National Monument · CA

Dogs in Carrizo Plain National Monument

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Limited access

Dogs are welcome on this grassland plain but must be leashed on a 6-foot leash at all developed sites, and they are banned entirely from the Painted Rock area. Wear current tags.

Pets must be leashed at the visitor center, overlooks, trailheads, and campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed on the Painted Rock trail or the Wallace Creek San Andreas Fault trail. Stick to open roads and other trails where pets are permitted.

Where dogs are allowed

Pets must be leashed at the visitor center, overlooks, trailheads, and campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed on the Painted Rock trail or the Wallace Creek San Andreas Fault trail. Stick to open roads and other trails where pets are permitted.

Where dogs are not allowed

The Painted Rock exclusion zone and trail, plus the Wallace Creek San Andreas Fault trail.

Seasonal closures

Spring wildflower season draws crowds, and summer heat is severe with little shade. Bring water for you and your dog.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, trailheads, and picnic sites. On most of the open BLM land there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times, and local field offices can set stricter rules.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
Bureau of Land Management
View the BLM page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Monument

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Carrizo Plain National Monument?

Dogs are welcome on this grassland plain but must be leashed on a 6-foot leash at all developed sites, and they are banned entirely from the Painted Rock area. Wear current tags. Pets must be leashed at the visitor center, overlooks, trailheads, and campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed on the Painted Rock trail or the Wallace Creek San Andreas Fault trail. Stick to open roads and other trails where pets are permitted.

What is the leash rule at Carrizo Plain National Monument?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, trailheads, and picnic sites. On most of the open BLM land there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times, and local field offices can set stricter rules.

Are there seasonal closures for dogs at Carrizo Plain National Monument?

Spring wildflower season draws crowds, and summer heat is severe with little shade. Bring water for you and your dog.

Where are dogs not allowed at Carrizo Plain National Monument?

The Painted Rock exclusion zone and trail, plus the Wallace Creek San Andreas Fault trail.

Are service animals allowed at Carrizo Plain National Monument?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.