National parks are truly a treasure that everyone and anyone can appreciate and enjoy. From across the states or around the world, people come from all over to see the beauty that nature has to hold in these great sanctuaries. One of the reasons I think these spaces are still so incredible is due to the deep exploration, hard work and fight for preservation done by amazing individuals who had visitors like us in mind, as well as the future of our planet. Out of all the parks, I’d love to share why I think “everypawdy” should visit Yosemite National Park.
THE VIEWS
One of the reasons Yosemite is unique and worth a visit with your pup is because of the drool-worthy views. For such a vast and spread out space, this park actually has several areas you can enjoy without ever breaking a sweat up mile-long switchbacks! The Tunnel View, Glacier Point, Cook’s Meadow Loop, and Olmstead Point all have pup friendly lookouts to get a bird’s eye view of the park. All of these places are accessible by car, and make it easy to grab a picture or eat lunch on a bench.
Bike Path
Although you cannot take your furry friend on any trails or hikes, there is quite an amazing bike path that goes around most of the park! This paved bikeway makes for an epic walk with your four-legged pal where they can take in all the sights and smells, just make sure you do not forget to pack some earth-friendly oops bags! On this path, you’ll get to look up at the half dome, pass over beautiful bridges that cross Merced River, and enjoy a gorgeous meadow while gazing at El Capitan.
ROADTRIP
Covering a tremendous 761,266 acres, there is plenty to see and enjoy without even leaving your car (nps.gov, 2015.) One of my personal favorite things to do is drive through the park with our windows down, and drive all the way through to Tioga Pass and stop a Tuolumne Meadow. On this drive, you get a chance to view all the iconic granite walls, pristine meadows filled with flowers and streams, the back side of Half Dome at Olmstead Point, Tenaya Lake and ancient redwoods and sequoias! Keep an eye out for wildlife as you drive through. Bears, squirrels, chipmunks, and deers love to cross the road.
Without a doubt, Yosemite has history in every pine needle and all the mountains have stories to tell. Visiting here with your pup is a perfect way to bond with them and get some exercise while respecting nature together!
Have you taken your dog to a national park? Tell us about the trip in the comments!
Hey there! I’m Haylee! I recently graduated from college with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I am currently working with my husband at his family business, a collision repair company. In my free time I love to go hiking, camping, and do graphic design work. Denver, my female English Springer Spaniel, runs my husband and I’s life! Keeping her entertained is my other full-time job and it’s a complete joy.
One comment
Pups AND people need to get to Yosemite! What an incredible place!! Does anyone else just sometimes cry over how beautiful the world is that we get to live in? Or is that just me? Haha!