Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Colorado

If your dog likes to ruff it, bring Fido hiking in Colorado. Our dog friendly hiking section includes everything from easy one-hour walks to fantastic overnight trips in Colorado that won’t be soon forgotten. Seriously, go take a hike!

Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs, CO

Garden of the Gods Dog-friendly Garden of the Gods Park is a Registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs, CO. Admission is free, and your leashed pup is welcome to join you as you hike along the beautiful trails through the red rock formations. Fido can also join you for a bite to eat on the terrace of Bean Sprouts Cafe. See Details

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Mosca, CO

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Pets are permitted in the main Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve dog-friendly day use areas and in the national preserve in Mosca, CO, as long as they are kept on a leash less than 6 feet long. Dogs are not permitted in the national park backcountry. Please keep the park clean by cleaning up after your pet. Unless you are in the moist, cool sand of Medano Creek, plan to hike with your pet in morning or evening in summer months to avoid hot sand. See Details

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Montrose, CO

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park "Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time," Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is dog-friendly! The Canyon exposes leashed dogs to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Dog owners can check out Black Canyon of the Gunnison's official website for information on entrance fees, hours and seasonal road closures.

In the North Rim Campground pets on a leash may be walked on roads to the overlooks, and are allowed on the Cedar Point Nature Trail and North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail. Pets are not allowed on the southern portion of the Rim Rock Trail from June 1 to August 10. Year-round, dogs are not allowed on any other hiking trails, inner canyon routes, on ranger-led geology walks, evening programs in the amphitheater or in wilderness area.

In the South Rim Campground, dogs are allowed from June 1 to August 10 in campsites. However, they may not be taken on walks or carried around the campground or on the southern portion of the Rim Rock Trail due to aggressive deer. See Details

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Golden, CO

Golden Gate Canyon State Park Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a dog-friendly scenic area covered in dense forest and rocky peaks. You and Fido will discover over 35 miles of pet-friendly trails through fields and woodlands, including some of the most popular trails: Horseshoe Trail; Snowshoe Hare Trail; and Mule Deer Trail Loop. On a number of these trails, you'll notice panoramic views of the rolling hills covered in trees all around the park. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is open every day of the week from 5am to 10pm. See Details

Cheesman Park

Denver, CO

Cheesman Park Cheesman Park is pet-friendly. Located in central Denver, a pet-friendly crushed granite path winds its way around the park. There's lots of space for flying kites and throwing Frisbees with your pooch on the grass. You'll also discover lots of beautiful vistas from the historic Cheesman Memorial Pavilion, constructed from marble to honor Denver pioneer Walter Cheesman. The park is open every day of the week from 5am to 11pm. See Details

Seven Bridges Trail Head

Colorado Springs, CO

Seven Bridges Trail Head Seven Bridges Trail is a 5.78-mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Colorado Springs, Colorado that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The dog-friendly trail is primarily used for hiking, walking and running, and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail leads to a little over 1,000 feet in elevation gain. See Details

John Denver Sanctuary

Aspen, CO

John Denver Sanctuary John Denver Sanctuary is pet-friendly. This scenic open space and park is open to the public for free from dawn to dusk. Located next to the Roaring Fork River, it's home to one of the largest perennial flower garden around. Leashed pets are welcome, as long as they are well-behaved and cleaned up after. See Details

Washington Park

Denver, CO

Washington Park Washington Park is pet-friendly. This Denver park is a popular hangout spot for local pooches and their owners. Encompassing 155 acres of pleasant grounds, including two lakes and a flower garden that is a replica of George Washington's gardens at Mount Vernon, there's plenty to see with your pooch. The Washington Park Boathouse, completed in 1913, is the main attraction of the park. Among the many other amenities that canines and their owners will observe and enjoy are a bicycle/pedestrian pathway, crushed granite jogging path, fitness course, horseshoe pit, lawn bowling/croquet area, soccer field, tennis courts and recreation center. See Details

Castlewood Canyon State Park

Franktown, CO

Castlewood Canyon State Park Castlewood Canyon State Park is a dog-friendly recreation area in Franktown, CO. There are several hikes ranging from mild to moderate here, but the 5.6 mile trail to the canyon is the most popular. And though Castlewood Canyon isn't as grand as the Grand Canyon, it is certainly worth the 5-hour round-trip hike. The winding Cherry Creek flowing along the canyon floor also provides wonderful rest stops along the way. Leashed pets are welcome on most trails, except the new East Canyon Preservation Area trail. See Details

Pike National Forest

Fairplay, CO

Pike National Forest Fido is welcome to explore scenic Pike National Forest. The Forest is made up of 1,106,604 acres, which offer dog owners sightseeing, hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, and cross-country skiing opportunities. Dogs must be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation sites, and are not allowed in swimming areas. Visitors can check out Pike's website for recreation resource locations. See Details

Tunnel Drive Trail Head

Canon City, CO

Tunnel Drive Trail Head Tunnel Drive Trail Head is a dog-friendly hiking trail in Cañon City, CO. The trail is flat with a moderate incline at the beginning. There is an excellent view of the Royal Gorge and Arkansas River as you walk. The 2-mile trail will take you through three tunnels within the granite peaks. See Details

Beaver Brook Trail

Golden, CO

Beaver Brook Trail The Beaver Brook Trail is a strenuous hike on the south rim of Clear Creek Canyon. And even though the trail isn't far from Denver, it's difficult enough that Fido will think he's on a primitive backcountry hike. See Details

Flatirons Vista and Doudy Draw Trail

Boulder, CO

Flatirons Vista and Doudy Draw Trail Flatirons Vista and Doudy Draw Trail is a 3.7 mile hike that will take about 3 hours to complete with Fido. This is a gorgeous hike for early spring when the mesa is in full bloom. A stunning evening hike during the summer when you can watch the sunset behind the mountains. See Details

Elk Meadow Park

Evergreen, CO

Elk Meadow Park Elk Meadow Park is a 107-acre space featuring 3.2 miles of trails to explore with Fido. Much of the area is not fenced, so make sure you keep Fido leashed during your visit to the pretty park. Keep your eyes peeled for elk trekking around the park. The trails can be accessed every day of the week from 6am to 7pm. See Details

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Colorado Springs, CO

Red Rock Canyon Open Space Leashed pets are welcome ton most trails, and off-leash pets are welcome in the upper and lower dog loop areas, although it is unfenced. See Details

Vail Nature Center

Vail, CO

Vail Nature Center When visiting Vail, take some time out of your day to visit the dog-friendly Vail Nature Center. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the grounds of the Nature Center with you. The Center offers a wide variety of programs and tours. Sometimes the naturalists there will even schedule a special dog hike! See Details

Lily Mountain Trailhead

Estes Park, CO

Lily Mountain Trailhead Lily Mountain Trailhead is a dog-friendly trail in Estes Park, CO. Give your dog real exercise on this wonderful trail forest views, while you get connected with nature and enjoy beautiful scenery. See Details

Spruce Mountain Open Space and Trail

Larkspur, CO

Spruce Mountain Open Space and Trail Bring Fido to explore Spruce Mountain Open Space and Trail. Spruce Mountain is a large, tree-covered mesa which features over eight and a half miles of recreational trails. Dogs must be cleaned up after and on a leash during their hike at Spruce Mountain Open Space. See Details

Mount Cutler

Colorado Springs, CO

Mount Cutler Mount Cutler is a dog-friendly hiking trail in Colorado Springs, CO, that is perfect for experienced and inexperienced hikers. The trail boasts excellent mountain views and at the summit you can view Seven Falls. There is a creek where Fido can cool off following the trek. The parking lot can be congested, so arrive early. See Details

Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Park

Morrison, CO

Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Park Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners while they exercise at Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Park trails. Red Rocks Park is a Denver Mountain Park and has two trails that are completely within the park, Trading Post Trail and Geologic Overlook Trail, both restricted to pedestrians only. The Trading Post Trail is 1.4 miles in length, and goes through spectacular rock formations, valleys and a natural meadow. Some of the terrain is rough, so hiking boots/shoes are recommended. Also, hikers should be prepared for adverse weather conditions as the weather can change very quickly. The Red Rocks Trail runs through the east side of the park and is a multi-use trail for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. There is a connecting trail from the Lower North Parking Lot to Red Rocks Trail. The trail splits with one segment going north to connect to Jefferson County’s Matthews-Winters park and the other segment goes east to connect to the Dakota Ridge Trail. The Red Rocks Trail continues on to Matthews-Winters, creating a dramatic 6-mile loop. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and owners must clean up all waste. Dogs are not allowed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre during performances; call (720) 865-2494 before driving to the park to avoid disappointment. Trails open one hour before sunrise and close one hour after sunset. See Details

Maroon Lake, Crater Lake and Buckskin Pass Trail

Aspen, CO

Maroon Lake, Crater Lake and Buckskin Pass Trail Maroon Lake, Crater Lake, and Buckskin Pass Trail is a 8.5 mile hike in White River National Forest that will take about 7 hours to complete with Fido. If you are heading out after 8:30 AM from mid-May through Mid-September you will need to take the shuttle bus from Aspen, since Maroon Lake Road closes to private cars. You will need to pay a fee but Fido can ride the bus for free. The Maroon Bells are a must see. See Details

Historic Arkansas Riverwalk

Pueblo, CO

Historic Arkansas Riverwalk Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is pet-friendly. This walk along the river is a perfect activity to share with Fido. There is a lovely well maintained walking path along the river, plenty of grass and shade around. Dogs must be on leashes and bags are provided to clean up. Several of the eateries right on the riverwalk have patios that are dog friendly to sit and eat. See Details

McCullough Gulch Trail

Breckenridge, CO

McCullough Gulch Trail McCullough Gulch Trail is a 2.8 mile hike in White River National Forest that will take about 2 hours to complete with Fido. 1.6 miles into this hike you will come across the turquoise Upper Blue Reservoir and the nearby falls. You may choose to continue upward another 1.2 miles above the timberline. Should you decide to continue on this second part of the hike be sure to bring a topographic map and go on a cloudless day. See Details

Royal Arch Trail

Boulder, CO

Royal Arch Trail Royal Arch Trail is a 3.2 mile hike that will take about 4 hours to complete with Fido. You can't get any closer to the vertical face of the Flatirons unless you are a climber. Dogs must be leashed. See Details