With a backdrop of mountains, a plethora of red rocks, and countless outdoor activities, Colorado Springs is the PERFECT vacation to bring your pup! Check out these dog-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs that go beyond the dog-park!
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Table of Contents
Where is Colorado Springs Located?
Colorado Springs is located just over 1 hour from Denver, making it the perfect weekend getaway from the big city! You can also fly directly into the Colorado Springs airport, but it will likely be far more expensive (and if you have a small enough dog to fly with).
If you are anything like me, you are willing to drive great lengths in order to bring your pup along…SO here are the driving distances from some “nearby” big cities 🙂
- Amarillo, TX: 363 miles
- Albuquerque, NM: 378 miles
- Santa Fe, NM: 288 miles
- Dallas, TX: 703 miles
- Oklahoma City, OK: 457 miles
Hint: I drove to Colorado Springs from Dallas. You can read the full dog-friendly itinerary here! 🙂
Weather in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs receives mostly mild temperatures but can get a bit chilly in the winter months. Summer brings warmer temperatures, but also the most rain. Fall and spring are met with mild temperature (perfect in my opinion!). Really, there is not a bad time to visit Colorado Springs!
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 43/18
- Spring (March-May): 65/34
- Summer (June-August): 83/55
- Fall (Sept-Nov.): 63/36
- Most Rain: July and August
- Snow: 57.3 inches per year
*Temperatures are averages and reported in Fahrenheit*
Dog-Friendly Things to do in Colorado Springs
MARVEL at the Garden of the Gods
When looking up things to do in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods will be the number one result. BUT it is with good reason.
Garden of the Gods is a 1,300-acre park that is COMPLETLY DOG-FRIENDLY. Miles and miles of trails that you and your pup can enjoy! 🙂
Insider Tip: The main trails near the Visitor’s Center can get extremely busy. If you are looking for a quieter trail, park at the Trading Post and hop on a trail from there. You will still get great views of the park, but away from some of the crowds. Here is a map to help!
Garden of the Gods Quick Facts:
- Physical Address: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
- Nature Center Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9am-3pm, Fri-Sun: 9am-5pm
- Events: Guided Walks, crafts, 5ks, and more!
- Cost: FREE!
Walk across the HIGHEST Suspension Bridge
OKAY this is a very touristy stop, but a COOL dog-friendly stop. You and your pup can walk across the bridge and explore the grounds of Royal Gorge Park. Stop along the bridge to take a picture with your home-state sign and marvel at the gondola soaring over the massive gorge (see below).
Royal Gorge Park Quick Facts:
- Distance from Colorado Springs:
- Physical Address: 4218 County Road 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212
- Hours: Bridge only 8am-10am- Rides and Attractions- 10 am- (4-7pm Depending on Season)
- Cost: Bridge, Gondola, theater, and playland: $23/adult, $18/child, 5 and under free. Additional cost for rides.
- Other things to do: Zipline, sky coaster, theater, playland
Ride the Gondola over the Royal Gorge
HOW COOL IS A DOG-FRIENDLY GONDOLA?! Definitely worth the 1.5-hour drive from Colorado Springs. After walking across the suspension bridge, you and your pup can board the gondola to ride back across the gorge.
Insider tip:: You can get on the gondola before crossing the bridge, or after. We found it to be a much shorter line if you walk across the bridge first, then ride the gondola back.
Drive up to Pike’s Peak
A mountain made for a drive! If you aren’t feeling a 14-mile hike, hop in your car and drive to the top of Pike’s Peak. The drive will take you approximately 2-3 hours, but you will have beautiful views the entire time.
On your way up there will be plenty of room for stops, pictures, and even picnics. If you are feeling extra adventurous, you can book a ride to the top, then rent a bike on the way down!
Pike’s Peak Details:
- Physical Address: 5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, CO 80809
- Cost: 15 dollars per adult, 5 dollar per child
- Hours: Changes depending on season, check current hours here
Tips: Be sure to pack your warm clothes as it will be significantly colder at the top and make sure you have at least a 1/2 tank of gas as there are no gas stations.
Follow along in Thor’s adventures on Instagram!
Take a Hike!
If you didn’t get enough hiking in at Garden of the God’s, there are several other amazing trails in Colorado Springs to choose from. With mountains, red rocks, and magical forest views, you will not be disappointed!
Dog-friendly hikes near Colorado Springs:
- St. Mary’s Falls Trail- 6.3 miles
- Mount Cutler Trail- 1.7 miles
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space (20+ trails of various lengths)
Tip:: Check out Alltrails for all the hiking details!
Explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Another super unique dog-friendly location in Colorado Springs! You and your pup can explore the cliff dwellings AND museum and gift shop. YES, your dog can go INSIDE the museum. That never happens!
Manitou Cliff Dwellings Quick Facts:
- Physical Address: 10 Cliff Dwellings Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Cost: Adults ($12.00 + tax) Children ($7.50+ tax)
- Hours: May, June, July & August 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. March, April, September & October 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.November 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. December, January & February 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. (7 days a week)
Grab a Brew on a Patio
After all of your exploring, you are definitely going to need a plate of nachos and an ice-cold drink. Colorado Springs is home to many dog-friendly restaurants!
Check out BringFido for an extensive list!
Hint: Join our PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP to get all the USA road trip inspiration!
Road trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park
I promise you…your pup will be in their most happy place here! Great Sand Dunes National Park offers over 30 miles of uncharted dunes for you and your dog to explore.
Humans may like to rent a sandboard before getting to the park or pack a picnic to eat on top of the 700 ft dune. Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in the middle of nowhere, so be sure to do some research before arriving.
Great Sand Dunes National Park Quick Facts:
- Physical Address: (Visitor Center) 11999 State Highway 150 Mosca, CO 81146
- Hours: The park is open 24/7, Visitor Center Hours: Fall, Winter, Spring (Labor Day until Memorial Day Weekend): 9:00-4:30 daily Summer (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend): 8:30-5:00 daily- Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Hiking Trails: No designated trails, you are free to explore the 30+ miles of Dunes!
- Other things to do: Stargaze, splash in the creek (summertime), sandboard, hike the nearby Zapata Falls
Dog-Friendly Accommodations in Colorado Springs
I have found that it is getting easier and easier to find dog-friendly accommodations! YAY! I either use HotelsCombined (for hotels) or Airbnb. Both services have an option to filter to show only accommodations that allow pups.
- Eagle Fire Lodge and Cabins- Cute pet-friendly cabins at an affordable price!
- Green Mountain Falls Lodge- Complete with an outdoor tennis court, a rooftop terrace, and a garden with beautiful views!
- Wingate by Wyndham– A budget-friendly option (but does not lack in beauty) complete with free breakfast (my favorite!)
What to pack for your dog for your trip to Colorado Springs
- Doggy Dishes – they are collapsible and easy to pack in the car and on hikes!
- Doggy Boots- not a necessity, but they do protect my pups paws on rocky trails.
- Leash
- Dog Tags
- Collapsible Kennel – just in case you ever have to leave your pup in the Airbnb.
- Seat Cover – trust me. Dog hair does NOT come out of seats. And a good seat cover will save your seats from scratches, mud, and everything else dogs bring.
- Pet first-aid kit – Better safe than sorry. And this is small enough to pack in your hiking pack!
Hint: Check out this post for a full human packing list or this one for a COMPLETE guide to road-tripping with your dog!
Let me know what your favorite dog-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs! If you try any of these, be sure to let me know on Instagram or Facebook!
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