Ericka Liam
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It’s no secret that Colorado hikers love their dogs. Colorado has hundreds (if not thousands) of trails open to dogs, but with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down and choose a hike. This list includes the top 20 dog friendly hiking trails in Colorado that I have personally explored with my dog, Beckett.
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Since moving to Colorado in 2016, I spent most of my weekends hiking in the mountains in the summer and fall, so I have a lot of experience navigating Colorado’s hiking trails. That’s by no means an exhaustive list of dog-friendly hikes in Colorado, but I’ve done my best to include a good cross-section of some of the best in the state at various levels of difficulty.
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With so many hikers and dogs on Colorado’s trails, it’s important that everyone does what they can to reduce the impact on the environment. Here are some important tips to remember when hiking with your dog in Colorado.
The Seven Leave No Trace Principles are a set of guidelines to help people make responsible decisions in the outdoors.
The member run Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy nature with awareness. This copyright notice is published with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Foreign Ethics: www.LNT.org.
This list contains all dog-friendly trails in Colorado that are on public land. However, different jurisdictions have different rental laws. Some national forests and wilderness areas specifically require dogs on a leash, while others require dogs to be “under control” (either on a leash or under strict voice control). Some places, such as Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, have unique programs in which dogs can use loud and visual cues to help keep them on a leash. Please follow leash laws where you are hiking to keep dog trails open.
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If your dog does not have a good memory, it should always be kept on a leash. You should always have a leash handy when hiking with an off-leash dog, or swim if you encounter other dogs or small children. Remember, keeping your dog on a leash while hiking helps prevent negative wildlife encounters and keeps your dog safe.
Ultimately, it is your responsibility to know the dog’s owner and follow leash laws. The trails are usually well marked and you should know when tricks are required, but the rules and regulations can change at any time. If in doubt, use a chain!
Remember to pick up and pick up a pet pup when hiking with your dog in Colorado. Pet waste is considered biohazardous, which is why it is often required to be packaged by law.
Don’t leave poop bags at the edge of trails. Even if you have every intention of going back to her, it’s technically rubbish and encourages other people who don’t have the same intention to do the same. Take your pet poop with you to the trail and dispose of it properly!
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This list includes the twenty best dog friendly trails in Colorado. All the tracks on this list have been reviewed with my dog Beckett, so they have their seal of approval. trails from all over the state are included, a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult hikes. When choosing a trail, consider your dog’s hiking ability and experience.
For a quick and easy hike in the mountains, it’s hard to beat Glacier Saint. Maria The trailhead 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 to drive far. From the start of the trail, hikers follow a short and wide trail to the lake under the “glacier” (made of semi-permanent snow).
Glacier St. The Mary Glacier hike is very popular so don’t be surprised if the trail gets packed. Plus, it’s great hiking for people of all hiking abilities, even families with small children. It is also a great walk for dogs, as there is plenty of access to water, especially in the heat of summer.
Difficulty of parking on the trail: moderate-difficult. Parking is on private land and requires a $20 fee. There is plenty of parking available, but because this is a very popular hike, the parking lot can fill up when it is busy.
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Best time for hiking: All year round. They are prepared for snow on the roads during the spring. I recommend micro pegs if you are hiking in the winter.
Well, the Garden of the Gods is a whole park, not a set of paths. But it’s one of my favorite places to hike in Colorado Springs and you really can’t go wrong with any of the park’s trails. In fact, your choice of trail will probably be influenced by where you can find parking!
One of my favorite hikes in the Garden of the Gods is the Siamese Twin Trail. It is a very short trail that takes hikers to a unique rock with two towers and a window that perfectly shapes Pikes Peak. You can easily make it as long or as short as you want on other trails for a hike.
Difficulty of parking on the track: Difficult. Garden of the Gods is a very popular destination in Colorado Springs. There are several parking lots throughout the park, but since they can get crowded, you may have trouble finding a free space. I recommend arriving early in the morning to beat the crowds.
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Lake Chicago is a perfect choice for a long hike next to an alpine lake near Denver. You’ll cover over 11 miles with about 2,400 feet of elevation gain, so it’s definitely a challenge, but it’s a great hike if you want to go for a hard walk with your dog. Park at Echo Lake and follow the well-marked trail to Chicago Lakes, where you’ll find a pair of alpine lakes in a beautiful mountain basin.
You can continue climbing from Chicago Lake to the summit of the lake to the base of Blue Mountain. Here you will find parking and sanitary facilities. From there you can continue hiking to the top of Blue Sky Mountain, Colorado 14’er, for an extra epic day of hiking (although I wouldn’t recommend that big of a camel with a dog).
Difficulty of parking on the track: Difficult. Parking is pretty limited and you’re sure to spot people fishing or walking around Echo Lake. I recommend arriving early to secure a seat.
Herman Gulch is one of the best hiking trails near Denver if you’re looking for a dog-friendly trail with mountain views. The trailhead parking lot is right off I-70, so it’s easily accessible by any vehicle. But with such an approach comes congestion. Herman Gulch is a very popular hike, especially during the summer flower season.
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The trail begins to climb outside the parking lot as it travels through the woods and above the tree line. The highlight of the hike is Lake Hermann, which you will reach after a one-mile hike. This is a great place for puppies to explore and run.
Difficulty of parking on the track: Easy. There is a large parking lot at the trailhead that is easily accessible right off I-70.
Leash Required?: Dogs must be under control at all times. The trail is not in a designated wilderness area or developed recreation area where trails are specifically required in the Arapahoe National Forest.
You don’t need all of Rainbow National Park for a scenic hike. A unique rock formation can be seen at one of the best dog trails in Colorado. Royal Arch Rock is the perfect dog trail if you’re looking for good exercise and a fun hiking destination. There are several trails from which you can hike to the Royal Arch, but most hikers start at Chautauqua Park. The beam of the net is wide, so if you are unfamiliar with the area, make sure to download the map and bring it.
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The start of the trail is an easy walk, but as the trail gets steeper and rockier as you approach the Royal Arch, it’s ready to get your blood pumping. When you reach the Royal Arch, you get a great view of the rock. You can walk behind the arch to the rocks to enjoy a taste and break before it comes down.
Difficulty of parking on the track: Difficult. The parking lot at Chautauqua Park fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Get ready to park nearby and walk to the trailhead. The city of Boulder offers shuttle service to the trailhead in the summer. You can learn more about how the program will be done in 2023
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