The History

Yellowstone National Park is a national park located in the U.S. states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It was established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Granton March 1, 1872. Yellowstone was the first national park in the U.S. and is also widely held to be the first national park in the world. The park is known for its wildlife and its many geothermal features, especially Old Faithful geyser, one of its most popular features. It has many types of ecosystems, but the subalpine forest is the most abundant. It is part of the South Central Rockies forests ecoregion.

Yellowstone National Park spans an area of 3,468.4 square miles, Yellowstone Lake is one of the largest high-elevation lakes in North America and is centered over the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest supervolcano on the continent.

Taking Your Dog

The park is laid out in a figure eight. We suggest that you enter the park at the west entrance. We recommend turning left, following signs for Madison and Old Faithful. The lower portion of the figure eight contains the most attractions.

Most of these locations have an ample parking area for you to relax and take a break if need be. All pets and dogs are allowed on any paved road. Many of the attractions in the lower portion of the park are visible either in full or partially from the parking lot.

Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on any boardwalks so sometimes you will miss out on the full natural attractions of the parks. However, and we stress this – We were completely blown away with how much of the park we were able to see with our dog. The sites of this park are completely breath taking and its easy to see why its one of the nations first national parks.

Dogs are basically not allowed on any of the trails. Luckily there is a neighboring national forest named Targhee. Its absolutely stunning and a wonderful dog friendly alternative. Its only a few miles from West Yellowstone and offers many camping locations and a rangers office near by if you have any questions. If you do camp in these areas be well aware and prepared for the natural threats such as bears and coyotes that roam freely in these areas.

Note: the iconic Yellowstone arch entrance is located on the eastern entrance.

Below is the park map that you will receive upon your arrival to Yellowstone National Park. If you’re visiting with a dog, we HIGHLY recommend staying in West Yellowstone. There are great camping options, hotels and shops located in this small area. Also, Targhee National Forest is located in West Yellowstone.

Click here for a link to download your own map

Click on an image to learn more about it!

: Rushing water, tall trees and golden rocks, seemingly coming out of nowhere. This is also the location of Yellowstone Falls. You will not be able to see all of it, or walk down the path to its main view, but you will be able to see it from a distance, and it is incredible.

: Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful erupts about every 45 to 80 minutes. You will be able to see the eruption clearly, but people with pets are only allowed to go so far. This area is a good place for a pit stop as well, with food, information and bathrooms in this location.

: This is as close to the basin as you will get, but the view is incredible and you will often be able to hear park rangers giving a bit of history on the area.

: You will drive around a portion of this lake on your way north of the figure eight. incredible, seemingly never ending views will be found, along with aquatic birds and maybe even a buffalo or two.

: This side road, will allow you to view many bubbling geysers and pools, such as the ones above.

: Giant pools of mud, sulphur and water combine into a bubbly smelly mess! This area is directly after the Mud Volcano, with parking off the curb.

: Worth the short walk to a fenced area, to see a very large, petrified tree, shooting straight out of the ground. The tree was brought here by flooding.

: This area, is about the last of the attractions you will be able to see with your pup. Its an incredible view, well worth the drive!

: You will be able to catch a stunning view of Firehole Canyon and Firehole Canyon falls with your dog. Take the side road and roadside parking to marvel at it, and snap a few pix.

: The Mud Volcano is another location that you will only be able to see about 15% of… but that small percent is still amazing… and stinky.

: You will not be able to see much of this area, but what you are able to see is well worth it. bubbling over and shooting up to the sky, these steaming pools will surprise you every time.

We had a wonderful experience bringing a dog to Yellowstone National Park. All of the park rangers and staff were so kind and helpful with information, they really made the trip memorable. Its a wonderful surprise just how many attractions we were able to see and enjoy with them also.