Yosemite Region
"Is Yosemite dog-friendly?" That's one of the questions most commonly asked by DogTrekker readers. The answer depends on how the "Yosemite" region is defined.
The famous national park comes immediately to mind, but the rugged Sierra Nevada landscapes that define it don't suddenly end at its borders.
The Yosemite Region, encompassing the four counties (Mariposa, Tuolumne, Madera and Mono) that converge in the park, harbors many other places to see and things to do—and it's definitely dog-friendly!
There are a number of new things coming to Yosemite National Park in 2023, most notably that the Yosemite National Park Service announced in November that it would not continue the Temporary Vehicle Reservation System that has been in place for summer visits since 2020.
Explore
Related Posts
Spring in Yosemite: Spectacular waterfalls!
Spring in Yosemite is incredible this year with bigger and more beautiful spectacular waterfalls, and no reservations needed! California dog parents are perfectly positioned for a visit. Mariposa County and Yosemite National Park are an easy drive from just about anywhere in the state. Pack up the family (including four-legged family members!) and head out to enjoy Yosemite’s magnificent waterfalls. Read more
Spring in Yosemite: Spectacular waterfalls and no reservations needed!
As seasonal sunshine melts heavy snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the waterfalls of Yosemite National Park are springing to life – and this year, they’re bigger and more beautiful than ever. Read more
Leave Only Paw Prints® when visiting Yosemite
The Redwoods in Yosemite and Tenaya at Yosemite, featuring Tenaya Lodge and Explorer Cabins, are members of the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau (YMCTB), the destination marketing organization for Mariposa County. Read more
In Yosemite, overnight at these dog-friendly Mariposa properties
Mariposa County, home to Yosemite National Park, is often known as the “Mother of Counties.” This historic segment of California was one of the original counties established after statehood in 1850. Read more
Furry friends love Lower Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America and the sixth tallest in the world. DogTrekkers are especially fond of Lower Yosemite Falls, which is easily accessible for humans and hounds via a one-mile loop trail. Read more
Dog-friendly beauty at Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall is beautiful to behold and famously photo-friendly in the spring. The sound of water splashing and crashing against rocks creates an immersive experience as you approach the waterfall. Read more
The Gold Country, an amazing American road trip
California’s Gold Country, home to the Gold Rush in 1849, combines history, nature, authentic American West small towns, a sensational culinary scene, wine, microbreweries, and majestic scenery in a captivating way that no other California region rivals. The gold rush continues today in the form of tourism in a region encompassing a dozen cities and counties with hundreds of dog-friendly places to stay, eat and drink, hike, splash, and much, much more. Read more
Yosemite reopens Saturday after snow closure
After being closed for three weeks due to excessive snowfall and damaging storms, Yosemite is finally set to reopen this Saturday March 18. Visitors are advised to bring warm, waterproof … Continued Read more
Ruffing it in Yosemite
Winter in Yosemite National Park means quiet landscapes and five-star fun for four-pawed travelers and their human companions. Leashed dogs are welcome on most fully paved roads and paths within the park (at many park campgrounds, too), so there’s lots of room to roam. Read more
SNO many options for fun
Here's a DogTrekker secret: Stories about California SNO-Parks are among our most-read each year! There's lots to bark about when it comes to these dog-friendly, snow-covered playgrounds scattered on U.S. Forest Service lands. Read more
Five great California destinations for you and your dog
Has your pup been begging you to take them on vacation? We know the feeling. Lucky for you, California is full of incredible places that welcome dogs with open arms. … Continued Read more
This winter, find a cozy place to stay at Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is a four-season playground with dog-friendly appeal. The destination shines during the quieter winter season, when sunshine sparkles off snowy peaks and icy waterways. Frosty forests set the backdrop for snowshoeing, skiing, skating and more. Some lower-elevation trails are plowed, too, so it’s easy to explore Yosemite Mariposa County with four-legged friends. Read more