Where in Zion National park can I go with my dog?

Francesca Knowles wrote:

Blanco1 wrote:

puttd wrote:

One reason many of the parks out west ban pets is because of predators. Alot of dogs running through says "lunch wagon" and that is dangerous for humans.

Yet sorta why I would like to have my 95lb dog with me incase we do find a predator looking to attack us!
I assume most would not bother if he was with us & Ready to fight to protect us & yet even if there was a fight would allow us humans time to run away during that battle.

I wonder if you understood what the other poster meant- especially if off-leash, your dog is more likely to be considered "lunch" than an upright human, potentially providing an attractant to your family group.

Zion's most important big-cat predator is the mountain lion- very clever hunters that will lie in wait/stalk and pounce on their prey from behind. I doubt most domestic dogs would ever know what hit 'em, much less stand any kind of chance against one.

And if you think your 95-pounder is too big to be of interest to a lion, think again!

In Montana, for example, lions have been killing wolves since 2009. Link to one story

Thanks for that info & the link, but as I stated earlier I NEVER let him loose in unknown territory,

& even use special collars for him to make him pay attention to me if I suspect he may be in the mood to argue with me.

Highway 4x4 wrote:
Just outside Zion there is a nice doggy dude ranch. If I want to hike Zion for the day, I know the rules. Might be a pain but I follow them. I always carry plastic bags and he is always on a 6 foot leash. Even show dogs have to follow the rules.

Those are standard if you ask me & I NEVER just let him loose in any sort of unknown territory!

Especially if there are these rules, why ruin our experience because we broke the set rules?

A full grown Mountain Lion will grab your dog and run off with it while you watch. Or, your dog could sniff that thing under the bush, yep, it's a snake. How about all the other dogs on the trail, I am sure they are all friendly. While I do miss my pup, I would feel much worse if something happened that could have been avoided. Good to have him with me in the TT safe at nite.

Blanco1 wrote:

puttd wrote:

One reason many of the parks out west ban pets is because of predators. Alot of dogs running through says "lunch wagon" and that is dangerous for humans.

Yet sorta why I would like to have my 95lb dog with me incase we do find a predator looking to attack us!
I assume most would not bother if he was with us & Ready to fight to protect us & yet even if there was a fight would allow us humans time to run away during that battle.

I wonder if you understood what the other poster meant- especially if off-leash, your dog is more likely to be considered "lunch" than an upright human, potentially providing an attractant to your family group.

Zion's most important big-cat predator is the mountain lion- very clever hunters that will lie in wait/stalk and pounce on their prey from behind. I doubt most domestic dogs would ever know what hit 'em, much less stand any kind of chance against one.

And if you think your 95-pounder is too big to be of interest to a lion, think again!

In Montana, for example, lions have been killing wolves since 2009. Link to one story

I understand wanting a dog for protection. But, I value my 115 pound Berner so as to not put him in the position where he would give his life for mine. He is my family and my friend, it is my job to protect him.

puttd wrote:

One reason many of the parks out west ban pets is because of predators. Alot of dogs running through says "lunch wagon" and that is dangerous for humans.

Yet sorta why I would like to have my 95lb dog with me incase we do find a predator looking to attack us!
I assume most would not bother if he was with us & Ready to fight to protect us & yet even if there was a fight would allow us humans time to run away during that battle.

I myself got a dog partially for the protection & will sacrifice him to save my family members lives..


& before some of you start complaining, Yes we do consider him family!

Sorry the trip didn't go as planned.

I'll second the Zion doggy dude ranch.

Some of the trails at Zion are a bit narrow. Some are a bit high. Not the best place for a dog.

One reason many of the parks out west ban pets is because of predators. Alot of dogs running through says "lunch wagon" and that is dangerous for humans.

Well I never made it too far on this trip. :(



Did et to hang out one day at CALICO & loved how it is EXTREMELY dog friendly!!!!

Just outside Zion there is a nice doggy dude ranch. If I want to hike Zion for the day, I know the rules. Might be a pain but I follow them. I always carry plastic bags and he is always on a 6 foot leash. Even show dogs have to follow the rules.

Me Again wrote:

westend wrote:
Zion National Park pet rules

These rules look pretty clear cut! Strange how people that own dogs do not think the rules apply to "their" dog because it is so "special"!

We went to a Christmas Concert Saturday at our community center and the people that sat next to me bought their lap dog, stating is was their special child together as they did not have any children born to the two of them!!

Read the rules and follow them. If not following them I hope people get fined as spelled out in the rules. These parks have been set aside for the people of the country and other visitors to enjoy! Please respect that!

Chris

Great Post and I agree. Peoples Dogs have a place, but its not always with them in places they should not be in.
Pete