Best Dog Friendly Backpacking Trips – I grew up in Littleton, Colorado and didn’t really appreciate the mountains until I moved. I think it’s normal – we take things for granted that are constant… In college, the flatness of Dallas drove me to the Rockies, and every time I came home, I started spending a lot more time walking and I discovered curry. And now, although I love New York City deeply, I have to escape to the mountains several times a year.
Alice may be small (and growing), but she’s a strong, agile and fearsome little creeper! When we visit Colorado, we hike as much as possible – often just the two of us, but sometimes friends or family join us. Whether you live in Denver or travel inland from sea level, it’s important to be aware of the altitude when hiking in the Rockies – this applies to both humans and dogs! For the first few days in Colorado, Alice and I would take short hikes at low elevations until we got used to being a mile above sea level. The summer sun can also be very intense at higher altitudes – use sunscreen and be extra careful with dark or furry dogs. Even if you only plan to walk a mile or two, bring plenty of water for you and your pup! Take frequent breaks and check on their energy levels.
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I divide these dog-friendly hikes into two groups: those that are an hour or less drive from Denver and those that are an hour or two drive from downtown Denver. These are approximate, and if you live outside of Denver, driving times may vary! Unfortunately, there are not many opportunities to walk without a car. Some of these hikes involve paved roads that are rocky and a bit bumpy… so a high clearance vehicle is recommended. Also expect that the trailhead may be out of service for your cell phone provider! So pay attention to your directions and surroundings so you can get home, even if you can’t connect directly to Google Maps.
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Especially high in the mountains, many of these hikes are only (easily) accessible from late spring to early fall. Even in June or July, you can find wet or muddy conditions on the roads as the snow continues to the higher elevations. You can check the latest trail conditions by checking reviews on All Trails or other websites for the specific trail you want to hike.
Running around snowy glaciers and wading in melting snow lakes in the middle of summer. The hike to the lake is very short, about 3/4 mile, but steep and rocky. I recommend going a little further around the lake and onto the glacier! You can also camp at this site. There are two parking lots on either side of the trail that are $5 cash, and there are restrooms in the areas.
This moderate, four-mile trail is very close to St. Most of the way to the lake is a service road, but with beautiful views. The lake itself is beautiful and you can take a small walk around it or if you dare go to the upper lakes! On a weekday in July, there were not many people on the road.
One of my absolute favorite overlooks is the Eagle View Trail in Reynolds Park! You can see Pikes Peak as well as many other mountains. There’s plenty of shade, some creek access, and it’s usually not too much. This four-mile moderate elevation (sometimes elevated) loop trail at Conifer is highly recommended. Free parking at the Reynolds Park trailhead, which also has restrooms!
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Alice and I love this park. There are many different trails, all easy to moderate – some are only for walking and some for hikers, mountain bikers and horses. All trails are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a six-foot leash. One of the nearby trails is the horseshoe trail that runs past the visitor center. The trail features wildflowers in late spring and summer, plus incredible golden rocks and fall foliage in September/October. But it’s worth going a little further to Panorama Point with its stunning views and taking the Deer Mule or the Raccoon Trail. Pay for a $10 day pass when you enter the visitor center (which has restrooms). You can even camp here!
I hiked this four mile moderate trail in early April with my mom, Alice, and Amy. The trail was full of snow, so we used Yaktrax traction laces, which you can pull over your regular hiking shoes or boots. The mountain was beautiful in the snow – the contrast of the trees against the white ground looked amazing. There are several viewpoints, including one from Mount Evans.
Echo Lake itself is beautiful and a great stop when driving up Blue Sky Mountain (the highest paved road in North America). The trail is really fun with beautiful views and river crossings. The route is about an hour from Denver.
The views from the Continental Divide Overlook are divine. It’s quite steep in parts, and you’ll pass some hotel ruins along the way! I would park here and start and hike the short Fowler Trail 3-4 miles to the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail (depending on whether you take the loop to the top or not). There is a $10 fee per vehicle and restroom on the Fowler Trail.
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The Flatirons are the iconic scenery of the Boulder area. You can hike through Chautauqua Park to reach the First and Second Flatirons on a 3.5 mile trail. This is a moderate to difficult hike that requires some bouldering to the top! This may not be possible for many dogs, but walking to that point is also nice. There are other trails in the park that you can also explore. Chautauqua rather
It gets busy in the summer, so if you want to find a parking spot, go early in the morning or on weekdays!
The Royal Arch Trail is also part of Boulder’s Chautauqua Park. I would describe this four kilometer hike as moderate, but there are steep spots and large rocks to climb. Once you reach the top, you will see amazing views of the massive rock arch and boulder valley below.
Maxwell Falls at Conifer and Evergreen is a very popular four-mile hike, so parking can be difficult at times – there are two trails, down and up. The trail itself is mostly covered with beautiful views and cascading waterfalls. Very easy walk, free parking, no toilets.
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The trail is in Corvina Park in Morrison. It’s an easy three mile hike that includes switchbacks along the creek that takes you to the Break Creek Trail Loop. Around the loop you’ll find Panorama Point, which has a great view of the Continental Divide. Access to the trail is very easy and parking is free – although there are no restrooms along the trail, you will find them near the Bear Creek trailhead. You can also go to Panorama Point from this trail, but you will lose access/view of the bay if I remember.
Yes, the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater is also a park with several hiking trails! The trails are all very easy and short, but offer great views of Denver and the colorful cliffs surrounding the park. Don’t wear white – the red dust will give you a different color than when you came in – and know that there are no shadows on these paths! You can park in the parking lot and use the amphitheater bathrooms for free (and walk around the amphitheater, and the view of downtown Denver), unless there is a concert that day.
This trail is east of Red Rocks and has views of Red Rocks Park along the way! The hike is about five miles out and back, with some ups and downs along the way. Our friends Casey (@caseylaynechampagne) and Chase joined us! Although it was still partly snowy at the end of March, the trail was very busy on Sunday afternoon. There is a large parking lot, but it was probably three-quarters full when I arrived in the early afternoon. Although there are no bathrooms along the way, there are two gas stations on the other side of the highway. The trailhead is just off I-70, so you can easily get into the mountains from here!
About a 30 minute drive from Denver, this park in Morrison has several trails. Be sure to check out the Castle Trail to see the remains of the burned castle and the Tower Trail to the Eagles Eye Shelter and Fire Tower for great views. Other paths lead you through the forest, around the meadow, and up to a point
