As an adder to what 4runnerguy says.
We also have been to a lot of the NP's here in the 11 Western States and we have always had a dog.
And, yes, NP's are very restrictive. And, for the very most part, very well justified in my mind.
But learned a lesson at Yellowstone a year and a half ago. DW Barbara walked DD Sadie while I set up for a photo shoot of Old Faithful. Then Barbara put Sadie back in the truck and joined me as I wrapped up.
Back in the Lodge we got talking to them and they said we could have taken Sadie down all along the viewing area to the point when there is the No Dogs sign. Said that is true in any NP - you are allowed to go to the point of where the sign is posted.
So that is now our general plan. We realize, of course, that signs could come down at a trailhead, etc, and we know that - in general - dogs are not allowed on trails. So we always read each Park rules.......typically they say dogs allowed in parking areas and campgrounds only, etc.
One of the things we truly love about the South Rim is the wonderful Rim Trail and you can take your dog.
For those who have a handicap tag or plate you can get the gate code and drive to west end; stopping at all the bus stop areas and park all the way out to Hermits Rest. And you can walk with your dog all along the Rim there. Unless it is an Assist Dog you cannot take them on a bus; check those rules for sure to see if Assist Dogs are bus allowed....cannot believe they are not.
