National Forest · CA,NV

Dogs in Inyo National Forest

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

The Inyo National Forest stretches about 165 miles along the Eastern Sierra near the California-Nevada line, a land of superlatives with the ancient bristlecone pines, the tallest peaks in California, and old Mono Lake. Whitney Portal and the high desert give dogs plenty of ground to cover.

Dogs are welcome on forest trails and in wilderness areas across the Eastern Sierra. Keep them leashed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads, and under control elsewhere. Note that trails crossing into adjacent national parks have their own no-dog rules.

Where dogs are allowed

Dogs are welcome on forest trails and in wilderness areas across the Eastern Sierra. Keep them leashed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads, and under control elsewhere. Note that trails crossing into adjacent national parks have their own no-dog rules.

Where dogs are not allowed

Designated swim areas and developed beaches are typically closed to pets.

Seasonal closures

Watch for temporary area closures, such as the wild horse gather and project-area closures posted in the forest's alerts.

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 Inyo National Forest?

The Inyo National Forest stretches about 165 miles along the Eastern Sierra near the California-Nevada line, a land of superlatives with the ancient bristlecone pines, the tallest peaks in California, and old Mono Lake. Whitney Portal and the high desert give dogs plenty of ground to cover. Dogs are welcome on forest trails and in wilderness areas across the Eastern Sierra. Keep them leashed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads, and under control elsewhere. Note that trails crossing into adjacent national parks have their own no-dog rules.

What is the leash rule at Inyo 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 Inyo National Forest?

Watch for temporary area closures, such as the wild horse gather and project-area closures posted in the forest's alerts.

Where are dogs not allowed at Inyo National Forest?

Designated swim areas and developed beaches are typically closed to pets.

Are service animals allowed at Inyo National Forest?

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