Fantastic dog friendly weekend getaways near Denver
Looking for a dog friendly vacation near Denver?
Even though Denver may be one of the most dog friendly cities in the US, there are even more great places to explore nearby. If you are are planning a weekend getaway with your pup, we teamed up with fellow travel bloggers to show you some intriguing spots. These could be great new experiences for you and your dog. We hope you unleash some great memories at one of these dog-friendly weekend getaways near Denver!
Crested Butte
From Sonia of Carey On Travels
Why Crested Butte is a great weekend dog friendly vacation near Denver
Best For: Riverside wildflower hikes, dog-friendly patios and outdoor concerts, dog friendly cross country ski trails
Crested Butte, known for its wildflowers in summer and skiing in winter, is an ideal destination for those traveling with a dog. In summer, hiking and mountain biking through the stunning wildflowers are two of the most popular things to do in Crested Butte. The Lower Loop trail is an easy-moderate hiking trail that runs along the Slate River, giving plenty of opportunities for a swim along the way. Judd Falls is another favorite dog hike, ending in waterfalls. As an added bonus, dogs can join their people in exploring the nearby Gothic ghost town after the hike.
Despite being in land-locked Colorado, there are many opportunities for fishing and water sports. Paddleboarding along the Slate River or on Lake Irwin are peaceful and quite dog friendly. Don’t forget to bring a doggie life jacket! Blue Mesa Reservoir, a short drive away, is an incredibly dog friendly spot to go hiking, fishing, or even just to spend the day at the beach.
In winter, dogs enjoy a portion of the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, as long as they have a season pass. For those looking for a break from their active adventures, dive into the history of Crested Butte with a pet friendly walking tour.
After a busy day exploring the outdoors, visitors and their dogs can enjoy eating at one of the many dog-friendly restaurant patios and going to an outdoor concert. There is no shortage of dog-friendly lodging options, whether bed & breakfasts, hotels, or vacation rentals.
Our experience: why we think this is one of the best dog friendly weekend getaways near Denver
We like to start each day in Crested Butte with a doggie walk down Elk Avenue for our morning coffee. In winter, our favorite activity with our dog is cross-country skiing on the trails at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. Dogs are allowed on some of the trails if they have a season pass. They can be off leash if they are under sight control.
Our dog loves coming along with us, but he gets little ice balls in his paws. He now wears booties on his feet so that he can join us for a ski. The doggie season pass is also a great souvenir from our vacations!
In summer, our dog enjoys the many hiking trails along the Slate River and mountain streams. Paddleboarding down the Slate River or at Lake Irwin are personal favorites as well. At the end of a long day of exploring, relaxing on the patio at Secret Stash pizza is a great way to wrap up the day with our dog.
Keep in mind that downhill skiing at Mt. Crested Butte is not dog friendly. There are highly rated doggie daycare places in town such as “Oh Be Dogful Pet Ranch” in case you’d like to go skiing for the day.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
From Shannon Lee of Love Like Wild
Why Great Sand Dunes National Park is a great dog friendly getaway
Best For: dune surfing, wide open spaces, dog-friendly national park, unique landscapes
Many United States National Parks have a lot of limitations for dogs, but Great Sand Dunes National park remains an amazing option for dog and nature lovers. The park is located just around 4 hours from Denver, Colorado, and is famous for its incredible sand dunes that dominate the park. It definitely is one of the more unique dog friendly getaways near Denver. You and your dogs will love running around in the sand and exploring the unique terrain.
This park is a great option for dog owners because all of the easily accessible and main attractions of the park allow dogs on leash. In the park, dogs are allowed up to the top ridge of the first main dune which is the main area of the park. In front of the main ridge of towering dunes are many smaller dunes that you and your dog can run around and even sand board down if you are feeling adventurous and your dog is small enough to hold in your lap!
Dogs are not allowed to continue past the first major ridge-line into the dune backcountry where it could become too hot for them.
Our experience: why we think this such a unique weekend getaway with a dog
I brought my dog to Great Sand Dunes National Park mid-summer. We chose to go during the late afternoon hours when it was starting to cool off, and the sand felt cool on our feet and her paws! She absolutely loved exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park and sniffing around. The environment is extremely unique and make for great enrichment for your dog. The sand dunes were a new experience, and she loved sprinting up and down them. It is worth noting that the sand can get very hot during the mid-day hours, so be sure to plan your day around the peak temperatures for your dog’s paws! Plan to bring water and a way for your dog to drink that can be protected from the sand.
Colorado Springs
Why visit Colorado Springs for a vacation with your dog
Best For: incline hikes and peak experiences, dog-friendly parks, outdoor adventures
Colorado Springs is great if you love the outdoors and have a dog who does too. Pikes Peak is right there, giving the city an amazing backdrop. Garden of the Gods is a must-visit with its incredible red rock formations and dog-friendly trails. Palmer Park is another favorite, with off-leash areas and great city views. Even the historic Broadmoor Hotel welcomes pets and its grounds are gorgeous. Just an hour and a half drive away, this area offers some very accessible dog friendly weekend getaways near Denver.
The whole Colorado Springs area, including Manitou Springs, is awesome for dog owners. There are plenty of pet-friendly patios at cafes and restaurants, so you can enjoy a meal with your pup. Manitou Springs is a quirky little town with an artistic feel and mineral springs, ideal for easy walks with your dog.
The Manitou Incline is a tough hike that gives you amazing views, though it’s best for fit dogs. Nearby, Red Rock Canyon Open Space has dog-friendly trails through beautiful canyons and ridges. If you want to venture further for an epic climb or drive, the Pikes Peak area is about about an hour away.
With its natural beauty, friendly community, and variety of activities, this area is a fantastic spot for a getaway with your dog.
Our experience: why we think this is a fantastic dog friendly weekend getaway near Denver
I only visited Colorado Springs briefly to connect up with my friend, but he is a die hard outdoor adrenaline junky. More from his stories than my quick visit there, I know that Colorado and particularly Colorado Springs are an amazing place to be if you like to be active and love to explore nature with your dogs.
Estes Park
Why Estes Park is a great dog friendly weekend vacation
Best For: lake retreats and cozy cabins, dog-friendly mountain trails, wildlife watching
Estes Park is a small mountain town that’s great for a weekend with your dog. It’s right by Rocky Mountain National Park, so there are lots of beautiful places to explore. You can hike trails like Lily Mountain Trail and Lake Estes Trail with your dog. On the trails or if you retreat to one of the dog friendly cabins in the area, there’s a good chance to see deer or even some elk during your adventure!
The town is really dog-friendly, with places like The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern where you can eat outside with your pup. Lake Estes is a nice spot for a relaxed walk, with great views and space like Lake Estes Dog Park for your dog to splash and play.
Steamboat Springs
Why Steamboat Springs is a great weekend vacation with your dog
Best For: scenic river walks, pet-friendly gondola rides, off-leash snow adventures
Steamboat Springs is a relaxed mountain town that’s great for a dog-friendly trip. Located in the Rockies, it’s got beautiful scenery and a friendly community. You can walk along the Yampa River Core Trail, a paved path that’s perfect for you and your dog. If your dog likes adventure, try the Emerald Mountain trails for off-leash hiking with awesome views. In winter, the town turns into a snowy playground with dog-friendly snowshoeing and off-leash snow areas. The pet-friendly gondola at Steamboat Ski Resort is a must, offering great rides and views for both of you.
After all the outdoor action, while your dog is relaxing in your pet friendly accommodations, hopefully you can slip away and reward yourself with a nice long soak in the hot springs.
The town has plenty of pet-friendly patios and cafes. The Steamboat Dog Park is also a great place for social dogs to run around. Steamboat Springs combines natural beauty, outdoor fun, and a welcoming vibe, making it a great spot for a weekend with your dog.
Aspen
Why Aspen is a great dog friendly getaway
Best For: off leash parks, mountain trails, winter playground, dog-friendly lodges
Aspen is a great place to take your dog for a getaway. The mountain scenery is stunning and the town has a welcoming vibe. As you walk through downtown Aspen, you’ll see lots of shops and cafes with dog bowls out front. Your dog will enjoy the Rio Grande Trail, an easy path along the Roaring Fork River. For a good hike, head to Smuggler Mountain Road for great views and fresh air.
In the winter, Wagner Park becomes a snowy playground where dogs can run off-leash. After a day out, you can chill by a cozy fire pit at one of the pet-friendly lodges. Don’t miss the Aspen Saturday Market with local produce, crafts, and even treats for your dog. The local vibe is relaxed and lively with a strong community feel. Aspen is a mix of outdoor activities and pet-friendly spots makes it a perfect weekend retreat for you and your dog.
Fort Collins
Why Fort Collins is a great weekend vacation near
Best For: off-leash parks, brewery patios, scenic hikes, river splashes, dog-friendly downtown
Fort Collins is great for dog lovers wanting a quick trip. Start at Spring Canyon Dog Park where your dog can run free and meet other dogs. There’s a spot for small dogs too. Then, head to Cache la Poudre River for some fun in the water. Your dog can swim or play fetch in the cool river. Another great water spot is Horsetooth Reservoir. The trails offer great views and are perfect to tire out an active dog. The dogs can play in the reservoir, so bring a towel for a swim after your hike.
Fort Collins is known for its craft breweries, and many have dog-friendly patios. New Belgium Brewing is a popular spot for a cold drink while your dog relaxes nearby. Walk through Old Town Fort Collins with its brick streets, local shops, and pet-friendly spots. Many stores have water bowls and shaded areas for resting. Fort Collins mixes outdoor fun with a relaxed feel, making it a perfect weekend spot with your dog.
Final Thoughts: dog friendly weekend getaways near Denver
We hope these unique dog-friendly getaways near Denver have sparked some ideas for your next trip with your pup. Each location offers a blend of activities perfect for sniffing out new experiences, from hiking and biking to simply relaxing in nature. Enjoy your next adventure!
If you are looking for more great recommendations or have some tips of your own, come join the community of our lively Facebook group. We would love to see you there!
