Best Dog Friendly Hikes In Colorado – I grew up in Littleton, Colorado, and didn’t appreciate the mountains until I moved away. I guess this is normal. We always take things for granted… In college, the flatness of Dallas made me long for the Rockies. And I started spending more time walking and exploring every time I went home, even though I really liked NYC. But I still have to escape to the mountains several times a year.
Alice may be small. (and growing), but he is a strong, agile, and courageous climber! We walk as much as possible when we visit Colorado. Usually only with two people. But sometimes friends or family join us as well. Whether you live in Denver or are traveling from sea level. Keeping altitude in mind when hiking in the Rockies is essential – this is true for humans and dogs alike! Alice and I did several short, low-altitude hikes in our first two days in Colorado. Until we used to be miles above sea level. The summer sun can also be very harsh at higher altitudes – use sunscreen and keep dogs with dark or long hair. Even if you only plan on walking 1-2 miles, bring plenty of water for you and your pup! Take frequent breaks and pay more attention to your energy levels.
Best Dog Friendly Hikes In Colorado
I divide the dog-friendly hikes into two groups: those that are an hour or less drive from Denver. and groups within a one- to two-hour drive from the city of Denver. This is an approximate amount. And if you live outside of Denver driving times can vary! Unfortunately, there aren’t many options for hiking without a car. Some hiking involves rocky dirt roads and quite challenging … Therefore, vehicles with higher clearance are recommended as way points may not be available for your mobile operator. So keep track of your route and surroundings so you can get home even if you can’t connect directly to Google Maps.
Kruger Rock—a Dog Friendly, Early Season Trail Just Outside Estes Park, Colorado
Especially when climbing mountains. Many climbs are accessible (easy) only from the end of spring to the beginning of autumn. Even in June or July wet or muddy conditions can still be found on the trails. This is because the snow sticks to high altitudes. You can check the latest trail conditions by looking at reviews on All Trails or other websites. For a specific path you want to walk
To run around the snow glaciers in the middle of summer and walk in the melting snow lake. The walk to the lake is relatively short, about 3/4 mile, but steep and rocky. However, I recommend walking around. Lake and climb up the glacier bit! You can camp here too. There are two parking lots on either side of the trail. It costs $5 in cash and has restrooms in the parking lot.
This four-mile moderate trail is close to St. Mary’s Glacier Trail and up to another beautiful alpine lake. The route to the lake is mainly a service road. But there is a beautiful sight. The lake itself is beautiful and you can walk a little, or even to the upper lake if you dare! On a weekday in July there are not many people on this route.
The Eagle View Trail in Reynolds Park is one of my favorite overlooks! You can see Pikes Peak and many other mountains, lots of shade, and accessible streams. And usually the people are not very crowded. A moderate four-mile loop trail is recommended. (Sometimes steep on the way up) Near the pine trees Free parking at the Reynolds Park Trailhead, which also has a restroom!
Tips For Hitting Summit County’s Mountain Trails With Your Dog
Alice and I love this park. There are several different routes. All trails are easy to moderate. Some routes are just for walking. and several routes for hikers mountain bikers and horses, all dog friendly trails. As long as the dog has a six foot leash. The closest trailhead is the Horseshoe Trail, just past the visitor center. The trail also features wildflowers in late spring and summer. Including stunning golden aspen trees and fall foliage in September/October. But it’s worth driving a little further to Panorama Point with stunning views and taking mule deer or raccoon trails. Pay a $10 admission ticket at the visitor center. (that has a bathroom) when you arrive You can camp here too!
I did this moderate four mile walk with my mom, Alice, and Emmy in early April. The road is full of snow. That’s why we use Yaktrax traction shoes, which you can use in regular hiking boots/shoes. The mountain is very beautiful in the snow – the contrast of the trees against the white ground looks amazing. There are many points of view. Including one point from Mount Evans.
Echo Lake is quite beautiful and a great place to go if you’re heading to Blue Sky Mountain (the highest paved road in North America). There are both beautiful views. and the intersection of streams The starting point is about an hour from Denver.
The view at the Continental Divide Overlook is spectacular, with a steep incline. And you will pass the ruins of a beautiful hotel. Always on the way up! I will park and start here and take the short Fowler Trail to Rattlesnake Gulch Trail for a 3-4 mile walk (depending on whether you use the loop above or not there is $10 Connecting cars and toilets on the Fowler Trail
Dog Friendly Hikes: Shrine Ridge Trail In Red Cliff, Co
The Flatirons are an iconic backdrop to the Boulder area. You can walk through Chautauqua Park to the First and Second Flatirons on a 3.5-mile loop trail. This is a moderate to strenuous hike that includes rock climbing near the summit. This may not be possible for many dogs. But the walk there is also very nice. There are other routes. There is much more in the park that you can explore Chautauqua as well
In the summer it was crowded. So go early in the morning or on a weekday if you want to find parking!
The Royal Arch Trail is also part of Chautauqua Park in Boulder. I would describe this 4-mile walk as moderate. But there are some steep spots and big rocks to climb/around. When you reach the top you will find a large and dramatic rock arch with a view of Boulder Valley below.
Maxwell Falls is a very popular 4-mile hiking trail near Conifer and Evergreen, so parking can be difficult at times – there are two trails, a lower one and an upper one. Many of the trails are covered with beautiful scenery and meandering waterfalls. The walk is very easy, parking is free, there are no bathrooms.
Tips For Hiking Safely With Your Dog In The Wild
Located in Corwina Park in Morrison, this trail is an easy 3-mile hike that includes an out-and-back trail along the creek that takes you to the Creek Trail break halfway through the loop. You will find a panoramic point that offers a spectacular view of the Continental Divide. There are no bathrooms at this starting point, though. But you can find it on the nearby Bear Creek trail. You can also get to Panorama Point from this route. But if I remember you will lose access / view of the creek.
That’s right, the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater is also a park with many hiking trails. All routes are relatively easy and short. But there is a beautiful view of Denver and the colorful cliffs that surround the park. Do not wear white – the red dust will make you a different color than when you arrived – and know that there is no shade on these trails. You can park your car for free in the parking lot and use the toilet in the stall. (and walk around the amphitheater for a view of downtown Denver) unless there is a concert that day.
This trail is just east of Red Rocks and has views of Red Rocks Park all along the way! The walk is about 5 miles with some ups and downs along the way our friends Casey (@caseylaynechampagne) and Chessy joined us! This route is very crowded on Sunday afternoons. Although some parts are still covered with snow at the end of March. There is a large parking lot. But when I arrived in the afternoon It should be three-quarters full. Although there is no bathroom at the starting point. But there are two gas stations on the other side of the highway. The trailhead is just off I-70, so you can easily walk into the mountains from here!
There are several trails in this park in Morrison. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Denver. Be sure to climb the Castle Trail to see the remains of the castle and the Tower Trail to the Eagle’s Eye shelter and the Fire Tower for a great view of the way through the forest, around the meadow and so on
