Traveling with Kids or Pets in Utah’s National Parks
The parks of southern Utah are filled with dramatic vistas and exciting places to explore. The parks provide lots of opportunities for adventures, whether it’s rafting the Colorado River or hiking to ancient Ancestral Puebloan ruins. Most children will have the time of their young lives in Utah.
Utah is very family-friendly. Kids usually receive discounts on entry fees and kids’ menus are available widely. One exception to this family-friendly rule is bed-and-breakfasts, which frequently don’t allow little children at all—check before you go. In motor vehicles, Utah law requires all children ages four or younger to be restrained in a child safety seat. Child seats can be rented from car-rental agencies—ask when making a reservation.
Traveling with Pets
Unless you have no other option, it’s best not to bring your dog along on a national park vacation. Although pets are allowed in national parks, they aren’t permitted on trails. This limits you and your dog to leashed walks along the roads, around campground loops, and in parking areas. During much of the year, it’s far too hot to leave an animal in a parked car.
In Zion, private cars are prohibited on the scenic canyon drive, and no pets are allowed on the shuttle buses that drive this route. The closest pet boarding available near Zion is in Hurricane at On the Spot Play and Stay or Zion Canyon Canine Recreation Center & Spa.
Several pet boarding services are available in Moab:
- Karen’s Canine Campground
- Moab Veterinary Clinic
- When in Moab, visit the Moab Bark Park, a fenced off-leash dog park.
Related Travel Guide
Spark your sense of wonder and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscape of Utah’s five national parks.
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