Partly — dogs are allowed in some of it
Leashed dogs are allowed on exactly two trails here - the Rim Rock Trail on the South Rim and the North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail - and the park's wording is that pets are 'only permitted' on those, and 'prohibited on all other hiking trails, inner canyon routes, within the wilderness, or on snowshoe/cross country skiing trails.' The part most guides leave out: leashed dogs are also allowed 'in picnic areas, campgrounds, and parking lots, on paths to overlooks, and along roads currently open to vehicles', so you can still drive South Rim Drive and walk your dog out to the overlooks, which is the main event for most visitors. Leash 6 ft or shorter, no kennel inside the park (boarding in Montrose, Olathe or Gunnison). Source: NPS Black Canyon of the Gunnison pet policy, last updated April 2025.
Where dogs ARE allowed
Exactly two trails: the Rim Rock Trail (South Rim) and the North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail. Beyond trails, leashed dogs are also permitted in picnic areas, campgrounds and parking lots, ON THE PATHS TO THE OVERLOOKS, and along roads currently open to vehicles - which means a dog owner can still reach most of the South Rim Drive viewpoints, the single biggest draw of the park. Barred from all other hiking trails, the inner canyon routes, the wilderness, and snowshoe/cross-country ski trails. No kennel in the park; boarding is in Montrose, Olathe and Gunnison.
Managed by National Park Service - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Official pet policy. Checked against that page in August 2026.
We publish this because finding out at the trailhead is worse than finding out here. Rules change — check before a long drive.