Hiker shares photos of alarming discovery in US national park: 'I am not exaggerating'

Despite prominent signs at trail entrances, some guests continue to bring dogs into Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Over a recent weekend, hikers shared on r/NationalPark that they "saw no less than 15 different people walking around on paved and unpaved trails with dogs."

Failure to follow these rules poses risks to fragile ecosystems and local wildlife. One user posted with the headline, "What part of 'NO DOGS' is hard to understand?"

Dogs are restricted in national parks for multiple reasons. Pets can disturb animals, spread diseases, and damage sensitive plant species. Even well-behaved dogs may trample native vegetation, leave waste that contaminates soil and water, or chase wildlife, disrupting natural behaviors. In delicate desert environments like Arches and Canyonlands, such impacts can be long-lasting.

The National Park Service outlines pet guidelines: animals must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet, under control at all times, and their waste properly disposed of. Pets are also prohibited inside visitor centers. While some trails allow dogs, others, such as the Green River Overlook in Canyonlands, specifically forbid them due to safety concerns.

These rules protect both wildlife and visitors. National parks contain hazards that can endanger unleashed pets, including encounters with wildlife, poisonous plants, and accidents on trails. Keeping pets leashed reduces the risk of injury, getting lost, or harming other park-goers.

Commenters shared personal experiences of hazards caused by dogs in parks. One wrote, "I nearly fell to my death in Zion because of people with unleashed, small dogs that were running around underfoot. I am not exaggerating in any way." Others noted that pet owners have alternatives: "Thousands of state parks allow dogs," one person explained. "But they can't be bothered."

Following park regulations ensures safer, more enjoyable visits for everyone while protecting the natural environment.

Author: Sophia Brooks