Crag Dogs: What To Do With Your Dog When Climbing at a National Park

Places to lodge your pups while adventuring across the United States

‘Tis the season of crag dogs! 

While we can all agree that the idea of crag dogs is a wonderful one, the realities can be much different – for both dog owners and non-dog owners. Having your dog come with you climbing can be super fun! You lower to the ground and your best friend is right there, excitedly congratulating you on your success. But it can also be a hassle to pick up after your dog, remember to bring dog food and a water bowl to the crag, and to keep an eye on your pup so they don’t get into a scrap or bother anyone else. 

Many dirtbags, for this reason, keep their dogs in doggie day care while traveling from climbing area to climbing area. It helps free up your time, and gives your pet something more fun to do than sit in the van all day. Also, in many National Parks you’re not allowed to bring your pets to the crag with you. 

Here’s a bunch of resources for some of the National Park climbing destinations and places to keep your dog (or cat!) while you’re out adventuring. 

Online Resources

There’s an app for that. 

Isn’t there always? 

Fortunately, the internet has provided us with a solution. Rover.com and bringfido.com are both resources for pet parents who have an adventurous side. 

Rover is more about finding someone to walk, care for, or board your pet, while Bring Fido is about finding pet friendly hotels and AirBnbs for you and your pet. Both are useful resources! But it’s worth thinking about – folks who run their own pet boarding services might be much better equipped to handle your pets needs. 

Joshua Tree 

Joshua Tree Pet Resort

Located Just outside Joshua Tree National Park, the Joshua Tree pet resort is run by a family and a veterinarian who can give your pet the best care while you explore the park! 

Website: https://www.jtpetresort.com/
Accepts Dogs: Yes
Accepts Cats: Yes
Accepts pocket pets: Yes, but call to confirm
Requirements: Vaccinations 
Price: Dogs $40/day, cats $25/day
Location: 63381 Quail Springs Rd. Joshua Tree, CA 92252

The Blue Barn Ranch

More of a ranch, rather than a house. The Blue Barn Ranch is a place for dogs, cats, birds, and even horses to enjoy!

Website: https://bluebarnranch.net/
Accepts Dogs: Yes
Accepts Cats: Yes
Accepts Horses: Yes
Accepts pocket pets: Yes, but call to confirm
Accepts reptiles or birds: Yes, but call to confirm
Administering Medication: Yes, $5 per day
Requirements: Vaccinations 
Price: Dogs $40/day, Cats $32/day, Horse $30/day or $375/month
Location: 3070 Yucca Mesa Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284

Yosemite Valley 

University Pet Resort

A quaint place outside of Yosemite Valley with lots of different options to board your pet! 

Website: https://www.universitypetresort.com/
Accepts Dogs: Yes
Accepts Cats: Yes
Accepts Horses: No
Accepts pocket pets: No
Accepts reptiles or birds: No
Administering Medication: Yes
Requirements: Vaccinations
Price: Dogs $29-$36/day, Cats $22-$29/day
Location: 3789 E Yosemite Ave, Merced, CA, 95340

Yosemite K9 Kennels 

A short term and adventurous place to take care of your pet! 

Website: https://www.yosemitek9kennels.com/
Accepts Dogs: Yes
Accepts Cats: No
Accepts Horses: No
Accepts pocket pets: No
Accepts reptiles or birds: No
Administering Medication: No
Requirements: Vaccinations
Price: $15/hour, no overnights
Location: Flying Spur Rd, El Portal, CA 95318

Zion National Park

On The Spot Play and Stay

A lovely spot just outside of Zion National Park that will keep your dog entertained all day! And there is even pool play!

Website: http://www.onthespotplayandstay.com/
Accepts Dogs: Yes
Accepts Cats: No
Accepts Horses: No
Accepts pocket pets: No
Accepts reptiles or birds: No
Administering Medication: Yes
Requirements: Vaccinations
Price: $40/day 
Location: 1545 West State Street, Hurricane, Utah 84737

Zion Canyon Canine

Website: https://zioncanyoncanine.com/
Accepts Dogs: Yes
Accepts Cats: No
Accepts Horses: No
Accepts pocket pets: No
Accepts reptiles or birds: No
Administering Medication: Yes
Requirements: Vaccinations
Price: $66/night, $22/half day, $36-$46 full day. 
Location: 90 E State St, Hurricane, UT 84737

Arches National Park/Indian Creek

Moab National Bark

A large play facility with care provided by a veterinarian in the heart of Moab Utah.

Website: https://www.moabnationalbark.com/
Accepts Dogs: Yes
Accepts Cats: No
Accepts Horses: No
Accepts pocket pets: No
Accepts reptiles or birds: No
Administering Medication: Yes! One of the owners was a veterinarian for 20 years
Requirements: All vaccinations
Price: Half Day $30, Full Day $45, overnight $55 
Location: 2781 Roberts Road, Moab, UT 84532

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Peace Of Mind Montrose 

Located just outside of the Black Canyon, the Peace of Mind Montrose boarding center has luxury kennels for your pups!

Website: https://peaceofmindmontrose.com/
Accepts Dogs: Yes
Accepts Cats: No
Accepts Horses: No
Accepts pocket pets: No
Accepts reptiles or birds: No
Administering Medication: Yes
Requirements: Vaccinations
Price: $45/day
Location: 61663 Spring Creek Rd. Montrose, CO 81403, USA

The Final Bark

There are National Parks that will allow dogs on leash and on trails, but it’s important to remember that dogs cannot go off trail. Dogs will upset the local predators and prey with their smell, and their poop can spread disease to critters that don’t have a natural immunity. 

It’s always a good idea to look into pet boarding while traveling, and there are plenty of people who would like to watch your pup while you’re away. Having a dog at a local climbing area is fun, but sometimes it can be a bad thing for you and for them. 

Make sure to take into consideration you and your pets needs when planning a trip!

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If you’d like to read more about pups outside check out An Ode to the Adventure Dog.

Cover photo credit: Kaya Lindsay