Where You Are Allowed to Walk/Hike with Your Pet
Leashed dogs/pets are allowed on the entire length of the trails at Rinconada Canyon, Piedras Marcadas Canyon and at the Volcanoes Day Use Area. Maximum leash length of 6 feet. Owners must pick up dog waste and carry it out to a trash can. Do NOT leave bags of dog waste along the trail. Pets are not allowed inside public buildings such as the information center, government offices, and public restrooms. Pets are not allowed on the petroglyph viewing trails at Boca Negra Canyon.
Boca Negra Canyon
Boca Negra Canyon is the most heavily visited area within the monument. It becomes very crowded on the narrow trails and because of the congestion pets are not allowed on the petroglyph viewing trails. If you want to visit Boca Negra Canyon we suggest you leave your pet at home. Or, if you want to see petroglyphs and walk with your dog then visit either Rinconada Canyon or Piedras Marcadas Canyon.
Service Animals
Service Animals are those that assist people who have accessibility or medical needs. They are welcome on all trails throughout Petroglyph National Monument.
B.A.R.K. Ranger
Your dog can become a Petroglyph National Monument B.A.R.K. Ranger. Please visit the Information Center to pick up a B.A.R.K. Ranger Activity Checklist.
Dog Boots
The asphalt parking lots and natural sand surface of the trails can get very hot. Please be prepared to bring dog boots or booties to protect your pet's paws from the hot surface during the summer months.
Why Your Pet Should Be on a Leash
The National Park Service mission is to assure the protection of natural and cultural resources, and provide for the enjoyment of those resources in such a way that leaves them unimpaired for future generations. With over 24,000 petroglyphs and hundreds of historic resources, Petroglyph National Monument faces serious challenges. To meet these challenges, we ask all visitors to minimize their impacts on park resources and on other visitors. When dog owners cooperate with city and federal park regulations, the impact of their dogs is minimal.
Many dogs chase and threaten wildlife. Your dog may scare birds or other wildlife away from nesting, feeding, and resting sites. The scent left behind by your dog can signal the presence of a predator to park wildlife, disrupting or altering their behavior. Digging may destroy the burrow of a native species. Uncontrolled dogs can damage important rare native plants.
For the Safety of Other Visitors
Unleashed dogs and their excrement disturb visitors who come to enjoy the monument. Many people, especially children, are afraid of dogs, even friendly ones. Some fear being knocked over or bitten. Holes left behind by dogs can result in injury to park visitors.
For the Safety of Your Dog
Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest and friendliest dog. Your dog may be lost, injured, or suffer a painful or even fatal fall. Wildlife may bite or transmit disease to your dog. Coyotes are known to trick loose dogs into chasing them, only to lead a dog to the coyote pack where it becomes a meal. Your dog may encounter a rattlesnake, or be exposed to poisonous plants or other plants that have thorns or burrs. On a maximum 6-foot leash and on a designated trail, your dog will be less likely to encounter these dangers.
It is the Law
Where dogs are permitted, federal law requires dogs to be on a leash not to exceed six feet in length, in all units of the national park system. You may be cited and fined for violation of leash, wildlife and litter laws. (36 CFR Part 2). Please Remember when you bring your dog to the park:
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Keep your dog on a leash and under control.
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Clean up after your dog and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle.
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Bring plenty of water for yourself and your dog.
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Ensure your dog never chases wildlife or digs holes.
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Never leave your pet unattended, tied to an object, or in a car without ventilation or water.
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Do not allow your dog to bark, howl, or whine excessively.
It is every dog owner's responsibility to follow all city and federal regulations at all times when visiting Petroglyph National Monument. Remember that it takes a cooperative effort to make the monument safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Petroglyph National Monument thanks you for being a responsible dog/pet owner.
