait at Tunnel View before dropping into the granite ooh-la-la of Yosemite Valley where the tranquil Merced River cuts its winding path. From here, it’s just a short hop to your next stop: Bridalveil Fall, where the dog-approved path takes you to the base of this beauty. (Note: Bridalveil Fall trail is temporarily closed for construction.)

Yes, Yosemite Mariposa County is for pet lovers with a surprising level of access. For the full scoop, check out Visiting Yosemite with Your Pet.

Paw tip: You’ll need to refuel at some stage of your day, and the Village Grill is a wag-worthy valley location with an expansive outdoor deck made for water bowls.

Dog with Half Dome in the background in Yosemite National Park
Even the dogs are impressed by Half Dome
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Day 3
Yosemite’s Underdogs

We love dogs, but we especially love the underdogs. In this case, that means venturing beyond Yosemite Valley, the big dog, and seeing some less famous, but still awesome, places like Olmsted Point and Hetch Hetchy.

Yosemite National Park is over 1,100 square miles, roughly the size of the state of Rhode Island, and for all its corner-to-corner glory, most visitors do not venture far beyond the valley. For day 3, expand the boundaries for you and doggo, and savor some of the places less traveled.

The historic in-park hamlet of Wawona lies on Highway 41, midway between the park’s south gate and Yosemite Valley.  Wawona’s mid-elevation location provided a four-season refuge for pioneers and early travelers heading to Yosemite Valley.  Today it’s a gorgeous bowl of Sierra beauty.

The Wawona Meadow Loop Trail is way under the radar and one of best dog-friendly trails in Yosemite National Park. The 3.5-mile trail starts across from the Wawona Hotel and orbits one of Yosemite’s largest meadows, including a small section of the Wawona Golf Course. In spring it’s dancing with wildflowers and come autumn, the trees along the path alight with fall colors framed by firs.

John Muir once described Hetch Hetchy Valley as “a grand landscape garden, one of Nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples.” Even in the summer, when visitors from around the world are exploring Yosemite Valley, relatively few make it to this northwest corner of the national park. O’Shaughnessy Dam, at Hetch Hetchy’s west end, showcases Hetch Hetchy’s waterfalls, rock formations, and reservoirs. Dogs are permitted at the dam parking lot where some of the finest views are on display (but not on the dam itself).

In northern Yosemite along Tioga Road, Olmsted Point overlooks Yosemite Valley to offer a unique perspective. Half Dome, from a different angle than the classic hero shot, is a revelation.  Tioga Road is open to cars from late May/early June to November-ish, depending on first significant snowfall. Wander among the so-called “erratic” boulders that stagger around the area, giant chunks of granite that were left behind when the last glacier came through.

Paw tip: Consider closing out your day at Olmsted Point, in the presence of one of the park’s best sunset vistas.

Hite Cove Trail
Pets are welcome on several scenic trails in and near Yosemite National Park that let you see many of the park’s most iconic sights, like this trail at Hite Cove overlooking the South Fork of the Merced River. Photo by Kim Lawson, RuggedBeauty.com
Foresta cascades on the way to Foresta Fall
Day 4
Barking Ways

Sadly, it’s time to hit the road for home, but Day 4 still has a lot to offer.

All vacations come to a close, or else we’d all be living a dog’s life! Enjoy your last day to its fullest with an early cup o’ Joe at River Rock Inn’s pet-friendly Sticks Coffee, serving locally-roasted small batch coffee and baked treats.

Ready to get some ya-ya’s out before heading back? Properly revved-up dogs can go APD (All-Paw-Drive) in the Sierra National Forest, featuring five designated wilderness areas within its expansive boundary.  Access the forest via Highways 140 or 41. Dogs need to be leashed and control at all times. Nearby Stanislaus National Forest features similar status.  Abundant recreational opportunities earn each forest its reps as dog – and outdoor- lover’s wonderlands.

Paw tip: A proper lunch on the way home might be the best tonic to soften your reentry to life back home.  Heading west, the Coulter Café & General Store is a gold nugget in tiny and charming Coulterville, with a metro foodie menu and gorgeous dog-delightful  patio. Southbound travelers can pull over in Fish Camp for al Fido lunch at Timberloft Pizzeria at Tenaya Lodge with its brick-oven artisanal pizzas.

Dog hiking with her human
Dogs at Tenaya at Yosemite - a pet friendly resort. Couple camping in the Airstream trailer at AutoCamp.
Dog Houses
Pet-Friendly Hotels

Yosemite Mariposa County boasts several lodging options where dogs are welcome to bring their humans.

Finding the perfect dog-friendly hotel can be a challenge in some destinations, but Yosemite Mariposa County has a bounty of pet-friendly places to stay, ranging from four-diamond resorts to beautiful vacation rentals.  Book early to find pet-friendly hotels near Yosemite National Park!

Winner of a Sunset Travel Award for Best Resort for Pets, Tenaya at Yosemite is located in Fish Camp, just a few miles from Yosemite’s South Gate entrance and set among 50 wild acres of Sierra National Forest. Stay in a dog-friendly Explorer Cabin and roll over with joy. Tenaya Lodge’s fetching accommodations, amenities and packages even include dog massage with organic paw balm at the property’s renowned Ascent Spa.

AutoCamp Yosemite is located in foresty Midpines, with proximity to Yosemite National Park’s Arch Rock Gate on all-season Highway 140.  Here, your accommodations are dog-friendly Airstream suites and luxurious tents.

Downtown Mariposa’s River Rock Inn has pet-designated rooms, suites, and private grass patches for… well, you know.  Just remember here and in the entire county, take only memories and leave only pawprints!

Tenaya Lodge Pet Friendly
Relaxing at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

Paw tip: Dog-friendly vacation homes and cabins take it to another level of privacy and space to stretch out.

Dog-Friendly TraiLS

Dogs are permitted at all Sierra and Stanislaus national forest campsites. When camping in areas or campgrounds with other forest visitors, pets must be kept on a leash or tether.  The Bagby Camping & Recreation area is located just below the Wild & Scenic Merced River at the inlet of Lake McClure.  Camping, RV and primitive waterfront sites are on offer and pets are welcome.

You and your pup can also enjoy some fun hiking together in the National Forest areas just outside Yosemite National Park. Unlike in the national park, the National Forest trails are generally pet friendly – though they request that your dog is on leash or under direct voice control.

Get started with a few of these fun trails:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring dogs to Yosemite?

Yes you can absolutely bring your dog to Yosemite with you. You just need to know, and respect the rules concerning pets and areas where your dog is and isn’t allowed.

Is Yosemite Falls trail dog-friendly?

The Lower Yosemite Falls trail is paved and open for leashed dogs.

Is the Yosemite Mist trail dog-friendly?

Dogs are not allowed on the Mist Trail. This confuses some people because the lower section of the Mist Trail from Happy Isles to the footbridge is paved, but the NPS page on pets specifically mentions that pets are not allowed on the trail to Vernal Fall, even if they are carried.