Getting ready for summer travel? Why not pick one of these pet-friendly natural wonders to check out. From desert dunes to forest falls, there is something for everyone, even the dog, on this list.
1. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area – Arizona
Nestled amongst the amazing rock formations in the Arizona desert are 2,000 miles of shoreline oasis that make up Lake Powell. A stunning retreat, the area is definitely pet-friendly, with lots of activities for you and your dog. Last year they even hosted a “dogs at the lake” photo contest.
Dogs are welcome on all sorts of watercraft at Lake Powell
Source: NPS Photo
Lodging
Lake Powell Resort & Defiance House Lodge – $20 flat fee per animal, per stay)
Houseboats (economy and deluxe $10 a day fee)
Activities
Powerboats $10 pet fee per day (note, for people who rent both a houseboat and a powerboat there is only one $10 daily fee, not two)
Trails around the lake
Swimming
Boating
Paddle boarding
Inner tubing
Restaurants
Latitude 37
Wahweap Grille
For more information on Lake Powell., visit their website.
Medano creek is perfect for wading with your dog.
Source: NPS Photo
2. Great Sand Dunes National Park – Colorado
Containing the largest sand dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park has a host of things for you and your canine companion to do while visiting. In Fact, they are one of the few national parks that allows dogs in most areas of the park.
Lodging
Great Sand Dunes Oasis Campground
Zapata Falls Campground (Be sure to bring enough water for yourself and the dogs as there is no running water)
Activities
Zapata Falls
Medano Creek wading
Hiking
Restaurants
Yak n Cracker Cafe
San Luis Valley Brewing Company
For more information on the Great Sand Dunes National Park, visit their website.
3. North Lake Tahoe – California & Nevada
No better way to spend the summer than on a raft.
Source: NPS Photo
A stunningly clear lake nestled in the mountains with quaint shops and year-round activities, North Tahoe is just as fun for dogs as it is for people. With a dog-friendly amenity list a mile-long, you are sure to find something you can do together.
Lodging
The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
Cedar Glenn Lodge
Holiday House
Rustic Cottages
Tahoma Lodge
Tahoma Meadows Bed & Breakfast Cottages
Activities
Thunderbird Beach
Chimney Beach Skunk Harbor Coon Street Beach (specified Dog Beach south of the boat launch area with picnic tables and bathrooms)
Watermans Landing
Carnelian Bay Marlette Lake
Shirley Canyon
Rim Trail (start in Tahoe City and walk along the Truckee River. There are an abundance of swimming holes perfect for dogs (and their owner) to cool off in Truckee River Rafting)
Tahoe City Dog Park
Tahoe Regional Park
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park
City Golf Course Watermans Landing
Peaks & Paws Festival (August)
Restaurants
Auld Dubliner
The Blue Agave
Brockway Bakery
CB’s Pizza & Grill
Char-Pit
Dam Café Kings Café Lakeside Pizza
Old Post Office Coffee Shop Rosies Café
Syd’s Bagelry Tahoe House Bakery
Mamasake
Obexers
Watermans Landing
For more information on North Lake Tahoe, go to their website.
4. Great Falls National Park – Virginia
Full of lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls, Great Falls National Park is a forest retreat located just 15 minutes from bustling Washington, D.C. If you are looking for history on your trip, this is the place to go. George Washintong’s Mount Vernon Estate, Museum, and Gardens in a very pet-friendly attraction. Washington himself was acutally a huge dog lover and is credited with developing the American Foxhound breed.
Lodging
They have over 50 dog friendly hotels in the area. Check them all out here.
Activities
Hiking
Paradise Springs Wineries
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate
Canine Cruises on the Potomac
A sleigh ride in winter – what could be better?
5. Yosemite National Park – California
With big pine trees and the smell of sage, there is really no bad time to visit Yosemite with your dog (though it’s beautiful in the snow).
Lodging
Tenaya Lodge
The Groveland Hotel
America’s Best Value Inn Mariposa Lodge
Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel
Comfort Inn Yosemite Valley Gateway
Yosemite Pines RV Restort
Yosemite’s SierraScape Vacation Rentals
The Pines Resort
Yosemite Gold Country Lodge
The Monarch
Narrow Gauge Inn
Hotel Charlotte
Sunset Inn
Activities
Sleigh ride (winter only and as long as no one else in the sled minds)
Hiking
Biking
Restaurants
Degnan’s Deli
For more information, visit their website.
About the Author
Based in Tustin, Calif., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She also owns her own custom pet products company, A Fairytail House, where she makes personalized collars, leashes, beds, keepsake pillows and blankets, and anything else your imagine can think up. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs. She smartly married a Veterinary Technician, who helps keep the fur kids happy and healthy, and provides a quick resource for articles