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!

Pet Friendly Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods 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. See Details
Pet Friendly Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve 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 are 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 are not permitted in the backcountry of the national park. See Details
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Montrose, CO, is dog friendly. The canyon offers views of some of North America's steepest cliffs, oldest rock and craggiest spires. Leashed pets are permitted in picnic areas, campgrounds, parking lots, paths to overlooks and along roads open to vehicles. Your furry friend can also visit Rim Rock Trail and the North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail. See Details
Stratton Open Space 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 and a reservoir where pups can play. Please clean up after your dog while visiting. See Details
Castlewood Canyon State Park 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. See Details
Golden Gate Canyon State Park 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. See Details
Eldorado Canyon State Park 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. See Details
Cheesman Park Located in central Denver, CO, Cheesman Park is dog friendly and offers an open grassy space for picnics or a casual walk with Fido. Take a stroll along the crushed granite path which winds its way around the park, or engage Fido is a game of frisbee on the grass. Visitors will also find restrooms, a designated picnic area, playground, and The Pavilion at Cheesman Park. See Details
Seven Bridges Trail Head 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. See Details
John Denver Sanctuary John Denver Sanctuary in Aspen, CO is dog friendly. This scenic open space and park located next to the Roaring Fork River is home to one of the largest perennial flower gardens around. Leashed pets are welcome, as long as they are well-behaved and cleaned up after. See Details
Seven Falls Bring Fido to bask in the majesty of Seven Falls, a magnificent series of waterfalls located in a 1,400-foot-wall box canyon in Colorado Springs. Then explore everything else the dog-friendly Seven Falls has to offer. From delectable new dining options—including the exquisite 1859—gift shops, walking and hiking trails. 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. Seven Falls is located just ten minutes from downtown Colorado Springs via Cheyenne Blvd. Please note that this is a seasonal activity and it is recommended to check the website to confirm opening dates. See Details
Red Rock Canyon Open Space 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. See Details
Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area is a dog-friendly destination in Florissant, CO. Dogs on a leash no longer than six feet are allowed to explore the forested, lush and rocky canyon and take in the river as it "twists and crashes against huge boulders lining the canyon floor." There is an entrance fee, and hiking, picnicking and camping are all available within this popular recreation area. See Details
Pike National Forest Fido is welcome to explore scenic Pike National Forest near Fairplay, CO. This pet-friendly national 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 on a leash while in developed recreation sites, and are not allowed in swimming areas. See Details
Mesa Trail Leashed dogs are welcome to hike Mesa Trail in Boulder, CO. This pet-friendly hike usually takes about 4 hours to complete. You and Fido can explore the many detours and loops through differing terrain including meadows, creeks and springs. See Details
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
Mount Falcon Park Mount Falcon Park in Indian Hills and Morrison, CO is dog-friendly. Leashed pups are welcome on 12.2 miles of trails, including the 1.7-mile Turkey Trot Trail which connects the two towns. The park is open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. See Details
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 Leashed dogs are welcome on Beaver Brook Trail, a strenuous, pet-friendly hike on the south rim of Clear Creek Canyon in Golden, CO. Even though the trail isn't far from Denver, it's difficult enough that Fido will think he's on a rural, backcountry hike. The trail is not a loop, but is 10-miles one-way with limited trail markers. Please remember your starting point, and bring a map, food and water on this difficult hike. See Details
Flatirons Vista and Doudy Draw Trail Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on a hike at Flatirons Vista and Doudy Draw Trail in Boulder, CO. This pet-friendly, 3.7 mile hike takes about 3 hours to complete. This is a gorgeous hike for early spring when the mesa is in full bloom, and a stunning evening hike during the summer when you can watch the sunset behind the mountains. See Details
Colorado