Pets

Pets are welcome at Natural Bridges National Monument, but activities with pets are limited.

You may have your pet with you:

• on all park roads and parking areas
• in the campground
• on paved paths to bridge viewpoints
• at paved pullouts along the scenic drive
• at picnic areas

You may not have your pet with you:

• on any hiking trails (including Horse Collar Ruin Overlook)
• anywhere off-trails
• in the visitor center

Pets Must be on Leashes

Pets must be on a leash at all times, 6 feet long maximum, even in your campsite. Keeping pets leashed is both to protect the park and your pet. Even well-trained animals can react oddly and erratically in new environments, so a leash can be comforting and help your dog act normally. Mountain lions and coyotes are also found in the park and may harm your pet if given the chance.

Please Pick up After Your Pet

Picking up after your pet is a park rule as well as a kind gesture to other hikers and wildlife living in the area. Pet waste can be harmful to wild animals. Pet Waste bags are not available at the park, so please come fully prepared for the duration of your visit.

Pet Safety

The desert can be deadly for pets. Some plants may be dangerous or deadly to animals. Sidewalk and pavement can also be very hot in the summer. In summer, check the sidewalk with your palm before letting your pet walk on it. If it’s too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your pet!

 

Caution!

Car temperatures rise quickly in the sun, even on cool days, and your pet can easily die of heat exhaustion. If you are leaving a pet in a car, crack the windows as much as possible and leave water to drink. Do not leave pets in the car when temperatures are above 68 degrees, even with the windows cracked.

 

Pet Boarding

There are no boarding facilities in Blanding or Monticello, Utah. Moab, Utah (about two hours from Natural Bridges) has kennels with boarding service.

Other Local Services

Moab, Utah (about two hours from Natural Bridges) has veteranarians and other pet services. Visit discovermoab.com for a listing of kennels, vets, and pet supply stores.

 

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?
Note: Emotional support (“therapy”) animals are not considered service animals by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Service animals are welcome at Natural Bridges Visitor Center, on all park trails, and in the backcountry. We recommend you identify your working service animal, such as with a vest. Identification is not required, but helps prevent unwarranted "dog on trail" complaints from other visitors. There are no plastic bags provided at trailheads for waste products, so please bring your own.