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Bringing dog to Yosemite with the family/where to go?

Poohper
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Explorer
Hi, we are going to Yosemite on Thursday for the first time and we are bringing our dog. The campground said we cannot leave the dog anywhere and must take it everywhere. Has anyone ever brought their dog to Yosemite and is there any place we cannot go with the dog.I know we need to stay on the paved paths in the park but can we take the dog to other places or do we need to stay in the car with the dog? Thanks!
Pooh:R
14 REPLIES 14

MarkTwain
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Explorer
Yosemite--
Call 1-800-427-7623 to get the latest road conditions from Calif. Transportation Road Info. to make sure the highways up to Yosemite are open.

BubbaChris
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Explorer
Bless you for doing your best to follow the rules. Yosemite is so heavily used, that every compliant dog owning visitor keeps it available for the next one.

Years ago we were visiting Arizona with our two dogs and our first hiking stop was in Sedona. Our girls wore their pads out on the sandstone, so we ended up buying them some colorful booties before we got to the Grand Canyon. We stayed on the Rim trails as permitted and they became their own sight for some of the other homesick visitors there. People asked to take their photographs.
2013 Heartland North Trail 22 FBS Caliber Edition
2013 Ford Expedition EL with Tow Package

dadmomh
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Explorer
You're leaving on Thursday....don't mean to sound harsh, but this should have come up much earlier in the planning stages. coolbreeze01 is absolutely correct and the reasons why. I'm always amazed at folks who will swear their dogs NEVER bark when they leave them in the trailer....how can they be sure since they're not there??? My opinion is that you get on the phone now and call either your local kennel or your vet and board your dog. Yes, I know it's pricey, but doesn't seem to me that you have many options open this late. Unless you can find a friend or relative that will dog-sit, you're running out of time. You already know you can't take the dog many places you want to go, the generator is off the list, the weather is too hot regardless. If you don't want this dog issue to detract from the enjoyment of going when and where you want, boarding is your answer.

FWIW, when we just go for a weekend/hang around the trailer weekend our Foxy goes with us. She is never, never left outside or in the trailer without one of us within eye/ear shot. Sam was THE perfect camper, but he was never left for any reason. If we choose to go for a drive, Foxy goes with us. If we decide to make a run to one of our fave wineries nearby, one of us stays in the truck with her while the other goes in to buy.

Meanwhile, have a good, safe trip. Yosemite is a beautiful place. Also agree that before heading out you do call for updates on the fire situation. Enjoy!
Trailerless but still have the spirit

2013 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2604 - new family
2007 Rockwood ROO HTT - new family
2003 Ford F-150
4 doggies - We support Adopt/Rescue.
Sam, you were the best!
Cubbie, Foxy, Biscuit and Lily - all rescues!

budwich
Explorer
Explorer
amen

coolbreeze01
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Explorer
Rules in part:

"These regulations protect both pets and wildlife from disease and each other. The National Park Service has prohibited pets on trails for many years. In particular, dogs chase wildlife, pollute water sources, and can become defensive and dangerous in unfamiliar surroundings. Pet owners have the burden to assure their pet does not damage the park values for others in those areas where pets are allowed."
2008 Ram 3500 With a Really Strong Tractor Motor...........
LB, SRW, 4X4, 6-Speed Auto, 3.73, Prodigy P3, Blue Ox Sway Pro........
2014 Sandsport 26FBSL

MarkTwain
Explorer
Explorer
Due to the many fires in northern Ca, You may want to call ahead and check for road closures around Yosemite.

X2

TBRam
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Explorer
Due to the many fires in northern Ca, You may want to call ahead and check for road closures around Yosemite.

westend
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Explorer
Not to be critical but to be helpful: Your dog can be trained not to bark from almost any stimuli. Some dogs are harder than others to change their bark habits but most take to it easily with consistent training. I'm just thinking how much easier it would be for you to try some training methods and then enjoy your outings, knowing that your dog is not going to be barking inside the RV (or anywhere else).
'03 F-250 4x4 CC
'71 Starcraft Wanderstar -- The Cowboy/Hilton

clubhouse
Explorer
Explorer
updated with correct revised generator times.

And Yosemite changed their generator run times from 8a-8p to 7-9a, 12-2p and 5-7p. So leaving a generator running to power and AC while camping in the park will not fly. Maybe if you have a quiet on board, but even still.

TOOBOLD
Explorer
Explorer
I hope you bring your generator because it is dry camping within Yosemite. If you plan on staying out of the park I cannot imagine you'd leave him behind at least 30-45 minutes away.

Poohper
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Explorer
We have air conditioning in our camper and the tv is always left on when we go anywhere. The campsite said as long as we don't go too far away. Then we can leave the dog in the camper. We normally take the dog with us on vacation as he really is very good. But he is a barker when it comes to things on wheels. I have a stroller that I put him in and he never barks when moving so we will be doing alot of walking to keep him quiet. Thanks for the tips!
Pooh:R

Poohper
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Explorer
Thank you ED7613, I appreciate your help!
Pooh:R

clubhouse
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Explorer
I was surprised to learn how dog un-friendly Yosemite is. We were there in April, with our dog, for 4 nights. We also have small kids (2, 5, and 😎 so big hikes were out of the question. We took our dog on small hikes around the Wawona Meadow and on the lower Yosemite Falls trail ... both are dog friendly. For other hikes we left our dog in the trailer, where he is very comfortable and doesn't bark.

It was April, so heat wasn't an issue. During the summer it could very well get to hot to leave a dog in the trailer. Also, if your dog is not very used to being left behind, and will bark at every thing that moves outside, you should not be leaving it behind.

ed6713
Explorer
Explorer
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/pets.htm

Here are the rules about dogs. Seems pretty clear.
🙂