The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Colorado for You and Your Adventure Pup

Colorado boasts over 40,000 miles of hiking trails, winding through stunning landscapes of majestic mountains, vibrant wildflowers, and sparkling lakes. With 42 state parks and 4 national parks to explore, there’s an adventure waiting for every outdoor enthusiast – and that includes your furry best friend!

This guide showcases the top 10 dog-friendly hikes in Colorado, offering trails for all abilities and showing off the diverse beauty of the state. So, pack your pup’s essentials, lace up your boots, and get ready to hit the trails with your four-legged companion!

What Makes a Dog-Friendly Hike?

Before we unleash the exploring, let’s consider what makes a hike suitable for our canine adventurers. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Leash Regulations: Leash laws vary by trail. We’ll highlight leash requirements in our hike descriptions, but be sure to double-check before you go.
• Dogs Allowed: Some trails don’t allow pups to join you. This is especially true for places like Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
• Terrain Difficulty: Choose a trail that matches your dog’s fitness level. Consider factors like elevation gain, distance, and the presence of obstacles or steep inclines.
• Water Availability: Colorado’s sunshine is glorious, but it can also lead to dehydration. Look for trails with access to natural water sources or pack plenty of extra water for your pup.
• Shade: Especially during hot summer days, prioritize trails with lots of trees, streams, and lakes to keep your dog cool and comfortable throughout your journey.

Anytime you venture out into the outdoors with your pup, you both want to be prepared. If you don’t think your pup is ready for a long hike due to any behavior issues, a dog training camp may be a great option for you.

Our 10 Favorite Dog-Friendly Hikes in Colorado

While we could go on and on about how beautiful this state is and all the amazing dog-friendly hikes Colorado boasts, we are going to keep it simple and stick to our top 10.

Blue Lakes Trail

It may seem basic since this is one of the most sought-after hikes in the US.. but that’s for a good reason! Blue Lakes Trail is located near Ridgeway, Colorado, and is open year-round. Dogs are welcomed here and are even allowed to be off-leash in some areas. This incredible trail showcases 3 alpine lakes with one of Colorado’s 14ers, Mount Sneffels, in the backdrop. This is not an easy hike. Humans and dogs alike who are from out of town and are not used to the elevation may have a hard time with this strenuous elevation gain over such a short distance.

Length: 8.7 miles

Elevation gain: 2,509 ft

Difficulty: Hard

Dog info: Off-leash in some areas with voice command control.

Lake Isabelle

Another one of Colorado’s classic dog-friendly hikes is Lake Isabelle via the Pawnee Pass Trail near Ward, CO. While reservations are required (and sometimes tricky to get) to hike this trail, you’ll understand why after you hike it! This is one of the best wildflower hikes in Colorado with waterfalls, 3 alpine lakes, and lots of wildlife like moose, bears, elk, and marmots. You and your pup will have plenty of shade, water, and views to keep cool. As we mentioned, there is a lot of flora and fauna to be seen on this trail. It’s important to keep your pup on a leash at all times to keep them and all of the precious ecosystem safe from harm.

Length: 6.6 miles

Elevation gain: 672 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Dog info: Must stay on a leash.

Royal Arch Trail

Now this hike is a workout with some cool views. Located in Boulder, CO, Royal Arch is a very popular trail. With a challenging incline, tons of shade, and a cool arch rock formation, this hike is worth the sweat. Some months of the year, there is a waterfall and river to let your pup cool off in. This trail is also part of Boulder’s Sight and Sound program, which means you can have your dog off-leash in some areas if you’ve completed their program. While this hike is only over 3 miles long, it is like being on a stair climber as you ascend up and up the 1,404 feet in elevation!

Length: 3.3 miles

Elevation gain: 1,404 ft

Difficulty: Hard

Dog info: Sight and sound program dogs may be off-leash in some areas.

Emerald Lake

We’ve told you 3 moderate and difficult hikes, so we decided to share an easy one with you. Emerald Lake is near Crested Butte and is only 1.7 miles and relatively flat. But for not a lot of “bang,” you sure get a lot of buck! Dogs have to be on a leash, but that won’t stop them from romping around in the lake with epic views of Gunnison National Forest all around you. Something to note is you need a high-clearance vehicle to make this trek and hikers have commented on Alltrails to just add a mile to your hike instead of trying to drive to the trailhead!

Length: 3.3 miles

Elevation gain: 49 ft

Difficulty: easy

Dog info: Must be kept on a leash.

St. Mary’s Glacier

A classic must-see Colorado hike, for a reason! With less than a mile to the top, you can get your sweat on for an absolutely breathtaking view. You and your on-leash dog will have a great day any time of year on this hike. With plenty of shade, a hidden waterfall, a huge crystal-clear alpine lake, and only about an hour from Denver, the $15–$20 parking fee is worth it. In warmer months, we recommend following the trail to the top of the glacier for even better views of the alpine lake and Rocky Mountains!

Length: 1.6 miles

Elevation gain: 528 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Dog info: Must be kept on a leash.

West Maroon Trail

As far as dog-friendly hikes in Colorado go, this one-way, 10-mile trek has it all! While you need a reservation for overnight permits (unless you plan to hike 20.6 miles in a day) it’s totally worth it. With alpine lakes, birding, views, rivers, wildflowers, and wildlife, letting your dog off-leash for most of the hike makes it even better. This hike is near Marble, Colorado with the best times to visit in July through September.

Length: 10.3 miles

Elevation gain: 2,247 ft

Difficulty: Hard

Dog info: Can be off-leash in some areas

Loch Lomond Trail

Wow, another hike, another pup, another alpine lake! This spot is great for snowshoeing until the snow melts in late June. Located in Empire, Colorado, this hike is moderately challenging and very popular. Bring your dog and his leash, because he’ll need to be kept on it throughout the hike. Visitors boast of seeing wildflowers, rivers, great views, and a lake worthy of a cold plunge. Dogs will love it and so will you

Length: 4.6 miles

Elevation gain: 902 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Dog info: Must be on a leash.

Mount Bierstadt Trail

It wouldn’t be right of us to make a Colorado dog-friendly hikes list, and not mention a 14er. So here it is! Mt Bierstadt is considered a hard hike with huge elevation gains. Dogs are welcome but you’ve got to keep Fido on a leash. Before submitting your first 14er, we suggest doing loads of research and asking some locals for tips. They can be as dangerous as they are beautiful!

Length: 7.2 miles

Elevation gain: 2,736 ft

Difficulty: Hard

Dog info: Must be on a leash.

Mayflower Gulch Trail

For those looking for a moderate challenge, Mayflower Gulch Trail offers beautiful wildflower meadows (especially in summer) and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Keep your pup on a leash and be mindful of wildlife encounters on this trail. This hike is located near the popular ski town of Breckenridge, so you can combine your outdoor adventure with some mountain town charm.

Length: 6.6 miles

Elevation gain: 2,847 ft

Difficulty: Hard

Dog info: Must be on a leash.

Echo Lake to Idaho Springs Reservoir

This scenic out-and-back trail offers stunning lake and mountain views for you and your pup. Starting at Echo Lake, the trail provides a moderate climb with some rocky sections. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash for their safety and the safety of other hikers. The reward at the end is the beautiful Idaho Springs Reservoir, a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery after your hike. This trail is a popular choice for its accessibility and beautiful views, making it a great option for dog owners of all experience levels.

Length: 4 miles

Elevation gain: 761 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Dog info: Must be on a leash.

What to Pack on Your Colorado Hike

Knowing what to pack is essential, especially in the Colorado wilderness. We’ve compiled a list to keep you and your dog safe on your next hike.

For Your Dog:

• Leash: A must-have! Choose a comfortable leash that allows for control but also some freedom for your pup to sniff around (on leash-permissible trails, of course).
• Harness: A well-fitting harness provides comfort and control over a collar, especially on hikes with the potential for rough terrain.
• Poop bags: Leave no trace! Pick up and pack out your dog’s poop. If there are no trash cans at the trailhead, pack it out in your car.
• Collapsible water bowl: Hydration is key, especially at Colorado’s high altitudes. A collapsible bowl clips easily onto your backpack for easy access.
• Dog first-aid kit: Be prepared for minor scrapes or cuts with a basic first-aid kit for your dog. Include items like antiseptic wipes, bandages, tick tweezers, and an airlift for emergencies.
• Cooling bandana: For hot summer days, a cooling bandana can help keep your pup comfortable. Soak it in water before your hike and re-wet periodically.
• ID tag with phone number: Ensure your dog has a current ID tag with your phone number in case they get separated from you on the trail.
• Glow collar/tag (optional): For hikes with low-light conditions, a glow collar or tag can help with visibility.
• Food and treats: Pack enough food and treats for your dog based on the length and difficulty of the hike.
• Dog backpack (optional): If your dog is comfortable wearing a backpack, you can distribute some of the weight (food, water bowl) and make them feel like they’re contributing to the adventure.
• Airtag or tracking device: For long backpacking trips or even day hikes, we recommend putting an Airtag or other type of tracking device on your pup. This will help you locate them if they get lost in unforeseen circumstances like bad weather, avalanches, animal attacks, etc.

For You:

• Plenty of water: Hydration is crucial for you too! Pack enough water for yourself based on the hike’s length and weather conditions.
• Snacks: Fuel your adventure with energy-rich snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or fruits.
• Sunscreen and hat: Protect yourself from Colorado’s strong sun with broad-spectrum sunscreen and a hat.
• Sunglasses: Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the sun’s glare, especially at higher altitudes.
• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots: Choose footwear with good ankle support and traction for the specific terrain of your chosen hike.
• First-aid kit: Pack a basic first-aid kit for yourself to address minor injuries like blisters or scrapes.
• Navigation tools: A map and compass (or a GPS device) are essential for staying on track, especially in unfamiliar territory. Knowing how to use them is crucial. We always make sure to download the trail we are hiking on an app like Alltrails.
• Cell phone with case: A charged cell phone allows you to call for help in case of emergencies – and for the 200 pictures you’ll take of your dog along the hike.
• Weather-appropriate clothing: Colorado weather can change quickly. Layer your clothing with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell.
• Pack cover: A pack cover protects your backpack and its contents from rain or unexpected showers.

More Tips on How to Enjoy Your Dog-Friendly Hiking in Colorado

Train Your Dog for the Trail

A well-trained dog will be a joy to hike with, both on leash and off-leash (in designated areas). Basic obedience commands like “heel,” “sit,” “stay,” and “come” will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your pup, as well as other hikers on the trail.

Off-leash Considerations:

If you choose a hike with off-leash sections, ensure your dog has excellent voice control and recall. Be mindful of other hikers and leash your dog when necessary.

Leave No Trace

Respect the beauty of Colorado’s trails by following Leave No Trace principles. This includes picking up after your dog, staying on designated trails, and minimizing your impact on the environment. For more detailed information, visit the official Leave No Trace website: Link to Leave No Trace website

Know Your Limits and Check the Weather:

Be honest about your and your dog’s abilities. Choose trails that match your fitness levels and consider the high altitude when planning your hike. Always check the weather forecast before you go, especially in Colorado’s unpredictable mountain climate.

Make Time for the Mountains

Colorado’s mountains offer a breathtaking backdrop for adventure, and there’s no better way to experience it than with your furry best friend by your side. Exploring dog-friendly trails strengthens your bond with your pup, provides them with exercise and mental stimulation, and allows you to create lasting memories together.

Remember, responsible dog ownership is key to keeping these trails beautiful for everyone. Respect fellow hikers, follow Leave No Trace principles, and embrace the chance to connect with nature. Colorado’s majestic peaks await – so lace up your boots, grab your backpack, and hit the trail with your canine companion!