Our Pro Guide to Dog-Friendly Vacations in Colorado
Thinking of a getaway with your furry best friend? Colorado is a paradise for dogs and their owners, offering everything from mountain trails to city adventures. But a truly great trip requires more than just finding a pet-friendly hotel; it requires planning, preparation, and a well-behaved travel companion. This guide will walk you through the best destinations and activities for dog-friendly vacations in Colorado, along with essential tips to make your trip a huge success.
The Ultimate Guide to Planning Dog-Friendly Vacations in Colorado
Colorado is famous for being a dog-friendly state but knowing where to go and what to do can be overwhelming. This guide is your roadmap to a stress-free and fun-filled adventure. We’ll cover everything from the best destinations and accommodations to essential training tips to ensure your pup is a perfect travel companion.
The Best of Dog-Friendly Vacations in Colorado: Top Destinations
Colorado offers a variety of experiences, from rugged mountain peaks to bustling city streets, and each is ready to welcome you and your canine companion.
Mountain Escapes
For the adventurous duo, Colorado’s mountain towns offer endless opportunities for outdoor fun.
- Breckenridge: This ski town is a year-round destination for dogs. In the summer, you can ride the dog-friendly gondola for incredible views, explore miles of hiking trails, and grab a beer at a pup-friendly brewery like Broken Compass Brewing. The Lodge at Breckenridge and the Residence Inn by Marriott Breckenridge are known for their accommodating pet policies.
- Telluride: Known for its stunning scenery, Telluride is also exceptionally dog-friendly. Your pup can join you on the free gondola, explore the River Trail, which runs through town, or take on a more challenging hike like the popular Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail.
- Aspen and Ouray: These picturesque towns offer a blend of outdoor beauty and charm. You can find dog-friendly trails and parks in and around both towns, as well as several pet-friendly hotels like The Little Nell in Aspen, which even offers a “Puppy Jet Lag” kit for your furry friend.
- Steamboat Springs: Known for its world-class skiing, Steamboat is equally welcoming to dogs in the summer. The Yampa River Core Trail is a perfect, dog-friendly path that runs through the heart of town, offering beautiful scenery and easy access to local parks and shops. You and your pup can also ride the dog-friendly gondola to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views and access to hiking trails. Many local restaurants and breweries, like Mountain Tap Brewery, have patios that welcome dogs.
Urban Adventures
If you and your dog prefer the city, Colorado’s major metropolitan areas have plenty to offer.
- Denver: The Mile High City is a haven for dog lovers, with numerous parks, off-leash areas, and a booming brewery scene. Pups are welcome on the patios of countless breweries, including favorites like Denver Beer Co. and Great Divide Brewing Company. You can also visit one of the many dog parks or explore the pet-friendly patios in the Cherry Creek North shopping district.
- Boulder: Nestled at the base of the Flatirons, Boulder is an outdoor-lover’s dream. Leashed dogs are welcome on many city trails and on the patios of popular restaurants and breweries. The Rayback Collective is a popular spot with a large dog-friendly beer garden.
Choosing the Perfect Pet-Friendly Hotels in Colorado and Stays
Finding the right place to stay can make or break your trip. It’s important to research pet policies, fees, and amenities before you book.
Pet Friendly Hotels Colorado and Resorts
Many popular hotels in Colorado are known for being exceptionally accommodating to pets. Be sure to check for specific fees and weight limits.
- The Little Nell (Aspen): A luxurious option that treats pets like royalty with welcome packages and a pet-friendly room service menu.
- The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs): This historic resort offers a pet program with amenities like a special doggie door hanger and walking paths.
- The Catbird Hotel (Denver): A quirky, modern hotel known for its extensive pet-friendly amenities, including a rooftop patio.
- The Lodge at Breckenridge: Features a “Paw-fect Package” with doggie treats and a toy, along with designated pet-friendly rooms and a doggie restroom area.
[Pro Tip: Before you hit the trail, download the AllTrails app and use the “dog-friendly” filter. Be sure to read recent reviews for trail conditions and download the map for offline use.]
Cozy Cabins and Vacation Rentals
For a more secluded or spacious option, renting a cabin or a vacation home can be a great choice. Websites like Airbnb and VRBO have pet-friendly filters, and you can often find rentals that offer a fenced yard for your dog to run and more privacy than a hotel room.
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Colorado
Colorado’s diverse landscape means there’s an activity for every type of dog.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities:
As we already mentioned, we are the hiking state! CO offers countless dog-friendly hikes. Before you go, ensure your dog is conditioned for the hike and has plenty of water. Trails like Mount Falcon Park near Morrison offer a great workout and stunning views of the city. For a more leisurely stroll, the San Miguel River Trail in Telluride is a scenic option that follows the river. You can also paddleboard or kayak with your dog at Lake Pueblo State Park (looks like a mini Lake Powell!), Evergreen Lake, or Dillon Reservoir.
Dining and Socializing:
Colorado’s culture embraces bringing your pup along for a meal or a drink. Many restaurants and breweries have dedicated outdoor patios where dogs are not just tolerated, but welcomed. In Denver, you can explore the patios of breweries in the RiNo Arts District or find a local gem in the suburbs.
Annual Dog Pool Days:
As the summer comes to a close, many cities host special dog-only pool events. These popular events are a fantastic way for your dog to cool off and socialize.
- Paws for a Dip in Thornton: This event at the Thornton City Pool is a fun day for pups to swim and play.
- Dog-a-Pool-Ooza in Denver: Held at Berkeley and Cook Park Pools, this event offers multiple sessions for dogs to splash and play.
- Pups at the Pool in Pueblo: City Park Pool opens its doors for two sessions on September 2, offering dogs a chance to swim and play.
- Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day: Water World in Federal Heights transforms into a doggie water park for one day in September, with several sessions available for pups to enjoy the pools and water features.
Get Your Dog Travel-Ready with BlackPaw Dog Training
A fun dog-friendly vacation in Colorado starts with a well-behaved dog. A well-socialized and obedient dog is a joy to travel with, but a dog that pulls on the leash, freaks out in the car, or has poor manners can turn a great trip into a stressful one. BlackPaw Dog Training can help with these 3 big things:
1. The Power of Modern E-Collar Training for Dogs
When you hear “e-collar training,” you might picture old, harsh shock collars, but modern e-collars have come a long way. These are sophisticated training tools that provide a gentle, precise way to communicate with your dog. They utilize safe, low-level stimulation that feels more like a light tap or a vibration, designed to get your dog’s attention, not to cause pain. For a traveling dog owner, this opens up a world of possibilities:
- Reliable Recall: Imagine the peace of mind knowing your dog will come back to you every time, even with distractions in a new park.
- Off-Leash Freedom: Safely explore trails and open spaces with your dog confidently off-leash, knowing you have consistent control.
- Enhanced Safety: A well-trained dog with reliable recall skills is a safer dog, reducing the risk of accidents with cars or other animals.
At BlackPaw Dog Training, we specialize in humane e-collar methods that prioritize clear communication and building a strong bond. We use the tool to guide and reinforce desired behaviors, ensuring your dog’s comfort and well-being are always the top priority.
2. Socialization and Leash Etiquette
Before your trip, it’s important to socialize your dog to prepare them for new people, dogs, and environments. You should also consider desensitizing your dog to travel and new experiences to reduce anxiety. Lastly, understanding dog body language can help you recognize and address stress signals on the road.
3. Our Programs for Every Dog’s Needs
BlackPaw Dog Training offers a range of programs designed to prepare your dog for any situation, from a simple trip to the dog park to a cross-country adventure.
Get instant relief from frustrations with your puppy and give them training that you will enjoy for a lifetime. Our puppy camp includes potty training, bark management, nipping deterrence, general obedience, and other common nuisances—all of which are essential for a smooth first trip with your young pup.
This comprehensive training program is perfect for busy families! Your dog will learn all the skills needed to be a well-behaved and enjoyable companion. We create a positive relationship between dog and family, resulting in a happy family and a confident dog that can handle any travel situation.
Does your dog have more serious behavioral problems? This program is designed to help rehabilitate dogs with fear, anxiety, and aggression. For a dog that struggles with new people or environments, this program can be a life-changer, helping them build the trust and confidence needed to enjoy a vacation without stress.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
With the right preparation and knowledge, you can create a memorable and stress-free dog-friendly vacation in Colorado. Remember, a well-trained dog is a happy traveler, ready to explore new places and make new memories with you.
Ready to get your pup travel-ready? Contact BlackPaw Dog Training today to enroll in our programs and ensure your next adventure is a