National Forest · PR

Dogs in El Yunque National Forest

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

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system, a compact 29,000 acres in Puerto Rico where access is tightly managed and dogs must stay leashed.

Dogs on a leash can join you on the rainforest's trails and along the main recreation corridor. Keep pets under control near the waterfalls and pools such as La Mina and Juan Diego, where crowds gather to swim.

Where dogs are allowed

Dogs on a leash can join you on the rainforest's trails and along the main recreation corridor. Keep pets under control near the waterfalls and pools such as La Mina and Juan Diego, where crowds gather to swim.

Seasonal closures

The forest manages visitor capacity because of limited parking and disaster recovery construction, camping is currently unavailable, and the main Rio Grande corridor has closed at times for repaving.

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 El Yunque National Forest?

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system, a compact 29,000 acres in Puerto Rico where access is tightly managed and dogs must stay leashed. Dogs on a leash can join you on the rainforest's trails and along the main recreation corridor. Keep pets under control near the waterfalls and pools such as La Mina and Juan Diego, where crowds gather to swim.

What is the leash rule at El Yunque 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 El Yunque National Forest?

The forest manages visitor capacity because of limited parking and disaster recovery construction, camping is currently unavailable, and the main Rio Grande corridor has closed at times for repaving.

Are service animals allowed at El Yunque National Forest?

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