Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

8 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Colorado (2025 Guide)

male hiker with siberian husky dog

There are many different dog-friendly hikes in Colorado! If you have a furry friend, there are also plenty of places where you can adventure outdoors with your canine. While different trails have different regulations, there are quite a few dog-friendly, if leash-required, trails that you can enjoy together.

Since each trail has different rules, be sure to check the regulations before you go.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

The 8 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Colorado

1. Garden of the Gods

Address: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Open Times: 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No, dogs must be leashed at all times
  • A National Natural Landmark, featuring stunning rock formations and views
  • Offers a total of 21 miles of trails
  • Visitor and Nature Center available
  • Park also offers other recreation activities, including rock climbing, Segway tours, and yoga classes

2. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

️Address: 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO 811461
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: $25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Off-leash allowed?: No
  • This park includes high sand dunes, up to 750 feet
  • Diverse landscapes to hike through, including grasslands, wetlands, and alpine lakes
  • Dogs only allowed in some sections, so be sure to check
  • Designated as an “International Dark Sky” park

3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

️Address: 9800 Hwy 347, Montrose, CO 81401
Open Times: 24 hours, year-round
Cost: $25 per vehicle
Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Park features steep cliffs, old rocks, and spires
  • Many hiking opportunities, along with scenic drives and overlooks
  • Designated as an “International Dark Sky” park

4. Cheesman Park

️Address: 1599 E 8th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
Open Times: 5 a.m.–11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Historic Park that was once a cemetery
  • Features a 1.5-mile loop trail, as well as playgrounds and picnic areas
  • Neoclassical marble pavilion hosts many different events
  • Park has a haunted reputation

5. Lily Mountain Trailhead

️Address: Estes Park, CO 80517 (on the west side of Colorado Highway 7, about 6 miles south of Estes Park)
Open Times: Year-round (but does get covered with ice)
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Strenuous hike that leads to a summit
  • 4 miles roundtrip with a 1,180-foot elevation
  • Trail passes through a pine and aspen forest
  • Popular spot for birdwatchers, as there are many rare species
  • Known for its wildlife sightings

6. Royal Arches Trail

️Address: Chautauqua Park, Boulder, CO 80302 (on Baseline Road)
Open Times: Daylight hours
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Challenging hike that leads to a natural rock arch
  • 4-mile roundtrip with a gain of 1,469 feet
  • Dogs aren’t allowed at the arch itself
  • Mule deer, squirrels, and chipmunks are common

7. Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes Trail

️Address: Co Rd 800, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Open Times: Daylight hours
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Challenging hike that leads to several lakes and waterfalls
  • 4 miles roundtrip that gains 2,106 feet in elevation
  • Through forests of spruce and fir trees
  • Offers scenic views

8. Waterdog Lakes Trail

️Address: Colorado 81201
Open Times: Daylight
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Moderate hike that leads to two lakes
  • 2-mile roundtrip that gains 1,062 feet
  • Offers scenic views of surrounding mountains
  • Brook trout in the lakes

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Final Thoughts

There are several different dog-friendly hikes available in Colorado. Some of these are rather easy and suitable for a moderate stroll. Others are more strenuous and only suitable for those who are used to hiking.

Many of these trails are home to diverse wildlife and environments. You can see sand dunes, forests, and lakes, for instance. Be sure to check all the regulations before you go, because each trail has different rules.


Featured Image Credit: Osadcha Olga, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

13 Hanukkah Gifts for Dogs & Dog Lovers In 2025

Hanukkah may not be a time to traditionally give gifts to your dog. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t pamper your pooch...

Greyhound Dog: Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Care

The Greyhound is best known for its incredible speed. They can run at up to 40 miles per hour on average, but this...

My Dog Ate Play-Doh: Should I Be Worried? (Vet Answer)

Kids and dogs are often attached at the hip; where one goes, the other follows. Since kids love to share their food with...

Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Washington State in 2025

Dogs are a familiar sight across the U.S.A. They play important roles in our daily lives as both working companions and family members....

More related

Nom Nom Dog Food Subscription Review 2025: Our Expert’s Breakdown

* Nom Nom now offers a free Storage Tub with any subscription purchase It used to be that if you wanted to feed...

7 Vet-Verified Holiday Plants That Are Poisonous to Dogs (With Pictures)

Tis the season for decorations, and for those dedicated to the holidays, nothing adds charm, joy, and life to the space like seasonal...

4 Akita Inu Colors & Coat Patterns (With Pictures)

The Akita Inu, or Japanese Akita, is a large, noble dog with roots in Japan, where they are revered as a national treasure....

Blue Tick Beagle Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

Beagles are a popular and well-known breed of scent hounds that are often used for hunting small game, especially rabbits. They typically have...

Keep reading

Authority Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary If you have a dog, you’re probably constantly searching for foods that will provide your pup with the nutrients that they need for proper development. Since there are various brands on the market, deciding on a particular one...

Dogster_Authority Dog Food Review

10 Best Grain-Free Dog Food in Australia in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Looking for the best grain-free dog food in Australia? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive reviews of the top grain-free dog foods on the market. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian if grain-free is required...

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food new

Can Dogs Eat Bamboo Shoots? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Bamboo shoots are a popular vegetable in many Asian countries and have been enjoyed as a dietary staple for centuries. If you’re cooking with bamboo shoots in your home and your dog steals a bite, or you’re just wondering if...

Can Dogs Eat_bamboo shoots

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Unless you’re using the turkey neck in a tasty gravy, stock, or soup, many of us can’t think of anywhere else to put them besides the trash. It might seem wasteful, but if giblets aren’t your specialty, what’s the point...

Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks

Can You Bring Dog Food on a Plane? 2025 Update & FAQ

Traveling with pets is a stressful experience, and knowing what you can and can’t bring with you is critical to ensuring that your dog receives the best possible care it can get while traveling. You can bring solid pet food...

Bowl of dog food inside the plane

10 Best Dog Foods for German Shorthaired Pointers in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Undoubtedly one of the most versatile hunting breeds in the world, the German Shorthaired Pointer excels at just about every task you put in front of them. These dogs are known for their energy, stamina, and ability to tackle challenges,...

two german shorthaired pointer dogs and a bowl of food

Regular vs Premium Dog Food: What’s the Difference? Vet Reviewed Facts

As consumers demand, manufacturers will supply. Consumers spoke throughout the early 2000s, asking for a more balanced diet for themselves and their pets. The market then exploded with trending phrases like “Premium,” Super Premium,” and “Ultra Premium.” The truth about...

Dogster_Regular vs Premium Dog Food

What Is Crude Fat in Dog Food & How Much Should There Be? Vet-Verified Facts

When feeding your furry canine companion, you want only the best high-quality food containing the best ingredients. When researching the best food, you’ll often run across crude fat in the ingredients and probably wonder what it is or how much...

Black Dachshund dog guarding and eating food