Best Dog Friendly Backpacking Trips – I grew up in Littleton, Colorado and didn’t really appreciate the mountains until I left. I think this is normal – we take things for granted that don’t change… In college the traffic and hustle and bustle of Dallas made me long for the Rockies and I started spending more time climbing and exploring every time I came home . And now, even though I love New York City, I need to escape to the mountains several times a year.
Alice may be small (and she’s getting old), but she’s a strong, agile, and fearless little walker! We walk as much as we can when we visit Colorado; usually just the two of us, but sometimes friends or family come along. Whether you live in Denver or travel from sea level, it’s very important to consider altitude when hiking in the Rockies; this applies to both humans and dogs! Alice and I follow short low-altitude climbs for the first few days in Colorado, until we adjust to being a mile above sea level. The summer sun can also be very strong at high altitudes – use sunscreen and pay special attention to black or particularly furry dogs. Even if you only plan to walk a mile or two, bring plenty of water for you and your child! Take frequent breaks and pay close attention to your energy level.
Best Dog Friendly Backpacking Trips
I separate these dog walks into two groups: those within an hour or less by car from Denver, and those within an hour or two from downtown Denver. This is approximate and if you live outside of Denver, drive time may be different! Unfortunately, there aren’t many options for getting around without a car. Some of these hikes involve unpaved, rocky and slightly dodgy paths… so an advanced vehicle is recommended. Also note that your mobile carrier may not support the header. So pay close attention to the directions and your surroundings so you can get back home, even if you can’t connect to Google Maps right away.
Best Dog Friendly Hiking Trails In The Northeast
Especially in the mountains, most of these hikes are only (easily) available from late spring to early fall. Even in June or July, you may experience wet or muddy conditions on the trails as snow settles at higher elevations. You can check recent conditions by checking reviews on All Routes or other sites for the specific route you want to ride.
Run on the snowy ice in the middle of summer and nothing in the melted lake. The hike to the lake is very short, about 3/4 mile, but steep and rocky. However, I recommend continuing around the lake and doing some ice climbing! You can also camp here. There are two parking lots on either side of the trail, which cost $5 cash and there are restrooms in the parking lot.
This four-mile moderate trail is very close to the St. River. Mary’s, and it goes to another beautiful alpine lake. Most of the way to the lake is a service road, but with excellent views. The lake itself is beautiful and you can walk a bit around it, or to the upper lakes if you dare! On a weekday in July there weren’t many people on the road.
Eagle View Trail in Reynolds Park has one of my favorite views! You can see Pikes Peak and many other mountains. There is plenty of shade, access to creeks, and generally not very crowded. I highly recommend this four-mile moderate (sometimes steep as you climb) loop trail near Conifer. Free parking at the Reynolds Park Trailhead, which also has restrooms!
Hong Kong’s Best Dog Friendly Hikes
Alice and I love this park. There are several different routes, all moderately easy: some are for walking only and others for hikers, cyclists and horses. All trails are dog-friendly, as long as dogs are on a six-foot leash. One of the closest trails is the Horseshoe Trail, which passes right past the visitor center. The trail features wildflowers in late spring and summer, as well as wonderful golden poplars and fall foliage in September/October. But it’s worth driving further to Panorama Point, with spectacular views, and taking the Mule Deer Trail or the Raccoon Trail. Pay a $10 day pass to the visitor center (which has bathrooms) when you arrive. You can also camp here!
I hiked this four mile moderate trail with my mom, Alice, and Emmy in early April. The trail was full of snow, so we use Yaktrax studs, which you can wear with your regular hiking shoes/boots. The mountain was very beautiful in the snow – the contrast of the trees against the white ground looked amazing. There are several viewpoints, including one on Mount Evans.
Echo Lake itself is absolutely beautiful, and would make a great stop if you’re driving up Mount Blue Sky (the highest paved road in North America). This trail is really fun, with great views and creek crossings. The trailhead is about an hour from Denver.
The point of view of the continental divide is God’s. It’s quite steep in parts, and you’ll also pass some beautiful hotel ruins along the way! I would park and start here and take the short Fowler Trail to Rattlesnake Gulch Trail for a 3-4 mile hike (depends if you take the circuit or not). There is a $10 car and restroom fee at the Fowler front.
Hiking With Dogs Companion Site: Hiking With Dogs In Sedona
The Flatirons are the natural landscape of the Boulder area. You can walk through Chautauqua Park to reach the first and second floors in a 3.5 mile round trip. It is a moderate to difficult hike, requiring rock climbing near the summit. This may not be possible for most dogs, but progressing to this point is good too. There are many other trails in the park that you can explore as well. Chautauqua always
It gets crowded in the summer, so get there early in the morning or on weekdays if you’re hoping to find a parking spot.
The Royal Arch Trail is also part of Chautauqua Park in Boulder. I would describe this four mile hike as moderate, but it does have some steep sections and large rocks to climb over or around. When you reach the top, you will find a huge and amazing stone arch with views of the Boulder Valley below.
Maxwell Falls is a very popular four-mile hike near Conifer and Evergreen, so parking can be difficult at times—there are two trailheads, one lower and one upper. The trail itself is shaded with beautiful views and waterfalls. Walking is very easy, free parking, no bathrooms.
Dog Friendly Hikes Around Vancouver
This trail is located at Corwina Park in Morrison. It’s an easy three-mile hike that involves an out-and-back trail along the creek that takes you to the Break Creek Trail. Halfway through the circuit you’ll find Panorama Point, which has an excellent view of the Continental Divide. It’s very easy to get to the trailhead and parking is free; although this trailhead does not have restrooms, you can find them at nearby Bear Creek. You can also get to Panorama Point from this route, but if I remember correctly, you’ll miss the access and views of the creek.
Yes, the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater is also a park with some hiking trails. All trails are easy and short, but have excellent views of Denver and the colorful rocks surrounding the park. Don’t wear white – the red dust will leave you a different color than when you arrived, and remember there is no shade on these trails! You can park in the lot and use the gym bathrooms for free (and walk around the stadium, see the Denver skyline), unless there is a concert that day.
This trail is east of Red Rocks and overlooks Red Rocks Park the entire ride! The hike is five miles round trip, with several ups and downs along the way. Our friends Casey (@caseylaynechampagne) and Chessy joined us! The trail was busy Sunday afternoon, although there was still snow in several places in late March. There is a large parking lot, but it was probably three-quarters full when I arrived in the early afternoon. Although there is no restroom on the road, there are two gas stations across the road. The trailhead is on I-70, so you can get further into the mountains very easily from here.
There are several trails in this park in Morrison, about a 30-minute drive from Denver. Be sure to hike the Castle Trail to see the remains of the burned castle, and the Tower Trail to Eagle Eye Shelter and the fire tower for spectacular views. Other paths lead through the forest, near the meadow and to the point
