Looking for dog-friendly hikes in Colorado? We’ve put together a list of great options for every level of hiker, from easy paved strolls to ambitious hiking adventures. Enjoy lakes, waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and the rock formations for which Colorado is famous. And, of course, your dog is welcome to come along. Click the map below for more information on each location, and scroll down to learn about the best Colorado has to offer in dog-friendly hiking.
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Colorado
- The Crags Trail
- Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail
- Mount Herman Trail
- Mohawk Lakes Trail
- Garden of the Gods
- Catamount Trail
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Eldorado Canyon State Park
- West Maroon Trail
- East Lake Creek Trail
1. The Crags Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBumn7WrYM0/?tagged=cragstrail
- a moderate 5-mile hike, with gorgeous mountain views and rock formations
- while you’re enjoying the bristlecone pines, don’t forget to protect your food from the whiskey jack jays (they’ll take food right from your hands)
- dog must be leashed
2. Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXtaDM8AObo/?tagged=palmerlakereservoir
- a moderate 4-mile hike to two mountain lakes
- if you’re looking for a longer hike, continue past the Upper Reservoir to the Swank Trail, which takes you to the Ice Cave Creek Trail and the Cap Rock Loop
- dogs must be leashed
3. Mount Herman Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUw8U82hav6/?tagged=mountherman
- a short but steep trail to the top of Mount Herman
- enjoy views of Monument, Palmer Lake, and the Air Force Academy
- dogs must be leashed
4. Mohawk Lakes Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL7dAH8Dfkj/?tagged=mohawklakestrail
- a moderate, 9-mile round trip trail to lakes, waterfalls, and mountain views
- the trail may get icy in the colder months
- dogs must be leashed
5. Garden of the Gods
https://www.instagram.com/p/BauIA8PFn9O/?taken-at=222183218
- hike your choice of interconnected trails at this free and public park
- enjoy unique red rock formations; in the colder months, come for the beautiful contrast of snow on rock (and some peace and quiet)
- dogs must be leashed
6. Catamount Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaJyeX3nSft/?tagged=catamounttrail
- a moderate 5 to 6-mile trail featuring a waterfall
- past the upper falls, enjoy the Garden of Eden, which is at its most beautiful when the wildflowers are in bloom
- dogs must be leashed
7. Golden Gate Canyon State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/BakuGCJHSqW/?taken-at=908009993
- choose from miles of trails for every level of hiker, featuring forested areas, rock formations and aspen-lined meadows
- this park is a destination for mountain bikers and horseback riders, so take care on the trails
- dogs must be leashed
8. Eldorado Canyon State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/BasMLqGnJnF/?taken-at=332094623
- choose from trails for all levels of hikers, featuring unique rock formations and sweeping views
- this park is a destination for climbers, so bring your gear if you’d like to try a route, or keep an eye out for bouldering spots
- dogs must be leashed
9. West Maroon Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYRa7xIF7XR/?tagged=westmaroontrail
- a difficult 13-mile trail with breathtaking scenery
- you may want to allow two days to do this hike
- dogs must be leashed
10. East Lake Creek Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVQdoKuB5Jv/?tagged=eastlakecreektrail
- a moderate 4 to 5-mile trail with featuring wildflower meadows and two lakes
- along the trail, visit an old mining site
- dogs must be leashed
We hope you and your dog have a fabulous time hitting the trail while you’re in Colorado. However, if you’re too busy to take your pet on a much needed walk, Rover is here to help.
