Dog Friendly Accommodations in Yosemite

AutoCamp – Glamping, Luxury Airstreams & Tents

I think the first thing to note is that there absolutely no pet-friendly hotels located within the National Park boundaries. However, there are plenty of dog-friendly lodging options in the surrounding towns, most of which are a short drive to Yosemite. Between cabins, campgrounds, glamping and hotels, you’ll be able to find an option that works best for you and your pup(s). 

For this trip we chose to stay at AutoCamp Yosemite, located in the town of Mariposa, 45 minutes outside the park. Our trip was in the winter so going for the true campaign experience (think tent, cooking meals outdoors, sleeping bags, etc.) was not something I was going to agree to. We wanted to spend a lot of time outside but be able to go home to a cozy bed, heat, and a warm shower every night. AutoCamp was the perfect choice, combining outdoor adventure with modern comfort at their glamping campgrounds. They have locations all around the country, including Zion, Joshua Tree and Cape Cod, and you get to choose between staying at one of their luxurious tents or their stylish retrofitted Airstreams – we chose the Airstream.  

The staff loved Squash. Truthfully, they loved all dogs they interacted with, and there were quite a few around. They gave Squash treats every time we went to the Clubhouse and upon check-in your pup gets a little goodie bag and a drinking bowl for your room (airstream or tent). Because the camp is on a few acres there are plenty of walking trails and areas for your dog to do their business. They also had poop bag stations scattered throughout the site – they are very prepared to host humans and their furry companions. 

Interested in staying at Autocamp with your pup? Here are a few more things you should know: 

• There is a $75 pet fee
• 2 dog maximum (weight limits may apply)
• Dogs must be kept on a leash
• Dogs are allowed on paved roads and sidewalks but not on any dirt trails or roads
• Use #DogsofAutoCamp when sharing your adventures on social media
• For a detailed outline of their policies, check out their website

Other Pet Friendly Lodging (Hotels, Cabins, etc.)

Tenaya Lodge: Tenaya’s dog friendly rooms include dog bowls, a doggie bed, kennels and they even have dog massages available (if your pup is into that). 

Other hotel options include the Best Western Plus Yosemite Getaway Inn which is located about 15 miles south of the park and the Yosemite View Lodge which is on the Merced River and the closest hotel to the park that is pet friendly.

Dog Friendly Hikes in Yosemite & Surrounding Areas

Yosemite is a national park, so you can expect some strict rules when visiting with your pup. This is true of all National Parks. Therefore, our family spends a lot more time in National Forests – they are much more dog friendly. However, we also want Squash to experience the beauty of National Parks so when we plan these trips, we know that there will be less hikes available and we plan accordingly. 

Here is a list of rules that apply across all national parks: 

• Dogs are only permitted on paved trails/paths 
• Dogs must remain on a six-foot leash 
• Clean up after your dog
• Dogs must not be left unattended 
• In most parks, dogs are not allowed on buses, lodging areas, public buildings, and unpaved roads. 

Dog Friendly Paved Hikes in Yosemite Valley

Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall is the first waterwall you see when entering the valley. This is a short (about .3 mile), paved hike from a parking lot to the base of the waterfall. The best time to visit the falls is during spring and if going with your dog I would recommend to-go early in the morning and avoid the crowds. 

Lower Yosemite Fall Loop

Part of North America’s tallest waterfall, Lower Loop is a mile loop around the final 320-foot drop of Yosemite Fall. You’ll be rewarded with views of both Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls from various vantage points. For the best views, consider walking the loop in a clockwise direction. 

Mirror Lake/Mirror Meadow

Dogs are only allowed on the first mile of this trail (the paved part). While you won’t be able to see the most beautiful part of the lake with Fido, you are rewarded with beautiful views of Half Dome on the first part of the hike. The trail was a little icy during our winter trip but it is one of the prettiest paved trails in Yosemite. 

Longer Trails

While most dog-friendly trails in the valley are short, there are a few longer options that are just as stunning:

• Wawona Meadow Loop (3.5 miles)
• Big Oak Flat Road to Hodgdon Meadows Campground (5.4 miles)
• Chowchilla Mountain Road (12 miles)

Dog Friendly National Forest Hikes around Yosemite

One of our favorite hikes was the Big Sandy Road Trail in Sierra National Forest. It is a 5.6 mile out and back near Fish Camp, California. Because it is in the National Forest it is extremely dog friendly and a lightly trafficked trail. The route begins at Tenaya Lodge, one of the dog-friendly hotels we recommended above, and the hike ends with a view of a waterfall. During the winter months the hike is both snowy and very icy, snowshoes and poles were very helpful.

Dog Friendly Restaurants in Mariposa

Although we ate most our meals at AutoCamp, we did venture out to the nearby town of Mariposa for the occasional baked goods and dinners. Two of our favorite dog-friendly places in town were Sticks Coffee and 1850 Restaurant and Brewery. Sticks is a small batch roasting coffee shop with daily baked treats and a very lovely dog-friendly patio. It was the perfect morning stop before heading into the valley. 1850 was the perfect post hike spot for a beer and some hearty food. We were able to seat outside with Squash under a large tent with heat lamps. The town of Mariposa is small but these are both great options to enjoy a bite with your dog.