Yosemite National Park is known for its giant sequoias, majestic waterfalls, soaring granite cliffs, and miles of trails that overlook what is undoubtedly some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Unfortunately, your dog isn't welcome with you on those trails. Not even the one that goes to Dog Lake.
Despite this, Yosemite is still one of the best National Parks to visit with your dog. Because even though dogs aren't allowed on trails and wilderness areas, leashed dogs are allowed on paved roads and paths, as well as in developed areas and (most) campgrounds. This means your dog can accompany you on more than 12 miles of trails in the Yosemite Valley, where you can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
Dogs are also allowed on the Meadow Loop and Four Mile fire roads in Wawona, on Carlon Road, and Old Big Oak Flat Road between Hodgdon Meadow and Hazel Green Creek. If you're short on time, go to the parking lot at the beginning of Wawona Road and it's just a 20-minute hike to the base of Bridalveil, a 620-foot waterfall that is amazing year round.
So you're not going to be stuck in the parking lot the whole time if you bring your dog to Yosemite. But if you do want to get out on the "real" trails for just a little while when you're in Yosemite, don't leave your dog unattended. There is a kennel in the Yosemite Valley where your dog can stay for $8 per day.
Ask a park ranger about the best dog hike in Yosemite and they'll probably point you towards Mirror Lake. But we have to warn you, if you think your dog will be looking forward to a cool dip in the water, he may be disappointed when you get there. The "lake" actually dried up and turned into a meadow some time ago. Still, it's pretty and offers a great view of Half Dome looming above you.
It's an easy two hour walk from the Curry Village parking lot. Pick up bike trail there and you can follow it all of the way to the lake, about 5.5 miles round trip. Keep an eye out for deer along the trail and have a tight hold on your dog's leash if he gets a kick out of chasing wildlife.
If you're itching for more when you get back (and still have a lot of time on your hands), you can actually walk the entire 17-mile loop of the valley floor with your dog. Follow it the whole way around and you'll see Yosemite Falls, Leidig Meadow, Three Brothers, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Cathedral Spires, and Sentinel Rock.
