Pets are not permitted on any park trail or in park buildings. They may use designated developed areas, including parking areas, roadways, the picnic area and Belle Fourche River Campground, on a leash no longer than six feet.
Where pets may go
- Parking areas and along park roadways.
- Belle Fourche River Campground and its road.
- The picnic area near the campground.
- The road leading to the Joyner Ridge trailhead.
Where pets may not go
Dogs and other pets may not use Tower Trail, Red Beds, Joyner Ridge, Valley View, South Side or other park trails. They are also prohibited inside park buildings and on the Tower.
That means one person cannot casually walk the base while another waits only a few minutes. The complete Tower Trail outing may take well over an hour.
Heat changes the decision
Never leave a pet in a hot vehicle. Shade in the upper parking area is limited, summer temperatures can rise quickly and entrance congestion may extend the time you expected to be away.
If everyone in the group wants to hike, arrange appropriate pet care outside the park before arriving. Do not assume a seasonal business can accept an animal without direct confirmation.
Service animals
Task-trained service animals are permitted in facilities and on trails under National Park Service policy. Emotional-support or comfort animals that are not trained to perform disability-related tasks are treated as pets.
Service animals must remain controlled and attended, and owners must remove waste.
Check current official information
Details such as fees, openings, closures and regulations can change. Use these official sources before travel: