Are Dogs Allowed in Glacier National Park?
Are Dogs Allowed in Glacier National Park
A visit to Glacier National Park must be on everybody's bucket list. With more than 700 miles of hiking trails through pristine forest, mountain views, and remarkable lakes, Glacier is a human hiker’s heaven. However, are dogs allowed in glacier national park? Unfortunately, Glacier Park is not among the dog-friendly parks. However, dogs are permitted within the park boundaries and can discover the roadways with their owners.
Continue reading to learn more about Glacier National Park. This article details the spots you can take your dog, along with hiking trails outside the park that let your dog deeper into the beauty of this part of Montana.
About Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is situated at the western edge of Montana. Glacier Park is named for the several glaciers that it has. Unfortunately, many glaciers are shrinking. The Glacier Park had around 35 active named glaciers in 1996. By 2015, only 26 glaciers remain.
A fun fact regarding Glacier Park is that it is joined with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. This junction occurred on June 18th, 1932, making the world’s primary International Peace Park. Besides, the parks are managed individually; however, they collaborate in wildlife management, visitor services, as well as scientific research.
Glacier National Park is very large and broken into some main areas. The following are highlights:
Two Medicine:
The original train depot place before Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) was made. Now this is an off-the-beaten-path end with great hiking as well as camping.
Many Glacier:
It is possibly the most stunning area of Glacier National Park; this region has spectacular views of numerous glaciers.
St. Mary
St. Mary is the park’s eastern gateway and gives remarkable vistas along St. Mary Lake.
Apgar:
Apgar is the park’s western gateway comprises lodging, dining, and camping.
Lake McDonald
This part boasts the major lake in the park.
Glacier has something big to offer everybody whatever area you want to explore. Visiting on a foggy day is more amazing once the views clear and you can explore this magnificent national park further.
Special rules while traveling with your dog to Glacier National Park
Pets are permitted in developed areas: in your cars, front-country campsites, picnic spots, along roads once you are stopped, boats, and parking areas.
- Pets are not allowed on trails, along lake coasts outside developed places, in the backcountry, or in any building.
- Pets should be on a leash, under physical control, or caged, comprising while in open-bed pickup trucks.
- Pets should not be left tied to an object once unattended.
- Pet owners should pick up after their four-legged friends and dispose of leftovers in a trash container. Owners must not permit a pet to create irritating noise. When the bike path between Apgar and West Glacier is snow-free, dogs are permitted on leash.
- Once roads are closed to traffic, they are deliberated a backcountry trail, and doggies are not allowed.
Common dog rules at Glacier National Park:
- Don’t leave your pooch unattended.
- Clean up after your dog. Bring poop bags and discard your dog’s garbage in the garbage container.
- Be watchful for wildlife.
Now that you have all the rules let’s dive into the dog-friendly things to do at Glacier Park.
Dog-Friendly Activities in Glacier National Park
Glacier, like several national parks, contains strict rules regarding pets. Additionally, pets should be on a leash, under physical control, or always caged. Pets should not be left tied to an object once unattended.
Furthermore, pet owners should pick up and dispose of pet waste appropriately. And pet owners must not permit a pet to make any unreasonable noise.
Dogs are NOT allowed:
- On trails
- In buildings
- Alongside lake shorelines
- In the backcountry
On roads closed to traffic, here closed roads are backcountry trails. If you need to walk a mountain road with your pooch, consider Rocky Mountain National Park.
Thus, where are dogs allowed?
- In picnic areas
- In developed areas
- Along roads
- In parking areas
- On the bike path among Apgar and West Glacier
- In boats on lakes where motorized watercraft are allowed
- Stop at the West Glacier Park Sign
Before entering the park, you’ll pass the main entrance sign on the right side at the West entrance through the Going to the Sun Road. You can snap a quick picture before going inside the park.
- Explore Apgar Village
Apgar is among the famous villages in Glacier National Park. This village is located in the west area of the park, approximately one mile from the West Entry. Apgar contains one of the most prevalent campsites in Glacier Park and is home to some restaurants, the visitors' center, and a big gift shop. Apgar is also the best place to walk the dog-friendly trail in Glacier Park.
- Explore Lake McDonald
It is right off the parking area in Apgar by the visitors’ center. Lake McDonald is the biggest lake in Glacier Park, measuring around 10 miles long, above a mile wide, plus 472 feet deep. You will love the views and reflections in the lake!
- Explore McDonald Creek Bike Path
One trail in Glacier Park is dog-friendly, and only when there is no snow. McDonald Creek Bike Path is a smooth trail that runs around 2.5 miles between West Glacier as well as Apgar Village. It is well-sustained and lined with a lot of trees for the whole trail. This is an active trail that vacationists use to go around the park; thus, be mindful of bikers.
- Drive the Going To The Sun Road
By beginning on the West part of the park, you will be on the main side of the Going to the Sun Road to grasp all the views alongside the edge, and do not you worry; the road is safe and has appropriate barriers.
The road spans about 33 miles among Lake McDonald as well as Rising Sun Motor Inn, with numerous stops along the way. You will find no services along the way; thus, ensure to bring adequate water and nibbles for your adventures.
Depending on how far you plan on traveling, you will need to get a quick start to the day as this is a popular activity. Starting timely will also allow you to beat the crowds and get more wildlife.
It's almost impossible to cross the road without stopping many times to take in the highlights and snap a picture or two. There are many pull-outs along the route; thus, you can 'strike-a-pose' under some of the most amazing landmarks in Glacier Park.
Don't miss these remarkable sights along the way:
- Weeping Wall
- Heaven's Peak
- The Loop
- Bird Woman Falls
- Jackson Glacier
- Wild Goose Island
Conclusion: Are Dogs Allowed in Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park is the best hiking destination: however, the remarkable trails are not open to dogs. However, if you must visit Glacier Park with your four-legged friend, drive the Going-To-The-Sun Road. And you will get some marvelous views from the side of this road.
After you have ended your drive, camp at Apgar, so you can take benefit of the dog-friendly trail, then go to the adjacent national forest to hike to your (and your dog’s) heart’s happiness.
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