Colorado is synonymous with outdoor fun, from its mountains and ski slopes through to towering sand dunes and plentiful hot springs. But not all places in the state are equally welcoming to four-legged guests. If you’re visiting Colorado with your dog, these are some of the top dog-friendly attractions to tick off your list…
#1 Hike Among the Garden of the Gods
The stunning red rock formations at the Garden of the Gods are a magnificent sight to behold. Just a 10 minute drive west of Colorado Springs, this park was gifted to the city in 1909 on the condition it remained forever free for the public to enjoy. There’s multiple trails of different lengths to explore the formations, plus don’t miss taking in the views from Mesa Road Overlook, particularly at sunset.
The park is a great experience to share with your dog. Dogs are allowed throughout the park, as long as they stay on a leash no longer than six feet and you clean up after them. They are even allowed inside the Visitor and Nature Center, except in the indoor dining area and carpeted areas, plus on some outdoor programs.
#2 Climb Up Towering Sand Dunes
Colorado is home to multiple national parks, including the Great Sand Dunes National Park in the state’s south. Thanks to its towering sand dunes, the highest in North America, it’s definitely one of the most surreal sights anywhere in the state. Explore the dunefields near the main Dunes Parking Area, ascend to the top of High Dune or hike along the Dune Overlook Trail.
Pet dogs are allowed to join you in the main use areas of the park and the adjacent preserve, as long as they stay on a leash. However, they are not allowed in the backcountry of the dunefield, which starts beyond the first high ridge of dunes, plus off the Dunes Overlook Trail. See this map for more details. Just be careful about the heat, including protecting your pet’s paws on hot sand.
#3 Explore the Indian Peaks Wilderness
While the Great Sand Dunes National Park is a fairly pet-friendly national park, the same doesn’t apply at Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. In this park, famous for its many 14,000-foot peaks, pets are prohibited from all trails, tundra and meadows. It best to skip this park if you have a dog and instead visit one of the surrounding areas, such as the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, including the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.
Indian Peak Wilderness Area is home to six peaks above 13,000ft and 50 alpine lakes. The easy loop around Monarch Lake is popular year-round, while some other scenic trails close seasonally. Check out the top trail recommendations on AllTrails.
Leashed dogs are allowed on trails, on a leash no longer than six feet, except at Brainard Lake over winter. Also beware of moose around Brainard Lake – incidents have occurred with dogs. Note that timed-entry reservations are required during summer at some access points.
Another way to experience both the Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness Area is by driving the Peak to Peak Highway. The first scenic byway in Colorado, the 35-mile long drive weaves in between Estes Park and Nederland, with a short detour to Brainard Lake.
#4 Ascend to the Top of Mount Blue Sky
If it’s a fourteener that you have your heart set on, there’s a dog-friendly option in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests: Mount Blue Sky, a peak where you cheat and almost drive to the summit.
The scenic byway to Mount Blue Sky starts near Idaho Springs and climbs over 7000-feet to an altitude of 14,130 feet, the highest paved road in North America. With gorgeous views of mountain peaks, alpine lakes and pine-covered slopes along the way, from the top of the road it’s just a short scramble to the top of the peak.
Note that timed entry passes apply for the byway and it’s only open from June to September. Pets just need to kept on a leash. Be wary of altitude sickness at the summit, and descend if anyone experiences symptoms.
#5 Sip on an IPA or Two
With over 400 breweries scattered throughout the state, including 150 alone in Denver, it’s not surprising that there’s plenty of dog-friendly breweries that you can visit in Colorado, ideal for enjoying a local IPA or two while your dog lazes at your feet.
Top dog-friendly breweries to visit include the dog-friendly patio at Denver Beer Co.’s Platte Street Taproom in downtown Denver, the massive dog-friendly beer garden at Avery Brewing Co. in Boulder, the patio at Odell Brewing Co in Fort Collins with its food trucks, the highly-rated Outer Range Brewing in Frisco (just on the lower level patio) or the colourful Eddyline Brewery & Pub in Buena Vista.
In Colorado Springs, a great place to visit is Pub Dog Colorado. The only restaurant and bar in the state that allows dogs indoors, it’s home to a 3,000 square foot off-leash area (both indoors and outdoors). As well as wide variety of draft beers and pub snacks, there’s also a special menu just for pups, including customizable bark bowls and watermelon pup cups for the summer months.
#6 Explore the Street Art in Denver
RiNo in Denver (short for River North) is one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods. Once an industrial wasteland to the northeast of the city’s downtown, these days it’s home to art studios, trendy cafes and plenty of breweries. But the number one reason you should visit this area is for its profusion of street art.
If you walk along any of the streets, you’ll spot the countless murals that adorn everything from walls to garage doors to power boxes. There’s over 100 murals alone listed on the RiNo Art District website. And thanks to being located outdoors, this is one type of art that you can enjoy with your dog by your side.
If you’d prefer to take a guided tour, Denver Graffiti Tour runs tours year-round, mainly on weekends. Well-behaved pet dogs are generally welcome on their tours – double check in advance. Or book a private tour.
#7 Enjoy Off-Leash Fun at Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek State Park is a large state park in the southeast of the Denver metro area. Popular for boating and fishing on its reservoir, it’s also home to a huge off-leash area – 107 acres in total! It’s perfect for enjoying some off-leash fun with your pup, including a splash in Cherry Creek.
The off-leash area is located in the south of the state park, best accessed from the south entrance at Parker and Orchard Roads or from the north at 12 Mile North. The area is mainly for not fully fenced, with no fence along the creek. The 2.81 mile-long 12 Mile trail runs partially through the area.
Note that an entry fee applies for the state park. There’s also an additional dog off-leash area pass that you’ll need to purchase, with day and annual passes available. There’s a maximum of three dogs permitted per handler. While dogs are allowed in the rest of the state park, they need to remain on-leash outside of the off-leash area.
#8 Drive the Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar Highway is another top scenic drive in Colorado, connecting the towns of Ouray and Silverton in the southwest of the state. Passing through Uncompaghre Gorge in the San Juan Mountains, it’s not clear whether the road’s name comes from the high construction costs or the stunning views along the way.
Although it’s just twenty-five miles long, there’s plenty of hairpin turns and tight bends, so take your time, enjoying the views of the surrounding peaks and fir tree-lined slopes. Popular stops along the way include scenic overlooks at Bear Creek Falls, Crystal Lake and Red Mountain Pass.
Naturally, there’s no issues taking your dog along the way, although I’d skip this drive if your dog is prone to motion sickness. Also be warned that the drive is at relatively high altitude, peaking at 11,000 feet, so also be wary of altitude sickness.
#9 Explore Historic Silverton
At the southern end of the Million Dollar Highway you’ll find Silverton. Once a booming mining town in the late-19th century, the historic town is home to Notorious Blair Street, a three-block stretch that was once home to brothels, saloons and gambling dens.
These days the town is much quieter, home to restaurants and antique shops. But you can still wander past historic buildings and along the wooden boardwalks. And of course, dogs are welcome to join you on your explorations. There’s dog-friendly patios at El Bandito and High Noon Hamburgers.
#10 View Ancestral Puebloan Ruins
Long before the mining boom towns, Colorado was inhabited by the Ancestral Pueblo people and there’s multiple places around the state where you view the remains of their buildings.
One of the most famous spots is Mesa Verde National Park, which has been World Heritage listed for its well-preserved cliff dwellings. However, pets are not allowed on most trails or to visit any of the buildings. Instead, consider visiting the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, near Colorado Springs.
At the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, leashed pets can go anywhere you can go, including in the ruins and the museum. Open seven days, there’s also reproductions of Ancient Puebloan architecture, including a mesa-top homestead and a baking oven.
#11 Try Out Snowshoeing or Skijoring
Colorado is famous for its skiing and if you visit during the winter months, don’t miss hitting the snow together with your dog. One option to try out is snowshoeing – well, at least for yourself. It’s best to use dog boots or paw wax for your dog, along with a jacket for breeds without thick coats.
Another fun option to consider is skijoring together with your dog. Skijoring is Norwegian for “ski driving” and is a cross between cross-country skiing and dog sledding. High Country Dogs in Glenwood Springs offers introductory workshops, consisting of an indoor training session and then an go outside. It’s best suited to dogs over 30 pounds who like to pull.
#12 Soak in a Hot Spring
The perfect way to relax after a day on the snow is by soaking in a hot spring, with plenty to be found in Colorado. Not surprisingly though most commercial hot springs don’t allow pets on their grounds. Plus, it’s probably not advisable for dogs to actually join you in the hot water!
However, there are some natural springs around the state where dogs are not prohibited, so you can enjoy a soak and they relax nearby on their leash. One easily accessible spot is Hippy Dip Hot Spring in Pagosa Springs. There’s multiple free pools, adjacent to the downtown area – just dogs shouldn’t enter the pools. I’ve also seen recommendations for the hike to Radium Hot Springs, near Kremmling, with dogs allowed.
#13 View Dramatic Canyons
The final national park in Colorado that I haven’t yet covered is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Although only established as a national park in 1999, it’s no less spectacular with its steep dramatic canyon – a massive 2700-feet deep gash in the earth, dotted withe pine trees.
Like at the Grand Canyon, pets are not permitted on the trails that descend deep down into the canyon. However, they are allowed on both the Rim Rock Trail and the North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail. The most popular way to explore the national park is by driving along the South Rim Road, with pets also welcome to join you, including on paths to overlooks.
#14 Gaze at the Dark Skies Overhead
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is just one of thirteen certified International Dark Sky Parks in Colorado. No matter where you are in the state, there’s probably somewhere close by that’s ideal for stargazing.
For details on all the Dark Sky Parks, check out the recently launched Colorado Stargazing Trail. The trail also details the eight dark sky communities in the state, where street lights are dimmed to help with viewing the stars without heading to the wilderness. And while your dog probably won’t be interested in gazing at the stars with you, you can enjoy this activity in many locations with them by your side, possibly under a blanket to ward off the chilly nights.
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- Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Utah
- Dog-Friendly Things to Do in New Mexico
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.