For the protection of your animal, other visitors and Saguaro National Park, pets are allowed only on roadways and in picnic areas. (Pets are excluded from Mam-A-Gah picnic area in the west district as it is only accessible by trail.)

Pets map not be taken on any trail, off roadways, or inside either visitor center at any time.

Where allowed, pets must be kept on a leash at all times while in Saguaro National Park. Leash length may not exceed 6 feet. Owners must remain in control of their pets at all times, never tying them off and leaving them. Owners should be aware of the reactions of other visitors to their pets...not everyone is a dog fan.

SERVICE ANIMALS: Service animals accompanying a disabled person are exempt from this law and may go anywhere their owners are permitted to go.

WHY ARE DOGS NOT ALLOWED ON THE TRAILS?

a) Dogs are a predator species. Their presence and scent disrupts the environment for wildlife being protected in the park. 

b) Visitor safety is a top priority in the park. Dogs can be unpredictable and hard to control around other visitors.

c) Dog safety. Most dogs are not used to this environment, and don't know enough to keep their noses out of the cactus. Also, the extreme heat in this area makes casualties of many dogs...they can get dehydrated and die more easily than humans. (This has actually happened in the park.)

For more information including where you can take your dog for recreation around Tucson, see our brochure: Hiking with Dogs in the Tucson area.