[annieG]

We are trying to find somewhere near us to vacation with Tanner. I think we will go to Zions Nat. Park....there is a doggy doodle ranch close by and he can go to daycare during the day if we go on hikes where he isn't allowed. Cesar Milan did a seminar last summer at the facility so I think they will be like minded. I am finding it difficult to find somewhere we can stay and take Tanner. I would rather have a dog in my motel room than 6-7 rowdy kids any day..but that is another story....

How is it in your states?

 

[annabelles mom]

We always end up going to see family on vacation - that's what we get for moving awa :wink: so we have always just taken our dogs with us, the occassional nite in hotel on the road it is
have you gone to the pet travel sites?

 

[annieG]

I have done a web search and what I find about Utah is that they maybe allowed in a State or National Park but then they are not allowed on any of the trails. If they allow them on the trails and they are around lakes, streams or rivers, the dogs are not allowed to go in the water (and no it is not watershed for drinking water).

 

[movistar]

drive 7 hours north to bitteroot mountains montana.

best place you will ever visit no restrictions on trails or at lakes.
largest contiguous wilderness area in the 48 states.

if you are remotely interested I can send you some links. there are homes to rent or hotels in hamilton that take dogs (affordable)

its stunning beyond belief but may make you think utah isnt so pretty anymore

 

[annieG]

I must say I have grown tired of Utah but will only be here 2 more years. We wanted to visit Montana before we leave for the east coast so yes, I am very interested and I would greatly appreciate the information

 

[emilee]

i'd suggest looking for information on state or national forests, instead (http://www.fs.fed.us/). regulations at state and national parks can be pretty restrictive where dogs are concerned, but there are generally few such restrictions on national forest land. it takes a bit more digging to find out about camping and hiking options, but the tradeoff is these places tend to be a LOT less crowded. oh, and be sure to check into when various hunting seasons take place, as hunting is usually allowed on national forest land.

-em

 

[movistar]

http://protophoto.com/subject.html?subject_id=295

some pictures

I lived in Darby, we still have home there and one in Hamilton. Hamilton is the county seat and has the Mcdonalds and a few motels.

Best Western Hamilton Inn - www.bestwesternmontana.com
409 South 1st St, Hamilton - (406) 363-2142
3 reviews, directions, and more »

Town House Inn of Hamilton - maps.google.com
1113 N 1st St, Hamilton - (406) 363-6600
3 reviews, directions, and more »

Super 8 Motel - www.super8.com
1325 N. First Street, Hamilton - (406) 363-2940

AT least two of the above take dogs and they are all clean so that is good!
If you want fancier recommendations I have them too.

There is a ranger station in Darby (10 miles south from hamilton) where you can get forest maps. We spent three years there (long vacation huh?!) and didnt get to every trail or lake and we had ATV's and Snowmobiles!!! The Bitterroot River runs North (one of the few in the nation) and goes through the Valley. There are several places to get your feet wet in the river and absolutely no dog restrictions.

Nothing is hard to find, everyone is very friendly and the trails are endless.

You can drive Skalkaho Pass to Anaconda and mine for saphirres, head into Phillipsburg to the famous candy shop. Go to the Big Hole Valley and have lunch. Stop at Lost Trail pass, visit Lost Horse.

So much to do you will tire thinking about it!!!

great places to eat - a hamburg at Naps in Hamilton is a must. Look for movie stars that have homes there and say hi to Huey Lewis and Hank Williams Jr. they are in town a lot!

 

[blueteal]

I do not understand a lot of National Parks whether they be
Canadian or American as to their dog policies.
I would rather camp next to most breeds of dogs than to
a lot of peoples children.
Bahaahahahhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!

Seriously though British Columbia is very dog friendly
but our National parks have too many rules against dogs
that I have to avoid them. Too bad cause they are gorgeous
camping areas.

 

[movistar]

yes the national parks even in montana arent dog friendly because they have federal rules, but there are so many mountain ranges and forest trails that arent in the park system - kind of secrets ya know
the bitterroots are like that, one big big secret!

 

[annieG]

No, I have only been to the 4 corners area..no further in New Mexico. I will look into that...I think New Mexico and Montana are the only areas in the west that we have left to explore....thanks for the reminder

 

[keywee]

This is a great thread. I was having the same thought looking at everyone's photos of their vacations with their doods. My family and I went to San Francisco a few weeks ago (obviously a long way from home so not a possibility to take the dogs that time) but we missed them so much! And doodles are so popular in Northern California! We kept seeing doodle after doodle!

I know the Loews Hotel chain takes dogs up to 200#! Florida has tons of dog friendly places, but that would be a looooong car ride!

 

[movistar]

Loews are spendy but they do take dogs and last I stayed there had doggy room service, doggy bowls, bottled water food etc. Dog walkers and sitters on staff etc. I mean really you could spend a few hundred a trip just on doggy alone!!

yep here is the official verbage

Loews Loves PetsSpecial treatment for both pets and their owners begins with a personal note from the general manager with information on hotel pet services, local dog walking routes, and area pet services, like veterinarians, pet shops, groomers, and much more. We're the most pet friendly hotels around, and you'll realize it from the moment you and your pet check in. All pets receive their own gifts including a bowl and a special treat to start their vacation. Additional items available for guests with pets include dog and cat beds (different sizes), leashes and collars (different sizes), rawhide bones, catnip, scratch pole, pet video, litter boxes and litter, pooper scoopers. We pay special attention our guest rooms, which accommodate pets. Some locations charge a one-time fee of $25 per stay and have size restrictions. Please call for more information.