Dogs at Glacier National Park
What to know before visiting Glacier’s west side with your dog, including leash rules, restricted areas, camping access, fees, and the few places pets are allowed.
Glacier National Park MT (West) Dog Policy
Glacier is not a dog-hiking park. Pets are limited to developed areas on the west side and elsewhere in the park, with one notable exception: the paved Apgar Bike Path between West Glacier and Apgar when it is free of snow.
On Glacier’s west side, dogs are allowed in developed areas such as parking areas, picnic areas, frontcountry campgrounds, vehicles on park roads, and boats on lakes where motorized watercraft are permitted. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails or in the backcountry, and when roads are closed to vehicle traffic they are treated as backcountry trails, so dogs are not allowed there either. The park also warns that summer heat can make parked vehicles dangerous very quickly.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
Dog-Friendly Trails
True dog-friendly trail options inside Glacier are extremely limited. These west-side walks are the real places pets are allowed based on current NPS rules; most are paved or roadside/developed-area walks rather than traditional hiking trails.
Apgar Bike Path
1.5 miles one way, easy. This paved, relatively flat path connects West Glacier and Apgar and is the park’s clearest dog-friendly walking route when free of snow.
Between West Glacier and Apgar Village, Glacier National Park
Visit WebsiteApgar Village Developed Area Walks
About 0.3 to 0.8 miles of easy walking on paved connectors around Apgar Visitor Center, Apgar Village, and the campground area. Best for short leash walks, breaks, and stretching legs.
Apgar Village, Glacier National Park
Visit WebsiteWest Glacier Entrance Developed Area
Roughly 0.2 to 0.5 miles of easy walking around parking areas and developed roadside space near the west entrance. Useful for a quick stop before or after entering the park.
West Entrance, West Glacier, MT
Visit WebsiteApgar Campground Loops
Variable distance, easy. Frontcountry campground roads and loops provide short on-leash walks in a developed setting, especially convenient for campers staying on the west side.
Apgar Campground, Glacier National Park
Visit WebsiteFish Creek Campground Loops
Variable distance, easy. Another west-side frontcountry campground where dogs can walk on leash within developed campground roads and campsites.
Fish Creek Campground, Glacier National Park
Visit WebsiteLake McDonald Lodge Developed Area
About 0.25 to 0.75 miles of easy walking on paved and developed-area surfaces near the lodge, parking, and roadside pullouts. Good for scenic short walks, not trail hiking.
Lake McDonald Lodge area, Glacier National Park
Visit WebsiteTips for Visiting Glacier National Park MT (West) with Your Dog
Plan Glacier as a sightseeing trip with your dog rather than a hiking trip. On the west side, the best legal option for a longer walk is the paved Apgar Bike Path when it is snow-free. Otherwise, stick to developed areas, campground loops, picnic areas, parking areas, and roadside stops where pets are allowed. Bring a sturdy leash no longer than 6 feet, waste bags, a water bowl, and extra drinking water because summer days can get hot and the park warns that vehicle interiors can become dangerous very quickly. Never leave your dog unattended or tied out; Glacier specifically notes that unattended pets can attract bears or mountain lions. Keep your dog close around wildlife, water, and steep drop-offs, and remember that roads closed to cars count as backcountry trails, so dogs are not allowed there. If you want to hike the park’s famous trails, arrange boarding outside the park in advance and use your dog visit for scenic drives, picnic stops, and short developed-area walks instead.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
West Glacier
At the west entranceClosest gateway community with lodging, services, and easy access to the Apgar side of the park.
Columbia Falls
About 17 milesA practical base for dog-friendly stays, dining patios, and supplies before entering Glacier.
Whitefish
About 27 milesPopular mountain town with pet-friendly lodging, restaurants, and outdoor recreation.
Kalispell
About 33 milesLargest nearby city for veterinary services, shopping, and a wider range of pet-friendly hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on trails in Glacier National Park?
No. Pets are not permitted on Glacier’s hiking trails. The main exception on the west side is the paved Apgar Bike Path between West Glacier and Apgar when it is free of snow.
How long can my dog’s leash be at Glacier?
Your dog’s leash must be no longer than 6 feet. Pets must also be under physical restraint or caged at all times.
Can dogs stay in Glacier campgrounds?
Yes. Dogs are allowed in frontcountry campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas, and other developed areas, as long as they are leashed and supervised.
Can I take my dog to Lake McDonald shoreline areas?
Only in developed locations. Pets are not permitted along lake shores outside developed areas.
Can dogs go on Going-to-the-Sun Road when it is closed to cars?
No. When roads are closed to vehicle traffic, Glacier treats them as backcountry trails, and dogs are not allowed.
Is there a kennel inside Glacier National Park?
No. Glacier does not have an in-park kennel. The park suggests looking for boarding options in the Flathead Valley.
Do I have to pick up after my dog in Glacier?
Yes. Pet owners must pick up waste and place it in a trash receptacle.
Is Glacier a good national park for visiting with dogs?
It can work for scenic stops, campground stays, and short developed-area walks, but it is not one of the better parks for dog hiking because pets are barred from nearly all trails and the backcountry.