The Trickster Shibes

Yellowstone National Park was our first major destination on our Midwest USA road trip last spring. Traveling with the Tricksters, we excluded most national parks from our itinerary due to their lack of dog-friendliness. However, Yellowstone was too iconic to bypass so we decided to drive through it and experience what we could with the pups. While I wouldn’t recommend Yellowstone for dog-centric adventures, it’s doable to get a taste of it if you’re simply passing through and want to soak up some of its beauty along the way.

Rules for Dogs in Yellowstone

While we found ways to include our dogs in our Yellowstone adventure, it’s important to follow the park’s guidelines for pets:

• Where Dogs Are Allowed: Dogs are permitted in developed areas, parking lots, and within 100 feet (30 meters) of roads. They are also allowed in campgrounds but must always be under control.
• Prohibited Areas: Pets are not allowed on boardwalks, trails, or in the backcountry. They are also prohibited in thermal areas and inside any park buildings.
• Leash Requirements: Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters) at all times.
• Supervision: Pets should never be left unattended outside. It is not recommended to leave pets alone in a vehicle but if absolutely necessary for a short period of time, ensure adequate ventilation and temperature control.
• Clean Up After Pets: Always pick up after your dog and dispose of waste in designated trash bins.
• Wildlife Safety: To avoid conflicts with wildlife, keep pets away from all animals, including bison and elk. Pets can disturb wildlife, which may lead to dangerous encounters.

These rules are designed to protect Yellowstone’s unique environment and ensure the safety of visitors, wildlife, and pets alike.

Our Highlights

Our route took us from the park’s northern entrance at Gardiner directly south to Old Faithful, where we then turned back to exit at West Yellowstone. Here’s a summary of our stops:

Mammoth Hot Springs

Our first stop was Mammoth Hot Springs, where dogs are allowed in the parking area. From there, you can get a good view of the travertine terraces. Since it’s a short walk to explore up close, we took turns staying with the dogs while the other snapped photos and admired the formations. The nearby loop with scenic pullouts was a great bonus, offering some nice photo ops with the dogs.

Roaring Mountain

Next up was Roaring Mountain, another dog-friendly stop. The viewpoint is conveniently located in the parking lot, so the whole family—Tricksters included—could enjoy this stop together. On quiet days, you can hear the eerie hiss of steam escaping the mountain.

Norris Geyser Basin

At Norris Geyser Basin, Puppa and the pack stayed in the car for a rest while I ventured out to explore some of the geothermal features. This area is mesmerizing, with its bubbling pools and steamy vents, but dogs aren’t permitted on the boardwalks as it’s a highly active thermal area. It’s a good opportunity to take a quick solo excursion while your travel companion watches the pups.

Artist’s Paint Pots (Road Closed)

Unfortunately, we missed the chance to visit the Artist’s Paint Pots as the road was closed. (This would have been another stop we would have taken turns at). Many of Yellowstone’s roads operate seasonally, and we visited in early May when several were still closed. The upside? The park was refreshingly quiet, and we encountered very few crowds.

A Bison Jam

No trip to Yellowstone is complete without encountering a bison jam. Shortly after Norris Geyser Basin, we found ourselves stuck in one. It was awe-inspiring to see these massive animals up close, calmly ambling alongside the car. The dogs were largely unphased but we humans were thrilled. After about 30 minutes of waiting though, we were getting antsy to move on.

Old Faithful

We arrived at Old Faithful just in time to see it erupt. Fun fact: Old Faithful erupts roughly every 90 minutes. Dogs aren’t allowed on the boardwalks near the geyser, but they are permitted along the farther pathways, which still provide a decent view. We grabbed some mulberry ice cream and souvenirs at the visitor center before continuing our journey.

Midway Geyser Basin and Grand Prismatic Spring

Our final stop in the park (looping back toward the exit at West Yellowstone) was the Midway Geyser Basin, home to the stunning Grand Prismatic Spring. The dogs couldn’t join us on the boardwalks, so we took turns going up to explore. The vivid colors of the spring made it my favorite stop of the day. It’s a view that will stay with me forever.

Reflections on the Day

Though our visit to Yellowstone was brief, it was an unforgettable experience. The dogs were incredibly well-behaved throughout the drive. They were like little celebrities, drawing smiles and photo requests from fellow visitors. While we didn’t spot any major wildlife like bears or wolves, we did see plenty of bison, elk, and even a few pronghorns.

If you’re planning a road trip with your dogs and Yellowstone is on the way, it’s worth passing through (in my opinion). Many of park’s awe-inspiring landscapes are accessible from the main roads, and with a bit of planning, you can enjoy its wonders without compromising your furry companions’ comfort. Yellowstone gave us a taste of its magic, and we’re so glad we took the time to experience it, even if only briefly.