09/23/2026
What Does it Mean to be a Zion B.A.R.K. Ranger?
The National Park Service’s B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a nationwide initiative designed to help dog owners navigate the parks safely while preserving the natural beauty of the landscape for future generations of visitors. Before you hit the trail, it is essential to know these four core principles, which are heavily enforced by park rangers and volunteers throughout Zion Canyon.
B - Bag Your Pet’s Waste: This is absolutely non-negotiable. Dog waste is not native to the delicate desert ecosystem; it carries unnatural diseases, pollutes local water sources like the Virgin River, and takes an incredibly long time to decompose in the arid, dry climate. Visitors must always pack out their waste bags and dispose of them in designated trash receptacles. Leaving a bagged waste sack by the side of the trail "for later" is considered littering and is subject to steep fines.
A - Always Leash Your Pet: Even if your dog has perfect recall and is heavily trained, they must be restrained on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Electronic collars and retractable leashes do not meet this legal requirement. This physical tether prevents them from wandering off-trail, trampling fragile biological soil crusts, or running into dangerous, steep terrain.
R - Respect Wildlife: A leashed dog is a safe dog. The Southern Utah desert is home to sensitive wildlife including mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, mountain lions, and venomous rattlesnakes. Keeping your dog close prevents stressful, potentially deadly wildlife encounters and stops domestic dogs from transmitting diseases to wild animal populations.
K - Know Where You Can Go: This is the most common stumbling block for well-meaning visitors. Dogs are not allowed on the vast majority of trails in Zion National Park, nor are they allowed in wilderness areas, public buildings, or on the park's shuttle buses. Planning your itinerary ahead of time ensures you will not be turned away at the trailhead or face a citation.
