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It’s no secret that Colorado hikers love their dogs. Colorado has hundreds (if not thousands) of trails open to dogs, but with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow it down and pick a hike. This list contains 20 of the best dog-friendly hikes in Colorado that I’ve personally hiked with my dog, Beckett.
Best Dog Vacations In Colorado
Since moving to Colorado in 2016, I’ve spent most weekends during the summer and fall hiking in the mountains, so I have plenty of experience navigating Colorado’s hiking trails. This is by no means an exhaustive list of dog-friendly hikes in Colorado, but I’ve done my best to include a good cross-section of the best trails in the state at various levels of difficulty.
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With so many hikers and dogs on Colorado’s trails, it’s important that everyone does what they can to minimize their impact on the environment. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when walking your dog in Colorado.
The seven Leave No Trace principles are a set of guidelines to help people make responsible outdoor choices
The member-run Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyright information is reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
All of the Colorado dog-friendly hikes on this list are on public land. However, different jurisdictions have different leash laws. Some national forests and wilderness areas specifically require dogs to be on leashes, while others require dogs to be “under control” (meaning either on a leash or under strict voice control). Some places, like Boulder Open Space and Mountain Park, have unique programs where dogs can go on off-leash hikes with voice and sight tags. Follow leash laws wherever you walk to keep the path clear for dogs.
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Unless your dog has a strong memory, you should always keep him on a leash. You should always have a leash on hand when walking your leashed dog or let him swim if you encounter other leashed dogs or small children. Remember, keeping your dog on a leash while walking helps prevent negative encounters with wildlife and keeps your dog safe.
Ultimately, it is your job as a dog owner to know and follow leash laws. Waypoints are usually well signed and will let you know when a path is required, but rules and regulations can change at any time. When in doubt, use a vest!
Remember to always pick up and bag pet waste when walking your dog in Colorado. Pet waste is considered a biohazard, so it is often required by law to be bagged.
Please do not leave burning bags on the pavement. Even if you have every intention of coming back for it, it’s technically rubbish and encourages other people who may not have the same intention. Take pet waste with you on the trail and dispose of it properly!
Dog Friendly Hikes Near Denver, Colorado
This list includes the 20 best dog trails in Colorado. I went through this whole list with my dog, Beckett, so they have the seal of approval. I’ve intentionally included a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult hiking trails from around the state. Consider your dog’s walking ability and experience when choosing a trail.
For a quick and easy dog trip in the mountains, Glacier St. Mary’s is hard to beat. The trailhead is less than an hour from Denver, so it’s a great option if you want to hit the mountains but don’t have time to drive far. From the trailhead, hikers follow a short, wide trail to a lake at the base of a “glacier” (actually a semi-permanent snowfield).
The St. Mary’s Glacier is a very popular hike, so don’t be surprised if the trail is crowded. That said, this is a great hike for people of all hiking abilities, including families with young children. It’s also a great walk for dogs because of the abundant access to water, especially during the heat of summer.
Trail Parking Difficulty: Moderate-Difficulty. Parking is on private land and requires a $20 fee. There is plenty of parking but as this is a popular walk it can get full when busy.
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Best time to hike: all year round. Be prepared for snow on the trails all spring. I recommend wearing microspikes when hiking in the winter for traction.
Well, Garden of the Gods is an entire park, not a specific path. But this is one of my favorite places to visit for dogs in Colorado Springs, and you can’t go wrong with any of the park’s trails. Honestly, your choice of trail will be influenced by where you find a parking spot!
One of my favorite hikes in the Garden of the Gods is the Siamese Twins Loop Trail This is a very short hike that takes hikers to a unique rock formation with two towers and a window that perfectly frames Pikes Peak. You can easily take other paths on your trip as long or as short as you like.
Difficulty of parking on the trail: Difficult. Garden of the Gods is a very popular destination in Colorado Springs. There are many parking lots throughout the park, but since it can get crowded, you may struggle to find an open space. I recommend arriving early to beat the crowds.
Dog Friendly Options In Denver, Colorado
Chicago Lake is the perfect choice for a long alpine lake trip near Denver. You’ll be covering over 11 miles with about 2,400 feet of elevation gain, so it’s definitely a challenge, but it’s a good training hike if you want to push your dog harder. Park at Echo Lake and follow the well-marked trail to Chicago Lake, where you’ll find a pair of alpine lakes in a scenic mountain basin.
From Chicago Lake you can continue to Summit Lake at the base of Blue Sky Mountain. Here you will find parking and a pit toilet. From there you can continue hiking to the top of Blue Sky Mountain in Colorado 14′ for an extra epic day of hiking (although I wouldn’t recommend this long hike with dogs).
Difficulty of parking on the trail: Difficult. Parking is pretty limited and you are competing for a spot with people fishing or hanging out at Echo Lake. I recommend arriving early to get a seat.
Hermann Gulch is one of the best hikes near Denver if you’re looking for a dog-friendly trail with beautiful mountain views. The trailhead parking lot is right off I-70, so it’s easily accessible by any vehicle. However, with this access comes overload. Herman Gulch is a very popular hike, especially during peak wildflower season in the summer.
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The trail begins to climb just outside the parking lot as you wind your way through the woods and above the tree line. The main attraction of the hike is Lake Hermann, which you will reach after just 3 miles of hiking. This is a great place for pups to explore and swim.
Trail Parking Difficulty: Easy. There is a very large parking lot at the trailhead that is easily accessible on the right side of I-70.
Leash Required?: Dogs must be under control at all times. The trail is not within a designated wilderness area or developed recreation area, which clearly requires ridges within the Arapahoe National Forest.
You don’t have to drive all the way to Arches National Park to hike a beautiful arch. You can see a unique rock arch on one of Colorado’s best dog hikes. If you’re looking for a good exercise and fun hiking destination, Royal Arch in Boulder is the perfect dog-friendly trail. There are several trails where you can start your hike from Royal Arch, but most hikers start at Chautauqua Park. There is an extensive trail network, so if you are unfamiliar with the area, be sure to download and keep a map.
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The beginning of the trail is easy walking, but the trail gets steeper and rockier as you approach the Royal Arch, so be prepared to get your blood pumping. Once you reach the Royal Arch, you will enjoy a beautiful view of Boulder. You can climb the rocks behind the arch to enjoy a snack and take a break before the walk.
Trail parking difficulty: extremely difficult. Parking at Chautauqua Park fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Be prepared to park nearby and walk to the trailhead. The City of Boulder offers shuttle service to the trailhead during the summer. You can learn more about how the program fared in 2023
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