Hiking/Visiting with Pets

Pets in the Park

Although pets are welcome in Death Valley National Park, there are many restrictions for the safety of park resources, wildlife, other visitors, and even your pet. You may take your pet on roads and to developed areas such as campgrounds and picnic areas, but they must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 m) at all times. Pets are not allowed inside most buildings or on trails (including the paved trail to Zabriskie Point). Do not leave your animal in your vehicle. These restrictions do not apply to service animals. 

Pets can go (on a leash no longer than 6 feet):

• along roads
• in campgrounds
• in picnic areas
• in other developed areas

Pets can NOT go (even if carried):

• on trails
• in the Wilderness
• inside most buildings
• out of developed areas

Pets can have a negative impact on the park. Dogs in particular may scare or chase wildlife, pollute water sources and can become defensive and dangerous in strange surroundings. Domestic animals can spread diseases to wildlife, and vice versa. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up their pet's feces and disposing of it properly.

The desert can be a dangerous place for pets. Coyotes have been known to lure unsuspecting pets away, resulting the the death of the pet. Rattlesnakes may alert humans to keep a safe distance, but most pets are unaware of the danger. Spiny plants and hot, rough ground surfaces can be painful or damaging to your pet's bare foot pads. Desert heat and aridity can take a toll on pets and humans. Remember to always provide drinking water and never leave your pet alone in a closed vehicle, which can quickly become deadly hot.

Walking your Pet in the Park

Almost all national parks prohibit pets on trails and in the Wilderness, but pets are allowed on roads. Walking your dog along one of Death Valley's many scenic backcountry roads can be a rewarding alternative to trails, and in many cases provides similar scenery to that seen on trails. Many of the minor dirt roads receive light traffic, are surrounded by wilderness and seem like two parallel footpaths. Just remember to take your pet safely off to the roadside when a vehicle comes along.

Suggested Walks

Near developed areas

• Furnace Creek Airport Road: Starting near the Visitor Center, this level, 1 mile (1.6 km) paved road edges the golf course and leads to the airport. WARNING: coyotes are regularly seen in this area.

• Bicycle Path to Harmony Borax Works: Paralleling Hwy 190 north of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center for 1 mile (1.6 km), this is the only trail in the park open to pets. The interpretive trail around Harmony Borax Works ruins is closed to pets, but those looking for a longer walk can continue on the unpaved Mustard Canyon Road.

• Stovepipe Wells Airport Road: From the Stovepipe Wells Campground entrance this unpaved road heads across the valley floor to the airport and provides access to the Cottonwood Canyon Road.

In the backcountry

• Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road: This 3 mile (4.8 km), one-way dirt road passes through colorful, other-worldly badlands. Vehicles are restricted to traveling in only one direction, but hikers can choose to turn around at any time.

• Titus Canyon Road: The hike up the narrows of Titus Canyon is one of the most popular in Death Valley and because it is on a dirt road you can bring your pet along. The first 1.5 miles (2.4 km) is the narrowest, but you can continue as far as you want along the road. This area boasts spectacular scenery and excellent native bighorn sheep habitat; make sure you keep your pet under tight control to avoid endangering these iconic animals.

• Echo Canyon Road: Although the first part of this road is open desert, if you have a high-clearance, 2WD vehicle you can drive 3 miles (4.8 km) to the canyon mouth, then walk with your pet through the 2 mile (3.2 km) long canyon narrows to a natural arch.

• Chloride City Road: This mid-elevation road is a good option when the temperatures are starting to get too warm in the valley. From the Daylight Pass Road, walk the narrow dirt road winding through desert hills to Monarch Canyon (2 miles/3.2 km).

Other nearby public lands

Death Valley National Park is surrounded by public lands that have less restrictive rules regarding pets. Contact the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Ridgecrest, CA or Battle Mountain, NV and the U.S.Forest Service / Inyo National Forest in Lone Pine or Bishop, CA for current regulations.
 

Staying Overnight with a Pet

Pets are allowed in all park campgrounds, but must be restrained at all times. No more than 4 pets per campsite area allowed. Pet owners should be good neighbors by keeping their pets quiet, cleaning up pet feces, and never leaving their pets unattended. Food and water bowls must not be left outside.

Pet-friendly lodging in the park is available at Stovepipe Wells Village and Panamint Springs Resort, but extra fees are charged. Only service animals are allowed in guest rooms at The Oasis at Death Valley.

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are allowed in the park, but only in developed areas such as campgrounds and along roads. 

Activity Fee

Yes

Included in park entry fee.

Reservations

No

Season

Winter, Spring, Fall

It is difficult to travel with a pet in Death Valley National Park if you plan to spend time away from your vehicle. Summer temperatures can be deadly, and pets should NEVER be left in a car, where temperature rises quickly. 

Accessibility Information

Options for areas to recreate with pets include accessible paved roads, as well more rugged gravel and dirt roads.