National Monument · CO,UT

Dogs in Dinosaur National Monument

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Limited accessLeash: 6 feet maximum, at all times.

Leashed pets are welcome but only on a handful of named short trails and overlooks, plus within 100 feet of developed areas.

On the Colorado side: Plug Hat Butte, Canyon Overlook, Echo Park Overlook, and Iron Springs Bench Overlook. In Utah: the Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs trail and the River Trail.
Photo: NPS Photo / Dan Johnson · NPS

Where dogs are allowed

On the Colorado side: Plug Hat Butte, Canyon Overlook, Echo Park Overlook, and Iron Springs Bench Overlook. In Utah: the Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs trail and the River Trail.

Where dogs are banned

All other trails, the backcountry, river trips, the shuttle, and all buildings including visitor centers and the Quarry Exhibit Hall.

Trail by trail

Dogs OKRiver TrailUtah side.
Dogs OKSwelter Shelter Petroglyphs TrailUtah side, short trail.
Dogs OKPlug Hat Butte TrailColorado side.
Dogs OKCanyon Overlook TrailColorado side, Harpers Corner Road.

Leash rule

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Service animals

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

Official source
National Park Service
View the official NPS page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Monument

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Dinosaur National Monument?

Leashed pets are welcome but only on a handful of named short trails and overlooks, plus within 100 feet of developed areas. On the Colorado side: Plug Hat Butte, Canyon Overlook, Echo Park Overlook, and Iron Springs Bench Overlook. In Utah: the Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs trail and the River Trail.

What is the leash rule at Dinosaur National Monument?

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Which trails allow dogs at Dinosaur National Monument?

Leashed dogs are allowed on: River Trail, Swelter Shelter Petroglyphs Trail, Plug Hat Butte Trail, Canyon Overlook Trail.

Are service animals allowed at Dinosaur National Monument?

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