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It’s no secret that Colorado walkers 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 hard to narrow it down and pick a hike. This list includes the 20 best dogs in Colorado that I’ve ridden with my own dog, Beckett.
Best Dog Friendly Trails
Since moving to Colorado in 2016, I’ve spent most of my weekends hiking in the mountains in the summer and fall, so I have a lot of experience exploring hiking trails in Colorado. This is by no means an exhaustive list of dog-friendly hiking trails in Colorado, but I’ve done my best to put together a good cross-section of some of the best trails around the state with varying degrees of difficulty.
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With so many hikers and dogs on Colorado trails, it’s important that everyone does what they can to minimize their impact on the environment. Here are some tips to keep in mind when out with your dog in Colorado.
The Seven Outdoor Principles are a set of guidelines to help people make responsible choices in the outdoors.
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, run by members, teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyright information is reproduced with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
All of the Colorado dog-friendly walks on this list are on public land. However, different jurisdictions have different rules around the line. Some National Forests and Wilderness Areas require clear dog leashes, while others require dogs to be “under control” (ie leashed or strictly voice controlled). Some places like Boulder Open Space and Mountain Park have unique programs where dogs have sounds and visual cues to climb mountains. Follow the leash rules when you walk so that the trail is still open to dogs.
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If your dog doesn’t have enough memory, they should always keep it. You should always keep your dog comfortable on a leash when walking or letting him out for a swim inside. If you meet another dog on a leash or a small child. Remember that keeping your dog on a leash while hiking can help prevent negative wildlife encounters and keep your dog safe.
Ultimately, your job as a dog owner is to know and follow leash rules. Trailheads are usually well-signed and will let you know when cable requirements are available, but rules and regulations can change at any time. When in doubt, use a cable!
When walking your dog in Colorado, always remember to pick up and pack the pet. Petrubo is considered a biohazard, so the law often requires packaging.
Please do not leave a bag of excrement on the side of the road. Even if you want to come back, it’s technical and encouraging for other people who don’t have the same intention. Take the pet waste back to the locomotive and dispose of it properly!
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The list includes the 20 best dogs in Colorado. I went all the way through this list with my dog Beckett, so he had a good seal. I’ve intentionally included easy, intermediate, and difficult hikes along with trails from around the state. Consider your dog’s climbing skills and experience when choosing a trail.
For easy and convenient climbing for dogs, it’s hard to beat St. Mary Glacier. The trail is less than an hour from Denver, so it’s a great option if you want to get to the mountains but don’t have time to drive far. From the trailhead, hikers walk short and wide trails to a lake at the base of a “glacier” (actually a semi-permanent snowfield).
St. Mary’s Glacier is a popular hiking trail, so don’t be surprised if the trail is crowded. With that in mind, this is a great climb for climbers of all abilities, including families with young children. It is a great walk for dogs especially during the heat of summer due to the ample access to water.
Parking Difficulty: Medium – Difficult. Parking is on private land and requires a $20 fee. There is plenty of parking, but since this is a popular hike, the parking lot can fill up during busy times.
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Best time to visit: All year round. Get ready for snow on the spring road. I recommend taking micro spikes if hiking in the winter for traction.
Well, God’s Garden is an entire garden, not a specific path. But it’s one of my favorite places to walk dogs in Colorado Springs, and you really can’t go wrong on any of the park’s streets. Of course, your route choices can affect where you can find parking!
My favorite walk in the Garden of the Gods is the Siamese Twins Loop Trail. This is a very short walk that takes the hiker to a unique rock formation with two towers and windows that completely frame Pikes Peak. You can easily pull other paths to make your climb longer or shorter.
Difficult Parking: Difficult. Garden of the Gods is a popular destination in Colorado Springs. There are many parking lots throughout the park, but as it gets crowded, you may have trouble finding an open space. I recommend arriving early in the morning to beat the crowds.
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Chicago Lakes is a perfect choice for a long alpine hike near Denver. You’ll hike 11 miles with about 2,400 feet of gain, so it can be tough, but it’s a great workout if you’re looking for a challenging hike with your dog. Park at Echo Lake and take the well-marked trail to Chicago Lakes, where you’ll see two alpine lakes in a beautiful mountain basin.
From Chicago Lakes you can continue to Summit Lake on Mount Blue Sky. Here you will find parking and restrooms. From there, you can continue hiking up to Blue Sky, a Colorado 14’er for additional climbing (although I wouldn’t recommend a big walk with dogs).
Difficult Parking: Difficult. Parking is pretty limited and you’re competing for space with people fishing or hiking at Echo Lake. I recommend arriving on time to secure a spot.
Hermann Gulch is one of the best hiking trails near Denver if you’re looking for a dog-friendly trail with sweeping mountain views. The parking lot for the trailhead is on the right side of I-70 so is easily accessible by any vehicle. However, people came easily. Herman Gulch is a popular hike, especially during the spring peak in summer.
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The trails start right from the parking lot as you travel through the woods and over the trees. The main attraction of the hike is Lake Herman, which you can reach after a 3-mile hike. This is a great place for chicks to explore and hang out.
Parking Difficulty: Easy. There is a large parking lot at the end of the road, easily accessible from I-70.
Do you need a leash?: Dogs must be kept under control at all times. This trail is not located in a designated forest or developed recreation area where a clear line is required in the Arapahoe National Forest.
You don’t have to drive all the way to Arches National Park for a great hike. You can find great specialty rock climbing for dogs in Colorado. Royal Arch in Boulder is the perfect dog trail if you’re looking for a great gym and a fun place to hang out. There are several ways you can start walking to Royal Arch, but most hikers start at Chautauqua Park. There is a vast network of roads here, so if you are unfamiliar with the area, make sure you download and apply a map.
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The start of the trail is easy going uphill, but the trail gets steeper and steeper as you approach the Royal Arch, so get ready to get your blood pumping. When you reach the Royal Arch, you will see a beautiful view of Boulder. You can ride past the gates to the rocks to enjoy a light breakfast and relax before the hike.
Parking Difficulty: Very difficult. The parking lot at Chautauqua Park is full, especially on weekends. Be prepared to park nearby and walk to the Boulder Trail, providing transportation to the trail during the summer. You can learn more about how this program will work in 2023
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