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It’s no secret that Colorado hikers love their dogs. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of trails open to dogs in Colorado, but with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down your list and choose a hike. This list includes the 20 best dog hikes in Colorado that I have personally gone on with my dog Becket.
Best Dog Friendly Trails
Since moving to Colorado in 2016, I spend most weekends in the summer and fall hiking in the mountains, so I have a lot of experience navigating Colorado’s trails. This is by no means an exhaustive list of dog-friendly hikes in Colorado, but I tried to include a good cross-section of some of the best trails in the state with varying difficulty levels.
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With so many hikers and dogs on Colorado’s trails, it’s important that everyone does what they can to minimize their impact on the environment. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when hiking with your dog in Colorado.
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All of the dog-friendly Colorado hikes on this list are on public lands. However, different jurisdictions have different leash laws. Some national forests and wilderness areas require dogs to be on a leash, while others require dogs to be “under control” (meaning on a leash or under close vocal supervision). Some places, such as Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, offer unique programs in which dogs can be given audio and visual cues to walk off-leash. Follow leash laws wherever you walk to keep paths open for dogs.
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If your dog does not have a good memory, he should always walk on a leash. When walking your dog off-leash, you should always have a leash handy or let him swim on a leash if you encounter other dogs or small children. Remember that keeping your dog on a leash while walking helps prevent negative impacts from wildlife and keeps your dog safe.
Ultimately, it is your job as a dog owner to know and follow leash laws. Routes are usually well marked and indicate when a guide is needed, but rules and regulations are subject to change at any time. When in doubt, use this tip!
When hiking with your dog in Colorado, ALWAYS remember to pick up and bag out animal waste. Pet waste is considered a biohazard and is often required by law to be packaged.
Don’t leave waste bags next to the sidewalk. Even if you intend to come back for it, it’s technically nonsense and encourages other people who may not have the same intentions to do the same. Take animal waste back to the end of the trail and dispose of it properly!
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This list features the 20 best dog trails in Colorado. I hiked all the trails on this list with my dog Becket, so they have his support. I intentionally included trails from all over the state along with a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult hikes. When choosing a route, consider your dog’s walking skills and experience.
When it comes to a quick and easy mountain hike for dogs, it’s hard to beat St. Maria Glacier. The trail is less than an hour from Denver, so it’s a great option if you want to hit the mountains but don’t have time for the long commute. From the trailhead, hikers follow a short, wide trail to the lake at the base of the “glacier” (actually a semi-permanent snowfield).
Saint Mary’s Glacier is a VERY popular hike, so don’t be surprised if the trail gets crowded. This means it’s a great hike for people of all hiking skill levels, including families with young children. This is also a great hike for dogs due to abundant access to water, especially in the summer.
Parking Difficulty: Moderately difficult. Parking is on private property and requires a $20 fee. There is plenty of parking, but since this is such a popular hike, the space can fill up when it gets busy.
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Best hiking times: All year round. Get ready for snow on the track this spring. If you want traction in the winter, I recommend wearing mini spikes.
OK, the Garden of the Gods is an entire garden, not a specific path. But this is one of my favorite places to hike with your dog in Colorado Springs, and you really can’t go wrong with any of the trails in the park. Honestly, your route choices will likely be influenced by where you find parking!
One of my favorite hikes in the Garden of the Gods is the Siamese Twins Loop Trail. This is an extremely short hike that leads to a unique rock formation with two towers and a window that perfectly frames Pikes Peak. You can easily switch to other routes to make them as long or as short as you want.
Difficulty parking on the road: Difficult. The Garden of the Gods is a very popular place in Colorado Springs. There are plenty of parking lots throughout the park, but as it can get crowded, it may be difficult to find a parking space. I recommend arriving early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Dog Friendly Us National Parks
Chicago Lakes is the perfect choice for a long hike on an alpine lake near Denver. You cover 18 miles with an elevation gain of about 2,400 feet, so it’s definitely a challenge, but it’s a good training hike if you’re looking for a challenging hike with your dog. Park at Echo Lake and follow the well-marked trail to Chicago Lakes, where you’ll find several alpine lakes with beautiful mountain lodges.
From Chicago Lakes, you can continue climbing to Summit Lake at the base of Mount Blue Sky. Here you will find parking and toilets. From there, you can continue to the summit of Mount Blue Sky, a 14-foot climb in Colorado, for a particularly epic day of hiking (though I wouldn’t recommend doing a hike this big with your dog).
Difficulty parking on the road: Difficult. Parking is quite limited and you are competing for space with people who want to fish or hang out at Echo Lake. I recommend arriving early to get a seat.
Herman Gulch is one of the best hikes near Denver if you’re looking for a dog-friendly trail with amazing mountain views. The trail parking lot is located just off I-70, so it’s easy to access by any vehicle. However, with this accessibility comes crowds. Herman Gulch is an extremely popular hike, especially during peak wildflower season in the summer.
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The trail begins climbing directly from the parking lot, passing through the forest and crossing the tree line. The highlight of the hike is Lake Herman, which can be reached after just over 5 miles of hiking. This is a great place for puppies to explore and run around.
Parking difficulty on road: easy. There is a very large parking lot at the trailhead that is easily accessible directly from I-70.
Is a leash required?: Dogs must be under control at all times. The trail is not located in a designated wilderness or developed recreation area, which is where a leash is required in the Arapahoe National Forest.
You don’t have to go all the way to Arches National Park to find a picturesque arch. The unique rock arch can be seen on one of the best dog hikes in Colorado. Royal Arch in Boulder is the perfect dog-friendly trail if you’re looking for a fun and enjoyable hike. There are several trails to start your walk to the King’s Arch, but most hikes start at Chautauqua Park. There is a large network of trails here, so if you don’t know the area, be sure to download and have a map.
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The beginning of the trail is easy, but as you approach the King’s Arch the trail becomes steeper and rockier, so be ready to get your blood pumping. Once you reach the King’s Arch, you’ll have a beautiful view of Boulder. You can crawl up the rocks behind the arch and enjoy a snack and break before descending.
Difficulty of parking on the road: Very difficult. Chautauqua Park parking lots fill up early, especially on weekends. Be prepared to park nearby and walk to the trailhead. During the summer, the city of Boulder offers a shuttle service to the trail. You can learn more about how the program ran in 2023
