Updated for 2026 with current trail conditions, brewery recommendations, seasonal tips, and pet-friendly accommodations across Colorado.

Dog-Friendly Colorado: Mountains and More

Colorado might be the most dog-friendly state in America. The culture here revolves around outdoor adventure, and dogs are considered essential adventure partners. With 58 peaks over 14,000 feet, 42 state parks, 11 national forests, over 400 craft breweries, and a statewide attitude that sees dogs as integral to the outdoor lifestyle, Colorado offers an embarrassment of riches for traveling with your pup.

My partner and I have spent three years crisscrossing Colorado with our German Shorthaired Pointer, Aspen, and a Border Collie mix, Telluride (Telly for short). From the Front Range cities to the high mountain passes, from desert canyons to alpine lakes, Colorado has delivered some of the best dog-friendly experiences of our lives.

Dog-Friendly Cities

Denver

Colorado’s capital is consistently ranked among the most dog-friendly cities in the country. The city has over 10 designated off-leash dog parks, hundreds of dog-friendly restaurants, and a brewery scene that practically requires a canine companion.

Top spots:

• Cherry Creek Dog Park: 107 acres of off-leash space along Cherry Creek. Separate areas by size. Swimming access in the creek.
• Wash Park (Washington Park): A beautiful neighborhood park with a large off-leash area. Local favorite.
• RiNo (River North Art District): Denver’s trendiest neighborhood. Dog-friendly breweries (Ratio Beerworks, Our Mutual Friend, Bierstadt Lagerhaus), restaurants, and street art.
• The Source Hotel and Market: A food hall and hotel in RiNo that welcomes dogs.
• Great Divide Brewing: One of Denver’s original craft breweries with a dog-friendly taproom.

Boulder

Boulder is possibly the most dog-obsessed city in America. Per capita dog ownership is among the highest in the country, and the city’s open space system, hiking trails, and outdoor culture make it paradise for pups.

Highlights:

• Chautauqua Park: The gateway to the Flatirons trails. Dogs on leash on all trails. The Royal Arch trail (3.5 miles round trip) is a classic.
• Boulder Creek Path: A 16-mile paved path along Boulder Creek through the city. Dogs on leash. Great for casual walks and runs.
• Pearl Street Mall: Boulder’s pedestrian shopping street. Dogs are everywhere, and many shops welcome them inside.
• NCAR Trail: Easy 1.3-mile trail with Flatiron views. Dogs on leash.
• Flagstaff Mountain: Multiple trails with mountain views. Dogs on leash.

Off-leash areas: Boulder has several designated voice-and-sight tag areas where qualified dogs can be off-leash. You need a Boulder Voice and Sight Tag ($50/year for non-residents) and your dog must be under reliable voice control. It is one of the most progressive off-leash policies in the country.

Fort Collins

A college town (Colorado State University) with a thriving brewery scene and excellent outdoor access.

• Horsetooth Reservoir: Hiking, swimming, and boating. Dogs on leash on trails. Swimming access at designated areas.
• New Belgium Brewing: Fort Collins’ famous brewery. Dogs welcome in the outdoor area.
• Odell Brewing: Excellent beer and a dog-friendly taproom.
• Spring Creek Trail: A 12-mile urban trail. Dogs on leash.

Colorado Springs

At the base of Pikes Peak with dramatic red rock formations and mountain trails.

• Garden of the Gods: Stunning red rock formations with paved and unpaved trails. Dogs on leash. Free admission.
• Red Rock Canyon Open Space: 789 acres of trails with off-leash options in designated areas.
• North Cheyenne Canon Park: Waterfalls and canyon hiking. Dogs on leash.

Mountain Towns

Colorado’s ski towns are dog-friendly year-round, not just during ski season.

Breckenridge

A charming Victorian mining town turned ski resort at 9,600 feet.

• Trails: Carter Park, Burro Trail, and the Blue River Pathway are all dog-friendly
• Main Street: Walkable with dog-friendly shops, restaurants, and bars
• Breckenridge Brewery: Dog-friendly patio
• Off-leash: Carter Park has a designated off-leash dog area

Vail

One of the world’s most famous ski resorts, equally impressive in summer.

• Summer hiking: Gore Creek Trail, Booth Falls Trail (dogs on leash), Berry Picker Trail
• Vail Village: Walkable, dog-friendly shops and restaurants
• Vail Farmers Market (summer Sundays): Dogs welcome
• Mountain biking: Dogs can accompany mountain bikers on many trails

Telluride

A stunning box canyon town at 8,750 feet with world-class hiking and skiing.

• Bear Creek Trail: A beautiful 5-mile round trip to a waterfall. Dogs on leash.
• Town of Telluride: Extremely dog-friendly. Dogs welcome in most shops and restaurant patios.
• Free gondola: The free gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village welcomes dogs.
• Telluride Brewing Company: Dogs on the patio.

Steamboat Springs

Known for Champagne Powder skiing and western ranch culture.

• Yampa River Core Trail: A paved riverside trail through town. Dogs on leash.
• Hot springs: Old Town Hot Springs does not allow dogs in the pools, but Strawberry Park Hot Springs has a dog-friendly approach to their grounds (confirm current policy).
• Howelsen Hill: Hiking in summer, skiing in winter. Dogs on leash.
• Downtown: Walkable with numerous dog-friendly restaurants.

Crested Butte

A remote mountain town known for wildflower season and skiing.

• Some of the best wildflower hiking in North America (mid-June to mid-July)
• Gothic Road: Beautiful drive to the ghost town of Gothic with hiking access
• Dogs welcome in most town restaurants and shops
• Crested Butte Mountain Resort: Some summer hiking trails allow dogs

National Forest Hiking

Colorado’s 11 national forests provide the bulk of dog-friendly hiking. Unlike national parks, national forests generally allow dogs on all trails (with some wilderness area exceptions).

Iconic Dog-Friendly Hikes

Hanging Lake (Glenwood Canyon): One of the most famous hikes in Colorado. Permits are required, and dogs are NOT allowed. Worth mentioning so you do not plan around it.

Ice Lake Basin (San Juan Mountains near Silverton)

• Distance: 7 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous (2,700 feet gain)
• Features: One of the most photographed alpine lakes in Colorado. Dogs on leash.

Mohawk Lakes (near Breckenridge)

• Distance: 7.6 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Features: Three alpine lakes, waterfalls, and mining ruins. Dogs on leash.

Blue Lakes (near Ridgway)

• Distance: 7.4 miles round trip to Lower Blue Lake
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Features: Stunning turquoise alpine lakes beneath Mount Sneffels. Dogs on leash.

Herman Gulch (near Georgetown)

• Distance: 7 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Features: Wildflower meadows and an alpine lake. Dogs on leash. Good introductory high-altitude hike.

Mount Bierstadt (14er near Georgetown)

• Distance: 7 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Features: One of the most accessible 14,000-foot peaks. Dogs on leash. The summit at 14,060 feet is exhilarating for both human and dog. Only attempt with a very fit, altitude-acclimated dog.

Altitude Considerations for Dogs

Colorado’s elevation is a genuine consideration for dogs:

• Dogs can experience altitude sickness just like humans
• Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and excessive panting
• Allow 1-2 days for your dog to acclimate before strenuous hiking at elevation
• Start with easier, lower-elevation hikes and gradually increase altitude
• Carry extra water, as dogs dehydrate faster at altitude
• Be aware that UV radiation is stronger at elevation; dogs with light skin or thin fur can get sunburned

National Parks in Colorado

Colorado has four national parks. Dog policies vary:

Park	Dog Policy
Rocky Mountain National Park	Dogs on leash on paved paths, in campgrounds, and in parking areas only. NOT on trails.
Mesa Verde National Park	Dogs on leash in campgrounds and along roadways. Not on trails or in archaeological sites.
Great Sand Dunes National Park	Dogs on leash on Medano Creek (seasonal), in campgrounds, and on the sand dunes themselves. One of the most dog-friendly national parks in Colorado.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison	Dogs on leash on the rim roads and in campgrounds. Limited trail access.

Great Sand Dunes is the standout for dogs. Walking on the massive sand dunes with your dog is a surreal and wonderful experience. Medano Creek (spring and early summer) provides a unique stream-play opportunity where water flows over sand.

Breweries

Colorado has over 400 craft breweries, and the culture is intensely dog-friendly. Most breweries with outdoor space welcome dogs. A few highlights beyond the cities mentioned above:

• Ska Brewing (Durango): Great beer, large outdoor area, dogs welcome
• Outer Range Brewing (Frisco): Mountain views and excellent IPAs
• Pug Ryan’s Brewing (Dillon): Casual brewpub with dogs on the patio
• Casey Brewing and Blending (Glenwood Springs): Acclaimed sour beers, dogs in outdoor area
• Elevation Beer Company (Poncha Springs): Near Monarch Pass, dogs welcome

Hot Springs

Colorado has numerous hot springs. Dog policies vary:

• Strawberry Park Hot Springs (Steamboat): Dogs allowed on grounds, not in pools
• Iron Mountain Hot Springs (Glenwood Springs): Dogs not allowed
• Mount Princeton Hot Springs (Buena Vista): Dogs allowed in some outdoor areas
• Valley View Hot Springs (Saguache): Dogs not allowed

Most hot springs do not allow dogs in the water due to health regulations and water quality concerns.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Hotels and Lodges

• Kimpton Hotel Born (Denver): No pet fees, no size restrictions
• The Crawford Hotel (Denver Union Station): Pets welcome, premium location
• St. Julien Hotel (Boulder): Luxury option welcoming pets with amenities
• The Limelight Hotel (Aspen): Dog-friendly with beds and treats provided
• Mountain Lodge at Telluride: Pet-friendly with mountain views

Cabins and Vacation Rentals

Colorado has an incredible cabin rental scene. Mountain cabins in Breckenridge, Telluride, Steamboat, and throughout the San Juans are available on Airbnb and VRBO. Many are pet-friendly with yards and trail access.

Camping

Colorado’s campground options are extensive:

• National Forest campgrounds: Generally inexpensive ($15-25/night), dogs welcome
• State Park campgrounds: Reservable through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, dogs on leash
• Dispersed camping: Free camping in national forests outside of designated campgrounds (follow Leave No Trace)

Seasonal Guide

Season	Best For	Notes
Summer (Jun-Aug)	High-altitude hiking, alpine lakes, wildflowers	Afternoon thunderstorms above treeline. Start hikes early.
Fall (Sep-Oct)	Aspen foliage, comfortable hiking temperatures	Peak leaf color varies by elevation, typically late September at higher elevations
Winter (Nov-Mar)	Ski towns, snowshoeing with dogs	Cold at elevation. Dog boots for icy trails.
Spring (Apr-May)	Wildflowers at lower elevations, river runoff	Many high-altitude trails still snowbound through June

Budget Planning

Category	Estimated Daily Cost
Hotel (Denver/Boulder)	$150-300
Mountain cabin	$150-400
Camping	$15-30 per site
Dining out	$25-60
Brewery visits	$15-30
National Forest day use	Free
State Park day pass	$10 per vehicle

Final Thoughts

Colorado is the state where dogs and outdoor adventure converge most completely. The trails are world-class, the brewery culture includes your dog by default, the mountain towns are welcoming, and the sheer scale of public land means you will never run out of places to explore together.

Aspen and Telly have hiked hundreds of miles of Colorado trails, swum in alpine lakes, lounged on brewery patios from Denver to Durango, and slept in cabins with mountain views that would cost a fortune anywhere else. Colorado is where dog-friendly travel reaches its highest expression, literally.

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