Dog-Friendly Colorado: Top Destinations to Explore with Your Pet (Part 1)
Dog-friendly Colorado was one of the first road trips I did with Zen, fulfilling my biggest wish to visit the state. It turned out to be even more beautiful than I expected.
Everyone probably knows that Colorado is a land of breathtaking beauty. Majestic snow-capped mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and vibrant autumn foliage paint the landscape with fiery hues. The state boasts numerous hiking trails, vast open spaces, and expansive national parks where dogs can roam and explore alongside their owners.
Many restaurants, cafes, and even breweries in Colorado are dog-friendly. So, let’s dive into our Colorado road trip itinerary!
Day 1. Denver
We began our Colorado adventure in Denver, the vibrant capital that blends cultural attractions with natural beauty. Civic Center Park, located in the heart of Denver, is a perfect starting point. This picturesque park features lush greenery, blooming flowers, and majestic statues, making it ideal for a stroll.
You can continue to 16th Street Mall, which has plenty of lunch/dinner options.
RiNo Art District: Located in the River North neighborhood, RiNo is a thriving hub for street art. Stroll along Larimer Street and the surrounding areas to discover colorful murals, large-scale graffiti pieces, and ever-changing art installations.
You can finish your city sightseeing at Commons Park, a beautiful urban green space in the heart of Denver. This park offers a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling cityscape, featuring scenic views of the river, manicured lawns, and tree-lined pathways. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax, exercise, and enjoy nature.
You can walk along the riverside paths, bike, or picnic in the grassy areas. There are also open spaces for playing frisbee or throwing a ball around.
Day 2. Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Just 15 miles west of Denver, you can visit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, a stunning red rock formation in the Rocky Mountains. The park offers panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape and the Denver skyline.
During non-event days, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado, is dog-friendly and open to the public, and many visitors utilize the venue’s stairs for a challenging workout so that you can exercise with your dog. Even better are several hiking trails around that wind through the picturesque red rock formations. You can explore the trails, enjoying the area’s natural beauty and geological wonders.
Day 3. Hiking day and Vail
Colorado offers plenty of incredible dog-friendly hiking opportunities throughout its diverse landscapes. We chose the South Park 600 to Square Top Lakes, a moderate trail, 4.90 miles long, and an elevation gain of 925 feet. You can find more information about it on the AllTrails app. I chose this trail for several reasons. I enjoy open-area trails with panoramic views; dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas, and it offers stunning views of lakes from the hilltop. The icy lakes surrounded by snow-covered peaks provide excellent photo opportunities.
After hiking, you can enjoy the rest of the day in nearby Vail Village, a mountain town and resort nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It has a charming pedestrian-friendly center, home to a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and luxury hotels.
Find a spot in Garfinkel’s or any other restaurant with a mountain view.
Overall, accommodation in this area is pricey, significantly closer to the fancy skiing resorts. However, I found it worth the drive to Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the United States at an elevation of 10,152 feet. Founded in 1877 during the Colorado Silver Boom, Leadville quickly became one of the country’s largest and wealthiest mining towns, attracting people worldwide. Today, Leadville preserves its mining history with well-preserved Victorian architecture and historic sites. It also offers a few hostels and more affordable accommodations.
Day 4. White River Rafting and Aspen
Make your Colorado road trip a unique experience for your pup, and add rafting to the itinerary.
This COLORADO RAFTING is probably the only option for it. Don’t expect too much adrenaline because rafting is adjusted for dogs, but you can enjoy a beautiful day on the Colorado River with lots of stops and stunning views.
You can finish your day in Aspen. As with all other skiing centers, Aspen is pretty expensive for accommodation, but many options are nearby.
A great dining option is The Tipsy Trout, which has a terrace overlooking the river, quick and friendly service, good food, and dogs are welcome.
Day 5. Aspen and Maroon Bell
Continue with Aspen, a picturesque mountain town located in the Rocky Mountains. Aspen is famous for its exceptional ski resorts. Historic Aspen’s downtown area has historic Victorian buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Just outside Aspen, you’ll find the Maroon Bells, two iconic 14,000-foot peaks among North America’s most photographed mountains. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area offers stunning hiking trails, crystal-clear lakes, and unmatched natural beauty. This area is also home to diverse wildlife, including elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and various bird species. Keep an eye out for these animals while exploring the trails or simply enjoying the serenity of the surroundings.
Reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and related amenities, and you can go to Maroon Bells Reservations.
At the base of the Maroon Bells lies Maroon Lake, a pristine alpine lake renowned for its mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is one of the most visited Colorado trails but is not dog-friendly.
The 3.5-mile Crater Lake trail, with a 688-foot elevation gain, allows dogs on a leash and brings you to beautiful Crater Lake. The course is challenging and rocky, so I recommend a good pair of hiking shoes.
Day 6. Driving to Telluride, Colorado National Monument National Park
Continue your road trip itinerary to Colorado National Monument National Park, a breathtaking national park near Grand Junction in western Colorado. Unfortunately, the park is not dog-friendly at all. Dogs are not allowed on trails, but it could be too hot. However, you can still do Rim Rock Drive, a scenic road that winds through the park, offering spectacular views of the canyons and rock formations. The 23-mile highway provides numerous overlooks and pullouts where visitors can stop to admire the panoramic vistas and take photographs.
Our next destination is Ridgway State Park, a scenic outdoor recreation area around Ridgway Reservoir. Rolling hills and the breathtaking San Juan Mountains surround this picturesque lake. After a long drive, it’s an ideal spot for recreation, where you and your dog can walk, swim, or play fetch together.
Day 7. Ridgway and Telluride
You can shortly stop in Ridgway, Colorado, a charming mountain town, where you can have a cheap lunch in dog-friendly Eatery 66.
Telluride, located in the picturesque San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is a fantastic destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and exploration during the summer months.
Take a ride on the dog-friendly free scenic gondola that connects the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The gondola operates throughout the summer, allowing visitors to appreciate the stunning landscapes differently. Mountain Village is a lovely and fancy skiing/golfing spot, but at least you can find a great coffee near the main square.
Continue with our road trip itinerary at Dog-friendly Colorado – Part 2
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