I am SO excited to be starting a new series of THE BEST dog-friendly road trips around the United States. Every week, I will be putting together an ultimate dog-friendly road trip itinerary in a different state. Each itinerary will work around the state in a round-trip manner. This way, you are able to create your own itinerary by picking and choosing the stops at each location depending on interests and time available! You are able to move around days/locations depending on your starting point. I even included a free planning sheet to keep all your ideas organized! I am excited to share the “Ultimate Dog-friendly Colorado Road Trip” list! Happy planning!
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Table of Contents
Create your own Dog-friendly Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
Spotlight 88 Drive In Trip on RoadtrippersTip! Sign up for Roadtrippers here to use this EXACT MAP on your trip. You can adjust accordingly and find other hidden gems you may want to add! Use code:: BTR5QTP to save 5 dollars on your Yearly Subscription…only 20 dollars!
*I have grouped the dog-friendly activities near a major city to have as a “home-base” for several days. From here, you are able to take day trips from the city then move on to the next base.
Denver, CO
Option 1: Denver Ghost Tour
Denver Terrors offers two different ghost tours ranging from 60-90 minutes long. The standard tour features 8 locations around Denver and the extended tour stops at 12! Each tour will keep you entertained and spooked, while touring downtown Denver. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join the creepy tour!
Option 2: Lost Lake Trail Via
Distance from Denver: 44 minutes
Lost Lake via Hessie is a gorgeous hiking trail and one of the best wildflower hikes in Colorado for you and your dog to experience together. As you and your pup make your way to the lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, you’ll pass through endless meadows of wildflowers and a stunning waterfall. The hike a 4 mile out and back, dog-friendly trail located near Nederland, which is accessible year-round.
The hike is relatively easy and lined with gorgeous vistas, which will keep you entertained as you go. After around two hours filled with stunning views, you’ll reach a lake where your dog can frolic around before making your way back to the trailhead. Note that this is a relatively busy trail, so make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds (especially if you’re visiting during a weekend). Moreover, keep an eye out for moose as there are plenty in the area, and make sure your dog is leashed throughout the trail.
Submitted by Meg from Fox in the Forest
Option 3: 88 Drive In Theater
You and your pup can enjoy a movie at this last-remaining original Drive-In theater near Denver. Tickets are only 10 dollars (for one or all three showings) and free for children under 12 years. You can bring your own snacks, but there is also a snack bar on-site with a very affordable menu!
Physical Address: 8780 Rosemary Street Commerce City, CO 80022
Option 4: City Walking Tour
A great starting point to explore Denver. Denver Walking Tours offers FREE tours, private tours, and audio tours throughout the day. The free tour meets at the steps of the CO Capitol Building for a 10 am departure. Throughout the tour, you will cover 1.7 miles in about 2.5 hours and end at the Union Station. You currently do need to reserve a spot on this tour, but can be done easily here!
Option 5: Mount Sniktau
Distance from Denver: 59 miles
Mount Sniktau is one of the best dog-friendly hikes near Denver if you and your pup are on the lookout for a challenging trail and wouldn’t mind peaking a Colorado 13er together. Located along the Loveland Pass ridgeline, this Colorado 13er provides easy access from Denver and offers the most beautiful views of the Continental Divide, Eagle’s Nest Wilderness, and Holy Cross Wilderness! If you happen to visit on a clear day, you’ll be treated to views of Long’s Peak to the north, which is one of the most beautiful mountains in the entire state!
The total round trip is only 3.7 miles, which makes it a great starter if you and your dog are new to climbing mountains and you’re feeling a little hesitant to start on something more substantial. Still, though, it’s considered a challenging hike, so make sure your pup has a decent fitness level and has gone on easier hikes before!
Submitted by Meg from Fox in the Forest
Dog-friendly restaurants near Denver, CO
- Watering Bowl: With live music, a heated outdoor patio, happy hour specials, AND a 3-foot pizza challenge, it’s the perfect place to hang out with your pup!
- Recess Beer Garden: Freshly smoked meats, a large beer, and drink selection, and a large dog-friendly patio.
- Colorado Campfire: A Colorado ranch-to-table restaurant with over 70 local beer choices, Colorado whisky, festive cocktails, and two outdoor patios!
Dog-friendly stays near Denver, CO:
- Cliff House Lodge Bed and Breakfast: A charming pet-friendly bed and breakfast with freshly cooked to order breakfast. Be sure to call first to ensure a pet-friendly room for a 30 dollar a night fee.
- The Crawford Hotel: This historic hotel features 4 restaurants, 2 bars, and beautiful rooms. Located in the LoDo neighborhood, you will be close to all the action! Certain rooms are pet-friendly for a 50 dollar fee.
- Red Roof Inn: If you are looking for a budget-friendly option without forgoing any necessities, a Red Roof Inn is perfect for you! Pets stay completely free AND make sure to use this code (604673) to save 15 percent off! There are 3 Denver locations to choose from!
Keep Reading:: Best Weekend Trips from Denver, Co
Vail, CO
Option 1: River Run
Colorado River Runs has designed a river trip SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR DOG! I mean…how cool is that?! It’s a private tour that can accommodate up to two dogs and eight people. For more information and to book your tour click here! A super unique addition to your dog-friendly Colorado road trip!
Physical Address: 43 CR 111, Radium Colorado, 80423
Option 2: Farmers Market
The Vail Farmer’s Market and Art Show is held on Sundays throughout the summer and early Fall months. There are over 140 vendors to visit and fresh farm-to-table food to taste. Leashed pets are welcome to join you as you shop!
Physical Address: E Meadow Dr, Vail, CO 81657
Option 3: Vail Scavenger Hunt
Let’s Roam has put together an amazing self-guided scavenger hunt. You will explore the art, culture, and history of Vail while taking fun pictures and earning points through their app. Its a perfect way to explore the city with your pup while learning fun facts and getting a bit competitive!
And the best part is that tickets are only 13 dollars per person! Let’s Roam also has the opportunity to buy their Explorers Pass for 20 dollars a month which gives you unlimited access to all their indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts, ghost tours, brewery tours, virtual game nights, and daily challenges! A perfect dog-friendly activity!
Option 4: Turtle Tubing
Open 7 days a week from June to September, Turtle Tubing supplies large towable tubes (with closed bottoms), life jackets, and a shuttle bus. The company recommends a 10:30-11:30 am start for your 2-3 hour river ride to ensure the best weather. The bus even has its own bar to bring drinks along on the ride! If you prefer, you can also book a tour that meets directly at the river. Reserve your tube here!
Dog-friendly Restaurants near Vail, CO
- Moe’s Original BBQ: With a small outdoor patio, you and your pup can enjoy good ol’ fashioned BBQ.
- Blue Moose Pizza: Located in the city’s center, it’s a great place to grab a pizza and people-watch in Vail!
- Garfinkel’s: A large dog-friendly patio with great mountain views!
Dog-friendly Stays near Vail, CO
- Four Seasons Resort: A beautiful resort with the best views. There is an outdoor pool and poolside bar, fireplace and jacuzzi tub in each room, an on-site spa and restaurant, and pets stay free!
- Evergreen Lodge: A perfect stay at a more affordable price. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, and seasonal pool. Pets stay for 40 dollars.
Aspen, CO
Option 1: Shabommee Paddlboard
At Shaboomee Stand Up Paddle Boards, you are able to rent an inflatable paddleboard (complete with a hand pump, life jacket, removable fin, and paddle). You can choose from daily to weekly rentals. The company also offers some tours and classes if you want more of a guided experience.
Here are some locations where you can take your paddleboard after pick up! The website does warn against taking your SUP on rivers unless you are a very experienced paddleboarder. So in this case, stick to the lakes with your pup 🙂 It would be a great way to cool off on your dog-friendly Colorado road trip!
- Aspen: Stillwater/Northstar Preseve, Twin Lakes, Grizzly Reservoir, Lost Man Resevoir
- Basalt, El Jebel/Willits (Ruedi + Chapman Reservoir)
- Carbondale (Beaver Lake, Ruedi, Roaring Fork River)
- Glenwood Springs (Colorado River +Roaring Fork River)
- Marble (Beaver Lake)
Physical Location for Pick up and Drop Off: 340 Reed St, Basalt, CO 81621 (Willits).
Option 2: Crater Lake
If you are looking for the MOST BEAUTIFUL views, head to Crater Lake trail in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. It is a 3.5 miles moderate hike with 688 ft elevation gain. You start the hike at Maroon Lake and end at Crater Lake…giving you the most amazing alpine lake views! Make sure to plan ahead because you do need a permit to hike!
Dog-friendly restaurants near Aspen, CO
- Meat and Cheese Restaurant: Located along Restaurant Row, you will find a dog-friendly patio and you can feast on a delicious meal created from scratch. There is also a shop if you wanted to buy the ingredients to cook back at your accommodation!
- Hickory House Aspen: With a small dog-friendly patio, you can enjoy the best ribs and steaks in Colorado at this festive restaurant!
Dog-Friendly Stays near Aspen, CO:
- Aspen Mountain Lodge: It is no secret that Aspen is EXPENSIVE. Most of the hotels here will cost you close to 500 dollars a night. The Aspen Mountain Lodge is a great option for those who are not willing to spend 1,000 dollars on a place to sleep (hint…me). Your pup is able to join you for 25 dollars!
- St. Regis Aspen Resort: If you are looking for all the luxury (but still leaving a little bit in your budget), you might want to check out the St. Regis Aspen Resort. With beautiful rooms, views, free bicycle rentals, an onsite spa, and many classes you will definitely leave feeling pampered. It is a dog-friendly stay in Aspen for just an additional 25 dollars!
Telluride, CO
Option 1: Telluride Gondala
Come check out the best views of the San Juan Mountains and the town of Telluride on the FREE Gondola. The 13-minute ride takes you to over 10,000 ft about sea-level. Once at the top, you can explore the cutest mountain town. The gondola runs from May 27-October 17, 2021.
Option 2: Downtown Telluride
You and your pup can stroll the charming streets of Downtown Telluride. You will be met with mountain views, many restaurant choices, live entertainment, and all the window shopping.
Option 3: Ridgway State Park
Distance from Telluride: 47 miles
A perfect stop for a picnic or a refreshing swim! Ridgway State Park features a lake, river, beautiful mountain views, and 14+ miles of hiking and biking trails. There are cabins and yurts available to rent as well as tent and RV sites. There are even two pet-friendly Yurts available (numbers 12 and 14)!
Option 4: Bridal Veil Falls
Come marvel at the highest free-falling falls in the state of Colorado! This moderate 4.8 miles hike gains over 1300 ft. in elevation. The trail occasionally closes due to avalanche danger, so be sure to check conditions beforehand.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants near Telluride:
- Tomboy Tavern: Located in Mountain Village, Tomboy Tavern offers a dog-friendly outdoor patio, delicious food, and festive drinks.
- Smuggler Union Restaurant and Brewery: Beer and food and dogs?! Is there anything better?
- Steamies Burger Bar: Grab a unique (steamed) burger while exploring Colorado Avenue (Main Street in Telluride).
Dog-Friendly Stays near Telluride:
- Mountain Lodge at Telluride: A beautiful lodge with all the mountain vibes. You can take in the best views of the gondola and mountains while relaxing in the outdoor hot tub and pool! Dogs stay for 50 dollars.
- The Inn at Lost Creek: A slightly more budget-friendly option (well…budget-friendly for Telluride) is the beautiful Inn at Lost Creek. You will be served a free cooked-to-order breakfast and still have great views. Your dog stays for 25 dollars.
Alamosa, Co
Option 1: Great Sand Dunes National Park
Most National Parks are NOT dog-friendly (here’s some that are), BUT Great Sand Dunes is the PERFECT place for your pup to explore. Great Sand Dunes National Park offers 30+ miles of sand Dunes up to 700 ft high! Here, you can slide the dunes, hike freely, stargaze, horseback ride, backpack, and MORE!
In the summertime, the Medona Creek will be flowing, making it the perfect place to splash around and cool off.
Hint! Be sure to stop and rent a sandboard BEFORE arriving at the park as there is nowhere to rent one inside of the park…and it is in the middle of nowhere. Find Sandboard Rental information here!
Option 2: Hike Zapata Falls
Hike to Zapata Falls- We did not do this hike, but we did read that it requires a long bumpy dirt road to the trailhead and wading through water to get to the falls.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants near Alamosa:
Dog-Friendly Stays near Alamosa:
- Comfort Inn and Suites: Alamosa is truly in the middle of nowhere and there were not many choices. We stayed here and it worked out perfectly to get an early start to the National Park in the morning. It’s definitely a no-frills stay, but it’s all we needed for a short-term stay.
If you are wanting to stay close to the park…
- Pinon Flats Campground: Open April-October, Reservations are open six months in advance/$20 per night. See more campgrounds nearby here!
Keep Reading:: 100 Questions to ask on your next Road Trip (FREE printable to take with you on your next road trip)!
Canon City
Option 1: Royal Bridge Park
A super unique and fun tourist attraction to do on your dog-friendly Colorado road trip! Although not completely dog-friendly, you and your dog are able to walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge, marvel at the sights, tour the grounds, and then head back across on the dog-friendly gondola!
If traveling with a family, you can also check out the zipline, kids center, and shows. You’ll have to leave your pup with a family member on the restaurant patio though!
Option 2: Jeep Tour
Colorado Jeep Tours now allow pups on the tours with advance notice and reservation. Small lap dogs ride free, but large dogs will need to pay a seat fee. You can choose between touring the Royal Gorge Rim, the Red Canyon Park, and/or the 1800’s mining district. There are half and full-day tours available!
Option 3: Tunnel Drive Trail
An easy 3.8-mile trail (there and back) featuring 3 tunnels, epic overlooks (a railroad and river), and other unique rocks and plants. There are doggy bags and bathrooms available at the trailhead. It is a great pit stop on your way to or from Royal Gorge Park!
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Canon City:
- Canon City Brews and Bikes: Colorado brews, bike rentals, and a perfect outdoor beer garden patio! It is a perfect pit stop near Royal Gorge Park.
- Bunk House Burgers: An affordable and delicious spot to grab a burger after a day of exploring!
Dog Friendly Stays in Canon City:
There are not a lot of hotel choices right in Canon City, but it is less than a 1-hour drive from Colorado Springs. If hoping to stay right in Canon City, be sure to use the HotelCombined search engine as it will find the best deals for you!
Keep Reading:: How to Plan the BEST Road Trip (full printable packing list inside)!
Colorado Springs, CO
Stop 1: Garden of the Gods
It wouldn’t be a dog-friendly Colorado road trip without a stop at Garden of the Gods! It’s an amazing FREE park with unique rock features and 1,300 acres to explore.
While exploring you can hike, rock climb, rent a bike, take a segway tour, or join a guided informational hike. The best part about the park is that it is completely dog-friendly.
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!
Stop 2: Manitou Cliff Dwellings
This is a super unique dog-friendly attraction because your pup is allowed everywhere here…even inside the museum! I felt like a rule-breaker the entire time when we were walking around the gift shop LOL.
Anyways, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings are comprised of relocated Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings that you are able to tour and learn more about. You are able to explore the outside and inside of these amazing cliff dwellings. It is 12 dollars to enter and be sure to call beforehand to make sure it is open (it was closed due to weather when we first tried).
Stop 3: Pikes Peak
Have you always wanted to summit those famous Colorado 14er’s WITHOUT hiking it? Pike’s Peak is on of the only 14er’s that allows you to DRIVE to the top. There are many places to stop on the way up to take in the grand views. It takes an average of 2-3 hours and does close for weather so be sure to check on conditions before arriving (the road was closed when we visited). Once at top, you can try to spot 5 different states, grab a snack from the café, explore the visitors center, or grab a souvenir from the gift shop. Be sure to have at least a 1/2 tank of gas before making the trek! A wonderful experience to add to your dog-friendly Colorado Road Trip for only 15 dollars per person.
Find more information here!
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Colorado Springs
- Pub Dog: A super dog-friendly restaurant in Colorado Springs complete with a dog park, dog menu, AND you can even dine inside with your pup!
- Phantom Canyon Brewing Co: A beautiful brewery with all the beer AND delicious food. There is heated outdoor seating for you and your dog to sit year-round.
Dog Friendly Stays in Colorado Springs:
- Garden of the Gods Resort and Spa: If you are looking for luxury for you and your pup, this is your place! With three outdoor pools, a golf course, a full spa, and beautiful views of The Garden of the Gods, you may never want to leave. BUT it will come at a price…there is an additional 200 dollar fee to bring your dog!
- La Quinta Inn and Suites: Also located close to The Garden of the Gods, but at a fraction of the cost! La Quinta Inn’s are perfect for the budget traveler because breakfast is included AND pets stay free!
- The Mining Exchange: If hoping to stay downtown Colorado Springs, The Mining Exchange offers a beautiful building, a pool with a view, and a spa onsite. Dogs stay for a 75 dollar fee.
Click the picture to download your own Dog-friendly Colorado Road Trip Planner for FREE!
Do you have a cool unique attraction to add to this Dog-Friendly Colorado Road Trip list? Let me know on Instagram so I can add it to the post!
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