Dog-Friendly National Parks: Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison

National Parks are amazing treasures, and having access to them is amongst my favorite rights and privileges of living in the United States.  These two parks – Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison – get a giant heaping scoop of extra gold stars from me, for two reasons.  Not only are they breathtakingly beautiful and wondrous to explore – they are dog friendly in several sections.  YAY FOR DOG FRIENDLY NATIONAL PARKS!!!!!  When you visit these National Parks with your furry friend, be sure to:

1. Thank a park ranger!
2. Pick up after your pet, keep your pet leashed, and obey the rules.  We can protect these privileges by showing what well-behaved humans we are!

Now…

Pets at Black Canyon of the Gunnison: “In Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, pets on leash may be walked on roads, in campgrounds, to the overlooks, and are allowed on the Rim Rock Trail, Cedar Point Nature Trail, and North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail.” Click here for more information on pets at Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Pets at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: “Pets are permitted in most commonly used areas of the park and all of the preserve. They must be leashed at all times.”  Click here for more information on pets at Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Dog Tips for Great Sand Dunes from Traveling with Katie:

The sands and Great Sand Dunes sands get hot, even in April!  Bring water and booties, and when you rest, scoop aside some top level sand to reveal a cool patch for your pooch to lay down.  After a hike (watching your pup carefully), head to the flowing water area for a cool walk upstream.

Happy tails!