National Forest · ID,WY

Dogs in Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Dog-friendly

Leashed dogs are welcome across the Caribou-Targhee, including the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and the Mesa Nature Trail at Mesa Falls, but seasonal bans keep dogs off groomed ski trails in winter.

Leashed dogs are welcome on trails including the 2-mile Mesa Nature Trail at the Mesa Falls Visitor Center and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. The Winegar Hole Wilderness protects grizzly habitat in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

Where dogs are allowed

Leashed dogs are welcome on trails including the 2-mile Mesa Nature Trail at the Mesa Falls Visitor Center and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. The Winegar Hole Wilderness protects grizzly habitat in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

Seasonal closures

Dogs are prohibited on or within 200 yards of groomed ski trails December 1 to April 15 on the Teton Basin Ranger District and December 15 to April 15 on the Palisades Ranger District.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Service animals

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

Official source
U.S. Forest Service
View the Forest Service page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Forest

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Caribou-Targhee National Forest?

Leashed dogs are welcome across the Caribou-Targhee, including the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and the Mesa Nature Trail at Mesa Falls, but seasonal bans keep dogs off groomed ski trails in winter. Leashed dogs are welcome on trails including the 2-mile Mesa Nature Trail at the Mesa Falls Visitor Center and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. The Winegar Hole Wilderness protects grizzly habitat in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

What is the leash rule at Caribou-Targhee National Forest?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Are there seasonal closures for dogs at Caribou-Targhee National Forest?

Dogs are prohibited on or within 200 yards of groomed ski trails December 1 to April 15 on the Teton Basin Ranger District and December 15 to April 15 on the Palisades Ranger District.

Are service animals allowed at Caribou-Targhee National Forest?

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