Pets

Remember: It's HOT here.

It is not advised to bring pets to Death Valley from late Spring through early Fall. DO NOT leave pets in your vehicle.

 

 

Duration:

1 minute, 5 seconds

Are you visiting the park with your pet? Learn from Bark Ranger Frosty where you can take your pet for a safe and fun visit.

 

Where can I take my pet in Death Valley?

Leashed pets are permitted in developed areas, such as paved roads, unpaved roads, parking lots, campgrounds, and outside of federal buildings. The following are appropriate options nearby popular attractions:

If you’re visiting...	you can walk your pet at...
Badwater Basin	Devil’s Golf Course Road
Artists Drive	West Side Road
Zabriskie Point	20 Mule Team Canyon
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes	Cottonwood-Marble Access Road
Dantes View	Greenwater Valley Road
Harmony Borax Works	Mustard Canyon
Ubehebe Crater	Racetrack Road
Charcoal Kilns	Upper Wildrose Road
Father Crowley Vista Point	Father Crowley Point road to Padre Point

 

Know Where You Can Go

Pets are not permitted on trails, in designated wilderness areas, or inside of federal buildings, even when carried in backpacks, purses, or strollers. This includes: 

• Badwater Basin boardwalk and trail 

• Zabriskie Point paved trail 

• Harmony Borax Works loop trail  

• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes beyond the parking lot 

• Inside the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and Stovepipe Wells Ranger Station 

 

Why are some areas closed to pets?

Pet Safety

Pets face several dangers when they leave developed areas, including adverse wildlife interactions, unstable historic structures, and hazardous plants. Limiting the areas in which pets can explore also helps limit their exposure to high temperatures and potential for dehydration.

Visitor Safety

Not all visitors are comfortable being around pets, especially dogs. The presence of pets in national parks can promote conflict among visitor use activities and detract from other visitors’ enjoyment of the resource.

Wildlife Safety

Domesticated animals are known to alter the movements and reactions of wildlife in the park. Native animals can be disturbed and even displaced by the scent of dogs and their excrement. Pet excrement (i.e. urine and feces) can also transmit diseases to wildlife, some of which can be fatal.

For a Safe Visit, Follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger Code

If you are planning to bring your pet to Death Valley, make sure you are prepared and are following the B.A.R.K. Ranger code. The code helps protect you, your pet, and the park while you are visiting. If the activities you have planned for your visit do not allow for pets or are unsafe, consider leaving them at home.

 

Rules of B.A.R.K.

Bag Your Pet’s Waste 

Pet owners are responsible for the prompt removal and disposal of pet waste in trash receptacles.  

Always Leash Your Pet 

Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet. 

Respect Wildlife 

Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away. 

Know Where You Can Go 

Pets are welcome in developed areas; essentially, wherever a car can go.

 

Other public lands

Death Valley National Park is surrounded by public lands that have less restrictive rules regarding pets. Contact the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Ridgecrest, CA or Battle Mountain, NV and the U.S.Forest Service / Inyo National Forest in Lone Pine or Bishop, CA for current regulations.