Help Your Pet Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger

Does your pet have what it takes to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger?

NPS/Eric Grunwald

Become a Scotts Bluff BARK Ranger!

Do you enjoy hiking Scotts Bluff National Monument with your canine friend? Become an official Scotts Bluff B.A.R.K. Ranger. Review the B.A.R.K. rules below and be sure to follow them while visiting. Visit the rangers in the visitor center to say the pledge and earn your very own Bark Ranger Sticker!

Remember the rules of B.A.R.K.

B = Bag your poop 

• Help keep our park a clean and healthy place to visit by disposing of all pet waste in a proper garbage receptacle. Pet waste bags can be found in several convenient locations throughout the monument. 

• Dog feces is not a natural fertilizer. Dogs can carry disease such as parvovirus, giardia and roundworms into the monument's wildlife populations. Water sources may also be polluted by dog feces.

A = Always wear a leash 

• Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost and from hazards such as sharp cactus spines.

• Not everyone is a dog person no matter how friendly and well behaved your dog may be. Many people, especially children, are frightened by dogs, even small ones. Uncontrolled dogs can present a danger to other visitors. Leashes also protect the experience of other visitors who may be afraid, allergic, or who do not want a dog approaching them.

• Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest, and best-trained dog, causing them to behave unpredictably or bark excessively.

R = Respect wildlife 

• Dogs can chase and threaten wildlife, scaring birds and other animals away from nesting, feeding, and resting sites.

• The scent left behind by a dog can signal the presence of a predator, disrupting or altering the behavior of park wildlife. Small animals may hide in their burrow the entire day after smelling a dog and may not venture out to feed.

• Please keep your dog at a respectful distance from any animals you may encounter.

K = Know where you can go 

• Leashed pets are permitted on all hiking trails in the monument.

• Except for service animals, no pets are permitted in the Visitor Center.

• Pets should not be left unattended. Summer sunshine poses a threat to pets in vehicles. Don't leave pets alone in a car or tied to trees or other objects while visiting.

The Scotts Bluff B.A.R.K. Ranger Pledge:

I, _____________ (dog’s name) and my human, ______________, promise to respect the rules of B.A.R.K. and show others how to care for our parks.

 

Details

Duration

5-120 Minutes

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

Pets and their owners must complete one activity while following the BARK principles at Scotts Bluff National Monument. Options include:

• take a walk/hike
• say "Hi" to a park ranger
• picnic
• take a photo at the wagons 

Age(s)

1-99

Visitors and pets of any age are invited to participate in the BARK Ranger program!

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet in length. All pet waste must be picked up. Follow those B.A.R.K. principles!

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Pets, and their people, are encouraged to follow the B.A.R.K. principles throughout Scotts Bluff National Monument and other natural and historic areas that they may visit. The BARK Ranger activity sheet can be picked up at the monument visitor center during normal operating hours. 

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Follow the principles of B.A.R.K. all year-round. Be aware that winter may bring snowy and/or icy trail conditions to Scotts Bluff National Monument. 

Time of Day

Day

Scotts Bluff National Monument Trails and grounds are open sunrise to sunset.

Accessibility Information

Scotts Bluff National Monument trails are mostly paved, but contain uneven surfaces. Some sections of trail contain steep grades and stairs.