Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Colorado

Fido is welcome at Red Rock Canyon Open Space, a dog-friendly natural space in Colorado Springs. Leashed pups are welcome on most trails, and the Upper and Lower Dog Loops are designated as off-leash areas (but pease be advised that this is an unfenced space). In the winter, many of the trails make for good cross-country skiing.

Fido is welcome to join you in exploring Stratton Open Space, a dog-friendly natural spot in Colorado Springs. This 318-acre open space features beautiful views, miles of hiking trails for owners and pups to explore together. Please clean up after your dog while visiting. Note that the South Suburban Reservoir is closed to the public.

Leashed dogs are allowed in the main, pet-friendly day use areas at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Mosca, CO. Unless you're in the moist, cool sand of Medano Creek, plan to hike with your pet in the morning or evening in summer months to avoid the hot sand on their paws. Be sure to clean up after Fido. Please note that leashes can be no longer than 6-feet, and dogs aren't permitted in the backcountry of the national park.

Chautauqua Park welcomes leashed dogs on the grassy lawn and nearby trails of this beautiful, scenic hiking area in Boulder, CO. This pet-friendly park welcomes you and Fido to enjoy an afternoon picnic or hit the Chautauqua Trail for some exercise and fresh air. Be sure to pack water for you and your pup, and remember to clean up after your pets during your visit.

Leashed dogs are welcome along Seven Bridges Trail, a 5.78-mile, heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Colorado Springs, CO, 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 through November. The trail leads to a little over 1,000 feet in elevation gain. Please clean up after Fido.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Garden of the Gods, a pet-friendly, Registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs, CO. Fido can join you as you hike along the beautiful trails through the red rock formations and enjoy the stunning views and landscape. Pets are also allowed inside the Visitor and Nature Center, but must be kept out of the indoor dining space. Please clean up after Fido during your visit.

Royal Arch Trail is a challenging and heavily trafficked 3.2-mile hike in Boulder, CO, 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, so bring Fido along to enjoy the views and exercise. Dogs must be leashed while on the trail.

Lair o’ the Bear Park in Idledale, CO, is a pet-friendly favorite of visitors and families due to its abundance of picnic tables, charcoal grills and proximity to Bear Creek for fishing. Leashed pets are welcome and the Bear Creek Trail is 12 miles roundtrip.

Bring Fido to bask in the majesty of the dog-friendly Seven Falls, a magnificent series of waterfalls located in a 1,400-foot-wall box canyon in Colorado Springs. Next to the Falls, a 224-step stairway leads to a system of trails that will take you onto Inspiration Point with a breath-taking view of Colorado Springs and the great plains beyond. Wildlife is everywhere, including hummingbirds, rainbow trout and the rare, waterfall nesting- American Dipper. Please note that this is a seasonal activity and it's recommended to check the website to confirm opening dates.

Buckskin Pass Trail is a 8.2 mile dog-friendly hike near Aspen, CO. Located within White River National Forest, this route will take about 6 hours to complete with Fido. From mid-June through September, Maroon Creek Road is restricted to vehicles from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. If hiking during this period, take the shuttle from Aspen Highlands Ski Area. The shuttle leaves every 20 minutes and dogs are allowed on the bus. Buckskin Pass Trail offers stunning views of Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak, and Snowmass Lake.

Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown, CO, is dog friendly. Several hikes range from mild to moderate here, but the 5.6-mile trail to the canyon is the most popular. And though Castlewood Canyon is less grand than the Grand Canyon, it is worth the 5-hour round-trip hike. Please note Fido is not allowed on the East Canyon Preservation Area trail.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Golden, CO, is a dog-friendly scenic area covered in dense forest and rocky peaks. You and Fido will discover over 35 miles of paths through fields and woodlands, including some of the most popular trails: Horseshoe Trail, Snowshoe Hare Trail, and Mule Deer Trail Loop.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the ridge and Triceratops Trail at Dinosaur Ridge, a pet-friendly trail in Morrison, CO. Dogs are not allowed in the gift shop or Exhibit Hall. Dinosaur Ridge features a world-famous dinosaur track site with over 300 dinosaur footprints for you and your friends and family to explore!

St. Mary's Glacier Trail is a beautiful, pet-friendly hiking trail in Idaho Springs, CO, with great views from the top. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. Within 30 minutes of setting off, you'll be at the top of the glacier enjoying the refreshing lake of St. Mary's. This is a moderate 2.4-mile trail that is highly trafficked by lots of pups.

Explore the pet-friendly Baby Bathtubs Trail in Ouray, CO. Your leashed pup is welcome to join you on this short, narrow trail that follows alongside a creek. The pathway is shaded and there are plenty of areas where you and Fido can rest or splash in the water to cool down.

Bring Fido along to explore the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, a dog-friendly trail in Pueblo, CO. There is a well maintained walking path along the river with plenty of grass and shade around for you and your pup. Dogs must be on-leash and bags are provided for clean up.

Blue Lakes Trail is a pet-friendly hike in Telluride, CO. Fido is welcome to join you for some exercise and fresh mountain air on this five-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of over 1,800 feet. As a reward, you and Fido will get to enjoy views of stunning lower Blue Lake.

Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen, CO, encompasses 107 acres of open space and offers two dog-friendly hiking trails. Take the trail from Elk Meadow Lewis Ridge Trailhead and admire beautiful mountain scenery and herds of elk. Elk Meadow Stagecoach Trailhead, accessible from 32281 Stagecoach Blvd, is best suited to adventurous and experienced hikers. This 4.7-mile hike leads to stunning views from 9,708-foot Bergen Peak. Much of the park is not fenced so Fido should be leashed during your visit.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Ute Valley Park, a pet-friendly open space in Colorado Springs, CO. This park is popular for hiking, running and mountain biking on the multiple different trails of differing difficulties. Please remember to pick up after your pup.

Eldorado Canyon State Park is dog friendly, located just down the road from Boulder and a stone's throw from Denver in Colorado. This picturesque park contains sandstone cliffs, South Boulder Creek, and several sheer golden walls for climbing. You must keep Fido on a leash while exploring.