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!

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 pet-friendly 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. 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. See Details

Flatirons Vista and Doudy Draw Trail

Boulder, CO

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

Elk Meadow Park

Evergreen, CO

Elk Meadow Park 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. See Details

Bear Creek Regional Park

Colorado Springs, CO

Bear Creek Regional Park Set in the rolling foothills of Pikes Peak, Bear Creek Regional Park is a dog-friendly outdoor space in Colorado Springs. While dogs are not allowed on the nature trails, there are plenty of regional trails open to leashed dogs. The Regional Park is 545-acres and features a mix of active and passive recreation such as picnic pavilions, playing fields, hiking opportunities, the El Paso County Veterans Monument, a large dog park and more. 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 in Larkspur, CO. Spruce Mountain is a large, tree-covered mesa which features over eight and a half miles of recreational trails with easy access and parking. Dogs must be cleaned up after and on a leash during their hike at Spruce Mountain Open Space. Enjoy a choice flat trails for a leisurely walk or steep trails if you're looking for a challenge and some exercise for your canine companion. See Details

Vail Nature Center

Vail, CO

Vail Nature Center When visiting Vail, CO, 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

Roosevelt Community Park

Longmont, CO

Roosevelt Community Park Roosevelt Community Park in Longmont, CO, is dog friendly! Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners for a stroll through the park, which features BBQ stations and picnic areas, parking lots, public art, a playground, shelters, Wi-Fi, and more. See Details

Mount Belford and Mount Oxford Trail

Buena Vista, CO

Mount Belford and Mount Oxford Trail Mount Belford and Mount Oxford Trail is a 12.5-mile challenging loop hike in San Isabel National Forest near Buena Vista, CO, that will take about 9 to 10 hours to complete with Fido. You'll want to be prepared for this hike since it's at a high altitude and will put you at the mercy of the weather. Make sure Fido has had plenty of water before embarking on this pet-friendly adventure. Parking is available near the Missouri Gulch Trailhead off of CR 390. See Details

Buckskin Pass Trail

Aspen, CO

Buckskin Pass Trail 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. See Details

Lair o' the Bear Park

Idledale, CO

Lair o' the Bear Park 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. See Details

McCullough Gulch Trail

Breckenridge, CO

McCullough Gulch Trail McCullough Gulch Trail is a dog-friendly 2.8 mile hike in White River National Forest near Breckenridge, CO, that will take about 2 hours to complete with Fido. Approximately 1.6 miles into this hike you will come across the turquoise Upper Blue Reservoir and the nearby falls. At this point hikers may choose to turn back or 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 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. See Details

Waterdog Lakes Trail

Salida, CO

Waterdog Lakes Trail Leashed dogs can join you on Waterdog Lakes Trail, a pet-friendly, 3.6-mile hike through the San Isabel National Forest in Salida, CO. This is a quick and easy hike for those who are regular hikers. The trail runs alongside a stream and upward through an evergreen forest. You will reach the lakes at the timberline where Fido can take the opportunity to cool down with a splash in the water. Please note that the parking area is a dirt pull-off on the left side of the highway, and use caution crossing to the trailhead on the other side of the road. See Details

Sloan's Lake Park

Denver, CO

Sloan's Lake Park Sloan's Lake Park is a 177-acre, dog-friendly area in Denver, CO. The park is the second largest of Denver's parks, located in the Highlands neighborhood. It's bordered by a 2.6-mile trail for walking, jogging and walking your pooch on a leash. Fishing, boating and water skiing are allowed on the lake and the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is held there, too. See Details

Sand Creek Regional Greenway

Aurora, CO

Sand Creek Regional Greenway Sand Creek Regional Greenway in Aurora, CO, is a 13-mile, dog-friendly hike that will take about one hour to complete with Fido. This trail is, for the most part, in its natural state. Fido will love the babbling creek that is accessible by footpaths along the trail. See Details

Lily Mountain Trail

Estes Park, CO

Lily Mountain Trail Lily Mountain Trail is a dog-friendly hike in Estes Park, CO. Bring Fido for an afternoon of exercise on this wonderful trail with forest views, while you connect with nature and enjoy beautiful scenery. Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, but are prohibited in the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. See Details

High Line Canal Trail

Greenwood Village, CO

High Line Canal Trail The High Line Canal Trail in Horseshoe Preserve is a 5.8 mile hike that will take about 3 hours to complete with Fido. This pet-friendly hike in Greenwood Village, CO, will actually lead you through the suburbs and passes through some expensive subdivisions. A new, larger parking lot was installed that caused Colorado Boulevard to intercept Orchard Road a block farther to the east. Be aware that this change still is not marked on most maps. See Details

Dinosaur Ridge

Morrison, CO

Dinosaur Ridge 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! See Details

Mesa Lakes and Lost Lake Trail

Mesa, CO

Mesa Lakes and Lost Lake Trail Pet-friendly Mesa Lakes and Lost Lake Trail is a 2.2-mile hike in Grand Mesa National Forest in Mesa, CO. Fido will love the gentle hike that leads to five different lakes, or you can continue on to Lost Lake for a more challenging route. Dogs must be leashed on the trails, and it's a good idea to bring mosquito repellent along for your hike. A parking fee is collected at the trailhead. See Details

San Miguel River Trail

Telluride, CO

San Miguel River Trail San Miguel River Trail is a dog-friendly route in Telluride, CO. This 6 mile out-and-back path is an easy route which follows the San Miguel River through the length of town. Leashed dogs are permitted to walk with you and can cool off at number of swimming holes along the pathway. Hikers will find best conditions from March to October, but the trail remains and year-round favorite for locals and visitors alike. See Details