Best Dog-Friendly Getaways in Colorado for Adventurous Dog Parents
Colorado is a paradise for dog lovers, thanks to its access to outdoor adventures, plentiful dog-friendly accommodations, a dog-loving culture, and tons of pet-friendly businesses including dog-friendly breweries and restaurants.
This fantastic combo of dog-friendly amazingness creates the perfect environment for both locals and visitors to enjoy life with their dogs by their side. Colorado offers something for every kind of dog mom or dad, making it an ideal destination for those who consider their dog part of the family.
Table of Contents
- Why Colorado is the Best Destination for Dog-Friendly Getaways
- Best Dog-Friendly Places to Visit in Colorado
- Year-Round Dog-Friendly Adventures in Colorado
- Essential Travel Tips for Dog Owners Visiting Colorado
- Photo-Worthy Moments to Capture with Your Dog
- Book a Dog Photography Session While on Vacation
Why Colorado is the Best Destination for Dog-Friendly Getaways
With its sprawling mountains, scenic lakes, and dense forests, Colorado offers a wide range of landscapes perfect for exploring with a dog. From heart-pounding mountain trails to relaxing lakefront strolls, there are endless ways to enjoy the outdoors together. Bringing your dog along enriches your experience, allowing both of you to enjoy Colorado’s beautiful terrain.
To make the most of your trip and ensure a smooth experience, it’s always a good idea to thoroughly research dog-friendly accommodations and activities in advance. And I’m to help you do just that.
Let's dig into some of the top dog-friendly getaways across this great state!
Best Dog-Friendly Places to Visit in Colorado
Here are some of the top dog-friendly destinations in Colorado that offer an unbeatable combination of incredible scenery and dog-friendly things to do.
Aspen
Why Go: Primarily known as a premier ski destination, this area is beautiful year-round. Aspen offers plenty of pet-friendly trails and activities.
Highlights: Maroon Bells (on-leash hiking trails with breathtaking mountain views), Rio Grande Trail, dog-friendly patios at local eateries.
Stay: Limelight Hotel Aspen is a popular pet-friendly choice with no extra pet fees.
Boulder and the Flatirons
Why Go: With trails right in town and a dog-loving community, Boulder is a convenient option for adventurous dog owners.
Highlights: Chautauqua Park, Mount Sanitas, and the Boulder Creek Path (dog-friendly, mostly on-leash).
Stay: Hotel Boulderado welcomes pets and offers easy access to Boulder's iconic trails and pet-friendly downtown.
Crested Butte
Why Go: Known as the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado," Crested Butte is a fantastic summer getaway with tons of trails and off-leash hikes.
Highlights: Snodgrass Trail, Upper Loop Trail, and Long Lake for swimming. Dog-friendly cafes in town make for a cozy après-hike option.
Stay: Elevation Hotel and Spa is pet-friendly, located near popular trailheads.
Durango
Why Go: Southwest Colorado’s mix of desert and mountain landscapes offers diverse hiking opportunities.
Highlights: Animas River Trail, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (with pet-friendly options), and nearby trails.
Stay: There are many dog friendly cabins, hotels and vacation rentals available in the area, giving easy access to both outdoor activities and Durango’s historic downtown.
Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
Why Go: Estes Park is dog-friendly, though Rocky Mountain National Park has extremely limited access for dogs.
Highlights: Leashed dogs are allowed on the Estes Lake Trail, and Lily Mountain Trail is nearby. Many cabins in Estes Park allow pets, offering a good base for exploring the area. However, Estes Park doesn’t have as many dog-friendly trails as in other parts of Colorado.
Stay: Murphy's River Lodge is pet-friendly and close to the lake trail.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Why Go: Home to some of the tallest sand dunes in North America, this unique landscape is both beautiful and dog-friendly.
Highlights: The sand dunes are open to leashed dogs, and Medano Creek (usually at its fullest in May) is a great spot for them to cool off.
Stay: Oasis Campground nearby allow pets and offer easy access to the dunes.
Lake Dillon and Summit County
Why Go: Beautiful lake views and a range of dog-friendly water activities.
Highlights: Paddleboarding and kayaking on Lake Dillon (some rentals allow dogs), hiking the Sapphire Point Overlook, and trails around Frisco and Breckenridge.
Stay: The Lodge at Breckenridge offers pet-friendly accommodations with nearby hiking options.
Loveland Pass
Why Go: A high-mountain pass with panoramic views and great trail options.
Highlights: Trail options at Loveland Pass summit, pet-friendly skiing at nearby Arapahoe Basin in winter.
Stay: Nearby in Keystone, Dillon or Breckenridge, where many places allow pets.
San Juan Mountains (Ouray, Telluride, and Silverton)
Why Go: Stunning mountain scenery, dog-friendly hiking trails, and plenty of pet-friendly accommodations make this area a must-visit.
Highlights: Bear Creek Falls Trail in Telluride, Blue Lakes Trail, and free gondola rides between Telluride and Mountain Village that welcome leashed dogs.
Stay: The Hotel Telluride is pet-friendly and within walking distance of trails and dog-friendly restaurants.
Steamboat Springs
Why Go: With both hot springs and expansive trails, Steamboat is an ideal dog-friendly mountain town.
Highlights: Fetcher Park for off-leash play, Fish Creek Falls for scenic hikes, and Yampa River Core Trail.
Stay: Nordic Lodge welcomes pets and provides a convenient base for exploring the town.
Year-Round Dog-Friendly Adventures in Colorado
So now that we’ve covered all of the great places to visit with your dog, what are you going to do when you get there? Colorado’s natural variety offers endless opportunities for dog-friendly adventures, whether you’re hiking, splashing in a lake, or enjoying winter’s snowy trails. When hiking, be mindful of trail difficulty and terrain be sure to choose trails that are safe for your dog’s size and energy level, and look for trails with shaded sections and access to water (Colorado can get really hot in the summer). For water-loving dogs, Colorado’s dog-friendly lakes, such as Lake Dillon, are perfect for swimming or paddleboarding together on a warm day.
As winter sets in, don’t let the cold stop your adventures! Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are fantastic winter activities you can enjoy with your dog. Just remember to keep your pup warm, hydrate frequently, and use protective gear for their paws if needed.
With these tips in mind, you and your dog can enjoy Colorado anytime of the year!
Essential Travel Tips for Dog Owners Visiting Colorado
Packing Essentials for Your Dog
Traveling with your dog is all about being prepared! Make sure you pack the essentials to keep your dog comfortable and safe throughout your trip. Bring a leash (along with a backup), collapsible bowls for food and water, a pet first aid kit, extra towels for messy adventures, and I like to bring an extra large bedsheet or two to protect hotel beds and furniture.
If you plan to hike or spend long days outdoors, include items like a cooling vest for hot days and booties to protect their paws from rough terrain or hot surfaces.
Safety Tips
Staying safe is also key. Remember that Colorado’s high altitude can be challenging for both you and your pet—monitor your dog for signs of altitude sickness, such as excessive panting or lethargy, and take plenty of breaks. Hydration is essential (even in the winter), especially in Colorado’s dry climate, so keep fresh water accessible.
Pet Etiquette in Nature
Practicing good trail etiquette helps keep these spaces dog-friendly: follow leash rules, pick up after your dog, and keep them from disturbing wildlife. Respecting these guidelines helps preserve the natural beauty of Colorado’s outdoor spaces for everyone.
Photo-Worthy Moments to Capture with Your Dog
Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes create the perfect backdrop for capturing special moments with your dog. As you hike through wildflower-filled meadows or climb up rocky overlooks, be sure to snap a few photos of your adventure.
Trails like Maroon Bells, with its iconic mountain peaks and reflective lake, and the sweeping views at Loveland Pass, are just a couple of the picturesque spots where dogs look especially photogenic. If you’re traveling during winter, snowy trails like those around Breckenridge provide a magical setting for photos.
For those looking to fully capture their experience, consider booking a professional dog photographer. A pro can ensure you get beautiful, high-quality images that showcase both you and your dog immersed in Colorado’s stunning scenery. Capturing these memories will let you relive this unforgettable adventure long after you’re back home.
Book a Dog Photography Session While on Vacation
Exploring Colorado with your dog can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences, and with a bit of planning, you’ll have everything you need for a safe, memorable trip.
For those seeking a lasting memento of your adventure, consider booking a photo session to capture you and your dog in Colorado’s most beautiful settings. A professional dog photographer can help bring these moments to life, allowing you to celebrate the bond you share in one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the world!