Traveling with your dog can be stressful, but it can also be a fantastic adventure full of fun and incredible memories. Besides, leaving your best furry friend at home tends to be a frustrating and anxious time for both of you. Although you can’t guarantee everywhere you go during your travels will be pet-friendly, you can plan ahead to make sure there are some dog-friendly staples on your trip itinerary. If you’re planning to visit “The Centennial State”, use this Colorado dog-friendly travel guide to start your research and plan a trip both you and your pup can enjoy together.

8 Dog-Friendly Activities in Colorado

Sleeping away from home and trying local flavors can be an adventure all on its own, but why stop there? Why not add some dog-friendly attractions and activities to your trip to add even more excellent experiences? Check out some of these dog-friendly activities in Colorado to see if any are the perfect fit for you and your pooch:

1. Colorado Jeep Tours

Canon City is relatively close to several larger areas, like Colorado Springs and Denver. If you find yourself within its radius, make some time to check out Colorado Jeep Tours. These tours travel to Red Canyon Park, the Gold Belt Scenic Byway, and the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.

They’re a great way to see gorgeous sights in Colorado and they’re dog-friendly! You’ll need to make advanced reservations, but your dog is welcome to join you in the Jeep. If your dog is small enough to be carried and held on the ride, they ride for free. If they’re larger than that, you’ll need to pay the child rate for them, but they’ll be able to enjoy the ride with you.

2. Telluride Gondola

The Telluride Gondola is located in Telluride, Colorado, and is a fantastic way to take in a scenic view as you travel from Telluride to Mountain Village. Not only does the Welcome Center feature several dog-friendly activities, but there are also dog-friendly cabins available for riding the Gondola!

Your dog has to stay leashed at all times, but they are welcome to join you – just look for the dog-friendly sticker on the cabin window. The ride takes about 13 minutes and gives you a chance to relax in comfort while you and your pup enjoy gorgeous mountain and valley views.

3. Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad

If your travels take you near Leadville and you like trains, carve out some time to check out the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad. Trains run from the end of May to the beginning of October.

Your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed, well-behaved, and comfortable. You and your furry best friend can relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery, take walks throughout the train, and even visit the “gift shop car” to get a drink from the water bowls set up there.

4. Glendale Farm Open Space Dog Park

You don’t get much more dog-friendly than an off-leash dog park! If you find yourself near Castle Rock and you want to give your dog a chance to run off-leash, the Glendale Farm Open Space Dog Park should be a stop on your list.

This fully-fenced dog park features 17 acres where your dog can run off-leash and there is even a small agility training course! Plus, once your dog is done running, you can put the leash back on and then go for a short 1.6-mile hike on the Glendale Farm Trail.

5. Royal Arch Trail

If you and your dog have some hiking experience under your belt and find yourself near Boulder, the Royal Arch Trail could be the perfect activity for you. This trail is 3.2 miles long, tends to average about 4 hours, and gets you close to the vertical face of the Flatirons.

Your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed. The last bit of the trail can be difficult as it is a rocky vertical hike, so you may want to skip this attraction if your dog isn’t an avid hiker or won’t be up to the task. If you do end up taking on this hike with your dog, make sure you plan well, check the weather, get familiar with the route, bring plenty of water, and other tips for hiking with your dog.

6. McCullough Gulch Trail

Should your travels take you near Breckenridge, you and your dog can explore the McCullough Gulch Trail. This trail is a round-trip of 6.2 miles if you do the whole thing. Because the route type is out and back, you can go as far as you feel like going before turning around to come back.

The beginning is mostly flat with slight elevation where you’ll pass the lower falls. About 1.6 miles in, you’ll reach the Upper Blue Reservoir and be treated to views of the nearby waterfalls.
From here, you can turn around and go back to your car or continue another 1.2 miles or so above the timberline. The trail sees moderate traffic and your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed.

7. Chautauqua Park

If you want to build some scenic walks into your trip plan and your travels will bring you to Boulder, set aside some time to explore Chautauqua Park. This scenic hiking area features a variety of trails, all with stunning views of the flatirons and surrounding scenery.

Your dog is welcome to join you on the trails as long as they are leashed. Make sure you check the weather and trail difficulty before you go, pack plenty of water for both you and your dog, and bring some waste bags to clean up after your pooch. There is a visitor’s center with water available at the bottom of the trails, but it’s still a good idea to supply your own water in case you need it.

8. Colorado River Runs

Do you and your dog love outdoor adventures on the water? If so and your travels will bring you near Bond and Radium, consider booking a guided river rafting tour with Colorado River Runs. This company offers guided rafting trips on the Colorado and Eagle Rivers.

And, they have options that are perfect for families and for dogs. The trip for dogs is private and limited. It can accommodate up to 8 people and 2 dogs. There is no weight limit on dogs; they have done trips with dogs from Dachshunds to Great Danes.

They’ll plan a river trip that sticks to light rapids and builds in plenty of places where dogs can run and swim. Life jackets are provided for both people and for dogs. Just make sure you have a printed copy of the directions to follow. This outfit is in the backcountry and the surrounding mountains make GPS unreliable.

5 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Colorado

After a long day of exploration and adventure, you and your dog will need a place to relax and rest for the night. Not all hotels are friendly to pets, but these dog-friendly hotels in Colorado are a good place to start your research:

1. The Lodge at Breckenridge

If you’re planning to stay overnight in Breckenridge, consider staying at The Lodge at Breckenridge. This is a picturesque lodge and spa with incredible mountain views. And, it’s dog-friendly – they even have a dog “working” on-site! His name is Dagen and he is the Director of Pet Relations.

Two dogs of any size are welcome to stay with you. There is a pet fee, which is an additional $50 per night. You’ll get a treat for your dog upon check-in. In case you need them, the front desk also has mats, bowls, and treats available for purchase. There is a grassy relief area on site complete with a waste station in case you forget waste bags in your room.

Your dog cannot be left unattended in your room, so if you have to go somewhere and you can’t bring them with you, you’ll have to figure out a sitter, a doggie daycare, or a boarding service for them. The front desk may have some recommendations, but you’ll want to make sure you have this figured out and planned ahead of time.

2. Quality Inn & Suites Silverthorne

Another hotel option to consider is the Quality Inn & Suites Silverthorne. Located in Silverthorne, this Quality Inn & Suites is dog-friendly, offers great views, and has several amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

You are welcome to bring along up to two dogs up to 40 pounds to stay with you. If your dog is bigger than that, you can try to reach out to the manager for approval, but it may be better to book a room somewhere else.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $20 per night and per dog. There is also a grassy relief area on site complete with a waste station in case you forget waste bags in your room. You cannot leave your dog unattended in your room.

3. Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder

Should you need to stay overnight in Boulder, take a look at the Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder. There are a few different Residence Inn locations in and around Boulder. The pet policies vary slightly between them, so make sure you are reviewing those for the location you’re considering for a reservation.

For the Residence Inn location on Center Green Drive, up to three dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $75 per stay. You’ll get great views while staying in a prominent location close to shopping, food, and just about anything else you may need.

Plus, your dog can be left unattended in your room provided they are well-behaved and quiet when you are not around. Water bowls and treats are available at the front desk if you need them. There are also a few different grassy areas on site. They have trash cans, but you’ll need to bring your own waste bags.

4. The Colorado Chautauqua

If you will be planning to stay in Boulder and explore Chautauqua Park anyway, consider reserving a pet-friendly cottage on the grounds. There is an additional pet fee, which is $25 per night for up to two dogs. For a longer-term stay, this is the pet fee for up to 14 days with a maximum $300 fee for any given stay.

You can have more than two dogs, but you will need to rent a two-bedroom or larger cottage and pay an extra $15 per night for the third dog. Refundable deposits are required for stays longer than 14 nights. You cannot leave your dog unattended in the cottage for any reason and you are responsible for any damages caused by them. If you need them, there are also pet sitting, grooming, and veterinary services nearby.

5. Woodland Motel

Should you need to stay overnight near Salida, consider booking a room at the Woodland Motel. They have room rentals available as well as efficiencies and condo rentals. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. There is no additional pet fee. Also, food and water bowls will be provided in the room.

If you’re exploring Salida, the Woodland Motel is located less than a mile from downtown. You’re also within walking distance of several trails, the Arkansas River, and plenty of restaurants, shops, and more.

5 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Colorado

As you and your dog travel, you’ll need to get some food. Sure, you can bring your own, stop at gas stations, and grab fast food. But, why skip out on the local flavor if you don’t have to? If your travels bring you near one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Colorado when you need a bite to eat, be sure to check them out:

1. Pub Dog Colorado

If you are in Colorado Springs around mealtimes, make sure you stop at Pub Dog Colorado. This restaurant allows you to eat inside the restaurant with your dog, instead of only on an outdoor patio. Because it operates a little differently to be able to do this, it is considered a “membership club.”

You don’t have to apply ahead of time or anything like that; there will just be a small membership fee added to your bill for being able to use the facilities. Just make sure you review the Pub Dog rules & policies before you go, so you and your dog can fully enjoy this unique experience.

There are two dining areas, one for people without dogs and one that is dog-friendly. Between signature drinks and plenty of appetizers and entree options, you’re bound to find options you can’t wait to try. Not only can your dog hang out inside with you, but there is also a special doggie menu featuring delicacies like pupsicles, bacon, soup, dog bones, carrots, and more. At this restaurant, you and your dog can both enjoy a delicious meal together.

2. The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Located in Estes Park is The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern. This inn boasts a rustic and Western style with a restaurant that serves some delicious comfort food.

From Buffalo burgers and pan-seared trout to pizza, steak, hot wings, and more, there is something on this menu for every taste. Plus, they have covered patio seating where your dog is welcome to hang out with you.

3. Forest Room 5

Forest Room 5 is a dining experience located in Denver. This restaurant serves up American cuisine from crispy calamari to Colorado beef filet to smokey mac ‘n’ cheese and more. With a varied menu, there is bound to be an option for everyone. In addition to the gorgeous indoor decor, they also have a beautiful patio with seating where dogs are welcome.

4. Empire Burger

If you’re in Breckenridge and feeling peckish, consider swinging by Empire Burger for some of the best burgers in Breckenridge. Their menu features the burgers they’re known for as well as a variety of appetizers, assorted sandwiches, and salads.

You can get drinks from the bar, complete with seasonal specials, cool off with some fresh-squeezed lemonade, or treat yourself with one of Empire’s shakes and malts. Make sure to check out the sauces available and try some of the various dips for the fries! And, if you like fish tacos, you won’t want to miss out on your chance to try Empire’s!

There is a convenient grassy relief area nearby and your dog is welcome to join you on the patio. Just be aware that it is a busy area and there will be a lot of people passing by the patio area. If this will be too distracting for your dog, then it might be better to get the food to go or pick somewhere quieter for your meal.

5. Motherloaded Tavern

Also in Breckenridge is the Motherloaded Tavern. This place is known for having a fun, goofy atmosphere, delicious food, and a seasonal dog-friendly outdoor patio. This restaurant features a menu full of options for everyone’s taste. Local favorites include fried chicken and waffles, cheese egg rolls, beef chili, salmon fish and chips, and more.

The outdoor patio is open from Memorial Day through October 1st and your dog is welcome to join you for a meal outside when the patio is open. Water is provided and there is even a “Pup Menu” with some food and treat options perfect for your pooch.

Plan a Dog-Friendly Trip to Colorado

Although this Colorado dog-friendly travel guide is a great start, it certainly doesn’t cover everything. If you find something else you want to do or see, just make sure it’s dog-friendly or that you have a plan for your dog before it makes it into your trip plan.

With a dog-friendly travel guide on your side, you and your dog can travel confidently and know that wherever you go will welcome you both with open arms. Here’s to safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails, no matter where your adventures take you!