Top 10 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Colorado
Looking for Colorado hikes you can bring your furry friends along on this summer? I have been hiking with my dogs in colorful Colorado for over six years now, and have certainly learned the best spots to go! Luckily, a lot of Colorado is dog-friendly. But dog-friendliness doesn't always equate to the most ideal trails for your pup. There are certain elements + terrains you may want to avoid if your dog is coming along, such as:
Trails with little shade
Trails with no water sources (especially true for longer trails)
Trails with scrambling
Trails longer than 10 miles (depending on the health of your pup)
The following list of trails are ones that you can feel good about bringing your pup along on! *Most trails in Colorado do require your dog to remain leashed so be sure to come prepared with a leash and bags to dispose of their waste*
Location: Near Idaho Springs
Distance: 2.5 miles out + back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: Just over 1,000 feet
Features: A lake, a glacier in the winter, forest, and the ability to continue past the lake to longer, more strenuous hikes.
Considerations:
There is a parking lot for this trail but you will need to bring cash to pay the small parking fee.
Up until late May, there is potential for snowy/icy conditions on the roads to get there, and on the trail itself.
Be aware of the lake conditions when the seasons transition. Do not walk or let your dog walk on the lake if you're not 100% sure it is fully frozen and safe.
Location: Near Empire
Distance: 5.5 miles out + back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: Roughly 1800 feet
Features: Expansive views, a small waterfall, forest, and a river.
Considerations:
There is no official parking lot, so go early, especially on weekends
The road to the trailhead is bumpy
Location: Near Nederland
Distance: 4 miles out + back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: Roughly 800 feet
Features: Forest, a small waterfall, a lake, and seasonal wildflowers.
Considerations:
Until late May, prepare for ice, snow and mud on the trails
This is a VERY popular trailhead, so you'll want to arrive very early
This area can also be used for backpacking, camping and fishing
Location: Near Nederland
Distance: 2.6 miles out + back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: Roughly 400 feet
Features: Forest, multiple lakes, and seasonal wildflowers.
Considerations:
Is a great kid-friendly and dog-friendly hike
This is a VERY popular trailhead, so you'll want to arrive very early
Potential for wildlife spottings and lots of mosquitos
Until late May, prepare for ice, snow and mud on the trails
Location: Near Fort Collins
Distance: 8 mile loop
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation gain: Roughly 2400 feet
Features: Forest, a river, small dog swimming holes at the top, and incredible views.
Considerations:
Due to the elevation gain, length, and small amount of scrambling, be sure your dog is fit enough for the challenge
Sometimes quite windy at the top
Location: Near Evergreen
Distance: 4.5 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: Roughly 800 feet
Features: Forest, small waterfalls and a river.
Considerations:
Limited parking lot and tends to fill up because of close proximity to Denver
The falls may be frozen from December-May
Wooded for most of the trail
You will be very close to the town of Evergreen - head into town after for a bite to eat and to enjoy the quaint little mountain town!
Location: Near Sedalia
Distance: 5.5 mile out + back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: Roughly 500 feet
Features: Forest, a very ideal for dogs to play in, some scrambling, and canyon views.
Considerations:
This area of Colorado tends to have a desert-like microclimate. Check the weather, but prepare for heat. For this reason you'll want your pup to swim in the river as often as possible
This is a big fishing area, so be respectful of fisherman
If your pup can't handle a little bit of scrambling, this may not be the best option
Parking can fill up semi-quickly so be prepared for that
Location: Near Breckenridge
Distance: 6.5 mile out + back
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Elevation gain: Roughly 1600 feet
Features: Forest, a river, a lake, expansive views, a small waterfall, some scrambling, and seasonal wildflowers
Considerations:
To park at this trailhead, you will need a reservation through https://www.parkquandary.com/. You can also find out about the shuttle system through that website if you don't get a reservation in time!
Be prepared for several creek crossings
Possible snow and ice until June
Location: Silver Plume
Distance: 7.5 mile out + back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: Roughly 1800 feet
Features: Forest, a river, a lake, expansive views, and seasonal wildflowers
Considerations:
This trail lies within Arapaho National Forest, which does experience seasonal closures. Be sure to check before you go!
You will go above tree-line, so prepare for potential windy conditions
The trailhead can get very crowded in the summer, so arrive early
10. Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail
Location: Silver Plume
Distance: 4 mile out + back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: Roughly 1000 feet
Features: Forest, a river, a lake, expansive views, a small waterfall, and seasonal wildflowers
Considerations:
High clearance vehicle recommended to reach the trailhead
Typically done in summer months, but also used for snowshoeing
Can be quite windy above the tree-line
Parking fills up quickly on weekends
Happy Trails to you + your pup! Enjoy!
Bradee
