Despite being widely regarded as one of the most dog-friendly of all of the states, it is not always easy to find places for hiking with dogs off-leash in Colorado.
There was a time when it was more common than not to see dogs happily running and exploring recreational areas and public lands.
Unfortunately, as these areas have grown in popularity, the need for stricter leash laws and regulations has arisen.
Thankfully, there are still some off-leash areas open to dogs and their well-behaved humans.
Here are my top 15 recommendations to go hiking with dogs off-leash in Colorado:
1. Bear Creek Dog Park
2. Red Rocks Open Space
3. American Basin Trail
4. The Cherry Creek State Park Dog Off-Leash Area
5. Coulson Gulch Trail
6. Chatfield State Park Dog Off-Leash Area
7. Chautauqua Trail
8. Bluebell-Baird Trail
9. Enchanted Mesa Trail
10. Sunshine Canyon Trail
11. Gregory Canyon Trail
12. Durango Dog Off-leash Area
13. Silver Falls Trail
14. Lower Cascade Falls Trail
15. Mayflower Gulch Trail
In this article, we’re going to review each of the 15 trails in enough detail to entice you to try it.
There’s a trail for every dog and their owner from the most popular trails to the best-kept secrets so that you’ve got a wide range of options when hiking off leash in Colorado.
Each review details the length and degree of difficulty of the track, the elevation, the time of year the trail is open, and any other information you, or your curious canine, may find useful.
Boulder Is The Most Dog-Friendly Space
One thing that you will notice about our 15 picks for the best places to go hiking with dogs off-leash in Colorado is that they are concentrated in some regions of the state. For instance, Boulder is one of the most dog-friendly counties.
Of the 155 miles of hiking trails in Boulder, 90% welcome your four-leggers, and a good portion of those allow off-leash.
Trails 7 through to 11 that we picked allow off-leash hiking in Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks.
The one caveat with Boulder is that they require dogs hiking off leash to have a Voice and Sight Tag.
This can only be purchased after the human guardian of the dog has attended and passed a one-hour-long video course.
Ironically, no dogs are allowed in the class!
You also need to pay a $15 fee.
1. Bear Creek Dog Park, Colorado Springs, El Paso County
- 25-acre fenced dog park.
- Trail type: loop trail. 3/4-mile primary loop trail with several secondary intersecting trails.
- Elevation: just over 6000 ft.
- Level of difficulty: easy.
- Of interest: open prairies, rolling hills, Bear Creek (for a dog swim), woody areas.
- Open year-round, dawn to dusk.
- Drinking water: canines and humans.
Additional amenities
- Areas for dogs and their people to play in Bear Creek. This is a great way to cool down your dog rather than use it as another workout. If you are taking a German Shepherd swimming, check out our article here.
- Small fenced area for older and less active dogs.
- Agility training area.
- Dog wash station to get the mud off.
More information
Bear Creek Dog Park is by far the most popular with over 100,000 two-legged visitors every year.
Four-legged visitor numbers were unavailable.
If you want more information (including directions) about this location for hiking with dogs off-leash in Colorado, please go here.
2. Red Rocks Open Space, Colorado Springs, El Paso County
- Trail type: loop trails.
- 2 loop trails available: Lower Dog and Upper Dog (1/2 mi and 1 mi RT). Upper is more wooded. Access to off-leash dog loops via Mesa Trail is a mandatory leash area.
- Elevation: just over 6000 ft.
- Level of difficulty: easy.
- Of interest: rock formations, wildflowers, canyons, and ridges as well as a waterfall.
- Open year round, dawn to dusk.
- Drinking water: canines only.
Additional amenities
- Unfenced dog park.
- Bag dispensers.
- Portable toilets.
More information
Check out this site about Red Rock Canyon.
3. American Basin Trail, Lake City, Handies Peak Wilderness
- Trail type: In and then back out trail. The trail ends at Sloan Lake.
- Trail length: 4.4 miles.
- Best entry point: Parking Area 3.
- Beginning elevation: 9600 ft. Elevation gain: 2360 ft.
- Level of difficulty: moderate/difficult.
- Backcountry belongs to the Bureau of Land Management.
- Of interest: meadows of wildflowers (peaking in July and August). Views of the San Juan mountain range.
- Open year round but July to October is recommended. Winter months make access difficult.
- Camping nearby at Mill Creek Campground.
For more information, go here for hiker-rated reviews and here for the official U.S. Forest Service site.
STOP PRESS!! The U.S. Forest Service has enforced that dogs must be on a leash at all times when using the American Basin Trail.
4. Cherry Creek State Park Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) Aurora
- 107 Acre fenced park.
- Trail type: loop trail.
- Trail length: 2.5 mi.
- Best entry point: From Parker Road.
- Level of difficulty: easy.
- Of interest: wide open prairie and cooling creek with tree shade.
- Open year round, 5 am to 10 pm.
- State Park has a developed campground.
You can read over 100 reviews of people who have visited the Cherry Creek State Park DOLA over at yelp.com.
These hikers rated the park as a 4.5-star trail.
Yelp says this DOLA is good for kids too.
Here’s more information from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife service.
5. Coulson Gulch Trail, Pinewood Springs
- Trail type: In and out trail, almost completely downhill on the way in.
- Traill length: 5.6 mi.
- Best entry point: Elk Meadows Road.
- Level of difficulty: moderate.
- Of interest: a creek intersects with the trail multiple times, views of the foothills, wildflowers in Higgins Park meadow below, and a bridge crossing North Saint Vrain Creek at the end of the trail offering shade and rest.
- Open year round, dawn to dusk.
- Backcountry National Forest.
6. Chatfield State Park Dog Off-Leash Area
- 69-acre open space fenced park.
- Trail type: Loop trail.
- Level of difficulty: easy.
- Trail length: 1.6 mi.
- Of interest: 2 ponds that allow pups to take a dip.
- Open year round, 5 am to 10 pm.
- State Park has developed camping.
The Chatfield DOLA is great for children and dogs.
There is bike parking available too.
On yelp, Chatfield gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from 73 reviews (at the time of writing).
7. Chautauqua Trail, Boulder, Colorado
- Trail type: In and out trail
- Trail length: 1.2 mi
- Beginning elevation: 5701 ft. Elevation gain: 443 ft.
- Level of difficulty: easy/moderate.
- Of interest: views of Boulder’s famed sandstone Flatiron formations and passage through. the tall grasses and various flora of the Chautauqua Meadows.
- Open year round, dawn to dusk.
This trail gets a 5 star rating from 247 reviews (at the time of writing) at yelp.com.
There is bike parking.
This trail is not only suitable for dogs but children too.
8. Bluebell-Baird Trail, Boulder
- Trail type: In and out trail.
- Trail length: 1.3 miles.
- Beginning Elevation: 5821 ft.. Elevation gain: 482 ft.
- Level of difficulty: easy/moderate.
- Of interest: wildflowers, birding, occasional bears, the Bluebell Shelter c. 1923.
- Open year round, dawn to dusk, ample shade makes this an ideal choice in summer
There is little more information available about the Blue-Baird trail.
We managed to find a map here.
9. Enchanted Mesa Trail
- Trail type: In and out trail.
- Trail length: 2.5 miles.
- Beginning elevation: 5732 ft. Elevation gain: 425 ft.
- Level of difficulty: easy/moderate.
- Of interest: ponderosa pines, birding, occasional bears, wildflowers plus views of the Flatirons and town.
- Open year round, dawn to dusk.
This is another trail that seems to fly under the radar with hikers and their dogs.
We know that ample shade makes this another choice spot in summer.
There are restrooms available and you can get cell phone reception.
For more information, including maps, head over to this website.
10. Sunshine Canyon Trail, Boulder
- Trail type: In and out trail.
- Trail length: 2.4 miles.
- Beginning elevation: 5592 ft. Elevation gain: 300 ft.
- Level of difficulty: easy
- Of interest: wildflowers make an early appearance along this trail, often as early as May, and several species of birds make their homes here.
- Open year round, although melting snow and mud can make it difficult in the middle to late spring. April to September is recommended as the best time to visit.
During our research, we got mixed messages about this trail: is it an off-leash or on-leash area? If you do want to hike this trail with your dog, I’d bring a leash just in case and read the signs at the start of the trail.
The Sunshine Canyon Trail gets a 4 out of 5 star from hikers at alltrails.com.
11. Gregory Canyon Trail, Boulder
- Trail type: In and out trail.
- Trail length: 2.4 miles.
- Beginning elevation: 5800 ft. Elevation gain: 939 ft.
- Level of difficulty: moderate.
- Of interest: interesting outcrops and rock formations, river, wildflowers, wildlife including mountain lions, black bears, coyotes, birds of prey, and deer.
- Open year round, dawn to dusk.
12. Durango Dog Off-leash Area (DOLA), Durango
- 24 acre fenced off leash area (dog heaven).
- Trail length: 6 miles of hiking (multiple loop trails, some flat and some with some elevation gain).
- Level of difficulty: easy.
- Of interest: views of Smelter Mountain. Dogs free to swim in the Animas River.
- Open year round, 24-hours/day.
For more information, visit the local Durango tourist site.
As at the time of writing, this dog park had received over 160 Google reviews with a 4.6 out of 5 rating.
It’s also been reviewed on tripadvisor.com and bringfido.com by dog owners.
13. Silver Falls Trail, Pagosa Springs
- Trail type: in and out trail.
- Trail length: 1/4 miles.
- Beginning elevation: 8200 ft. Elevation gain: 240 ft.
- Level of difficulty: moderate/difficult
- Of interest: the steep incline occurs in a hick wood, opening up at the end to reveal Silver Falls streaming over orange cliffs and breaking up into multiple cascades. Spectacular! The water will flow most heavily in late spring and summer.
- Open year round.
Camping can be found nearby at East Fork Campground.
Check out the USDA Forestry Service for more details on the Siver Falls Trail.
14. Lower Cascade Falls Trail, Ouray
- Trail type: in and out trail.
- Trail length: 1.4 miles.
- Beginning elevation: 7975 ft. Elevation gain: 742 ft.
- Level of difficulty: moderate/difficult.
- Of interest: beautiful wooded areas with shady trails along the river and ending at an impressive waterfall over Redstone cliffs.
- Open year-round. However, the trail may be impassable November through February, depending on snow.
The best entry point for the Lower Cascade Falls Trail is 8th Avenue in Downtown Ouray.
There is camping at Amphitheater Campground.
The trail is very family-friendly, even for small children (just keep your eye on them when you reach the falls). It’s been described as not really a hike, more of a short walk.
There’s not much information available except on the local tourist Ouray website.
15. Mayflower Gulch Trail, White River National Forest, Frisco
- Trail type: out and back trail with 2 spur trails.
- Trail length: Close to 6 miles.
- Beginning Elevation: 10,955 feet. Elevation Gain: 1200 ft.
- Level of difficulty: difficult
- Of interest: there is a partially forested hike along the Mayflower Creek with intermittent views of sawtooth peaks. The trail breaks open to reveal the ruins of the American mining days with old mining cabins and the Old Boston Mine.
- Open year round. November through to April, access is predominantly with cross-country skis and snowshoes.
Camping is allowed in specified areas.
The reviews over at alltrails.com rave about the mining ruins and the wildflowers.
As a result, the Mayflower Gulch Trail received close to 500 votes (as of the time of writing) with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
In terms of Google reviews, the trail was rated 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 80 reviewers.
It’s a very popular trail so expect crowds during wildflower season in summer through to the tail-end of fall.
The trail is also popular in winter with snowshoers.
Once again, the information available was inconsistent about whether this trail allowed dogs off or on their leashes, so bring your dog’s leash just in case.
The Pros and Cons of Hiking Off-Leash With Your Dog
Let’s Start With The Good Stuff
Bonus training
Taking your pooch out into the wilderness and unhooking that leash requires solid trust on both of your parts.
If this is something that you are thinking about doing, start by being brutally honest about your ability to control your dog with only your voice and a tiny little bit of help from the extra special treats that are saved for occasions of absolute necessity.
If you aren’t sure, take some time and double down on the training until you can be confident that you are both ready.
The bonus training time will only strengthen your bond, make him a better listener, and ensure that you will both enjoy the experience.
Your dog can dog!
We love to pamper them, fix their hair, talk to them like they know what we are talking about and can respond (they do), give them comfy beds and silly names, and subject them to all sorts of other weird human behaviors.
However, as hard as it is to believe, they really want to do lots of dog stuff.
Run around a bit, roll in something stinky, smell every inch of the ground without someone pulling on their collar, eat a little poop now and again, ya know, cool dog stuff.
If they have earned a little freedom and can handle it, why not?
More mental stimulation
The freedom of being off-leash comes with some responsibility for your pup.
He has to make decisions about where to go, be more aware of his surroundings (he still needs to protect you) and follow his nose to the source of anything deliciously foul that needs to be fully inspected.
An off-leash hike is as good of a quality mental workout as it is for much-needed physical exercise.
And The Not So Good Stuff
Uncontrollable environmental factors
So, you have your dog trained perfectly.
He listens to his commands and acts accordingly, knows when to come, sit, stay, and wait.
Unfortunately, the two of you haven’t experienced every single thing that could possibly ever happen.
A truck backfires in the distance or a mole skitters out from beneath the rustling leaves.
Any number of things that could spook your little buddy and set him off on a run during which his understanding of your commands becomes seriously compromised.
Other dogs and people
While this could certainly be on the list of pros as well, there are serious considerations for allowing your dog off-leash, particularly where other dogs and humans are concerned.
As absolutely ludicrous as it sounds, not all people like dogs.
Even with the best of training, the possibility exists that your pooch might not be able to resist the urge to run up and greet a new friend.
That could create an uncomfortable situation for someone that does not like, or worse, is afraid of dogs.
Likewise, some dogs that you come across may not enjoy being approached by your dog, and you can never know how a stranger’s dog may react or how well trained they may or may not be.
Toxic edibles
We all know there are trees and plants that are poisonous to dogs if eaten.
It is easier to keep your dog away from toxic edibles on the trail if he is connected to you by a leash.
Left to their own devices, sniffing everything there is on the ground, pooch could have a poisonous shroom in his mouth and swallowed before you have a chance to react.
Extra effort
Finding off-leash hiking areas is not as easy as finding dog-friendly hiking areas with leash requirements.
Also, many places that welcome well-trained off-leash hounds require fees, permits, or special ID tags.
Is There Such a Thing as Hiking With a Dog Etiquette?
Absolutely!
If you have spent any time visiting dog parks or hiking on public lands you can probably guess the number one violation of hiking with a dog is (poo) etiquette.
Yup, the number one rule is all about the number two!
Picking up your dog’s droppings at the park or on the trail is a sign of respect for the beautiful natural areas themselves and for others who want to enjoy the area.
What are the other elements of dog hiking etiquette to be aware of?
The basic rule of thumb for all hiking is that one should yield to uphill traffic.
If you and your pooch are hiking and need to allow other hikers to pass, here’s what to do:
- Get control of your dog.
- Step off of the trail without disturbing anything or causing damage.
- Secure your dog and let the dog-less hikers pass.
It is a good idea, as well as a rule in many off-leash areas, that you carry a leash with you at all times.
Generally speaking, the proper rules of etiquette for hiking with a dog are reflected in the written rules of the location that you are visiting.
For instance, you and your dog should refrain from any behavior that is threatening or damaging to the plants and wildlife in the area.
Carry doggy waste bags, pick it up!
No excessive barking or threatening behavior towards other hikers or their dogs.
These beautiful public lands are for everyone’s enjoyment, even people that are not dog lovers.
What Should You Bring For an Awesome Hike With Your Dog?
If you think about it too much you will be trying to lug everything that you could possibly think of and just weighing yourself down. You don’t have to go crazy for short day hikes.
A few necessities, some special treats, and a few things that you might want to have on hand in the event of an emergency.
- Have a leash with you and easily accessible, even on an off-leash trail.
- Your dog should always have his ID tags with up to date information, rabies tags, and if you are in a remote area it is a great idea to have a third tag with your vehicle information. If you do not have cell service and someone finds your lost pup they may have a better chance of locating your car near the trailhead.
- Having a harness on your Pup, in addition to their collar, allows for easier hook up in the when the trail intersects with a leash required trail, an animal or something else has your otherwise well-behaved pooch distracted.
- Water! Many trail guides will say that water is available at a particular trailhead or visitor’s center. You should always bring your own as you never know if the water offered at trails is going to be out of service or disconnected for some reason. Also, it is possible for sediment from pipes to upset a dog’s belly and at higher altitudes, it is even more important to make sure that your four-legger is plenty hydrated.
- Collapsible water bowl.
- Your cell phone or a real camera because you are going to want to capture these moments.
- The treats that mean more to your dog than all others. These should be the extra-special treats that only come out for hikes and baths and other very special occasions.
- This meal replacement bar recipe is easy and healthy. A couple of these in your pack is a great idea if you won’t be home by dinner. If you aren’t up for baking, Turbopup makes one, and it is human grade if you are so busy packing for the dog that you forget your own needs!
- Depending on where your trek takes you, booties may come in handy. While a dog’s paw pads are very forgiving, there are many areas with sharp stones and worst of all, the dreaded burrs!
- A few first aid items that hopefully you won’t need, but might come in handy like tweezers, gauze wrap, and antibiotic ointment.
- A flashlight and collar light for your pup on the off chance that the day gets away with you.
- Poop Bags!
What about shoes for your dog when hiking?
Safety Tips for Having a Great Hike in Colorado
Regardless of the time of year, you will find an inordinate number of hiking trails ready to tread on, whether on foot, cross-country skis, or snowshoes.
Altitude Sickness
Probably the most important safety tip for beginner hikers and visitors to Colorado is to be consciously aware of the elevation, and whether you are experiencing any signs of altitude sickness.
There are a few ways that you can avoid falling victim to altitude sickness, although it is believed that there is a genetic component, staying hydrated is key to avoiding the common headache that comes with elevation change. Increasing your altitude incrementally helps also, as well as avoiding alcohol for two days before and one day after your arrival at elevation.
Thankfully, we don’t have to worry about the dogs hitting the sauce, but if you are bringing your Pup to the higher altitudes for the first time, be sure to keep an eye out for the following:
- Dizziness/lack of coordination/fainting
- Excessive drooling and panting or coughing
- Pale gums
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting
- Increased heart rate/fever
- Swelling of feet
- Lethargy.
In general, dogs more often exhibit signs of suffering from altitude sickness at elevations over 8000 ft and it is not very common.
As with humans, the best way to combat symptoms in your pooch is to make sure that they come to the mountains well hydrated and stay that way.
Other than protecting yourself and your four-legger from the potential effects of altitude, there are some basic safety tips that you should follow when hiking with dogs on or off-leash in Colorado.
Overworking your dog
Some breeds take more to hiking long distances than other dogs.
Although the 15 trails we’ve recommended in this article for hiking with dogs off-leash in Colorado are not long-distance hikes, it would be best to know the hiking distance your dog is most suited to.
If you select the right hiking distance for your dog, they won’t get super tired or dehydrated by the end of the walk.
Small dogs
For a detailed article on safety tips when hiking with small dogs, click here.
Be Mindful of Weather Conditions in Colorado
Cold and Snowy Months
Colorado is an amazing place with so many different options when it comes to hiking.
The various elevations across the state allow for hiking year-round, and you can choose what kind of environment is best suited for you and your four-legged love.
Despite the areas of high altitude and the potential for immense snowfalls, Colorado has a very dry climate, and as I am sure you have heard, dry cold is much warmer than wet cold.
The lack of humidity at elevation makes temperatures in the 20-30 F range much more tolerable.
You will even hear the heartiest Coloradan claim that even temperatures in the single digits and teens are not that uncomfortable, but let’s not go overboard. Dry air or no dry air, that is COLD!
Our older girl dog has some issues with arthritis and she wears her booties whenever the thermometer dips below 10 F (I don’t have the mental strength or will that it would require to get booties onto our 7-month-old boy, but Musher’s Secret does the trick) and she doesn’t hike as much in winter because post-holing in the deep snow tends to aggravate her sore joints.
The health condition and fitness of your dog will be the determining factor in when and where you should hike in Colorado.
If you do not regularly partake in hiking or long walks with your dog, Colorado in winter is not a good place to try it out for the first time.
However, if hiking with your dog is a regular thing for you, but you are venturing out in the snow or at altitude for the first time, start with a hike that is one-third your usual distance and build up to hike lengths that you are accustomed to, this will benefit both you and the dog!
Another safety tip, which may seem obvious, but is essential for the safety of your dog and you, make sure you know where you are going!
New trails and adventure are great, but taking your Pup on an unfamiliar trail in winter in Colorado can be very dangerous.
If it is your first time in the area, ask some locals (people who love hiking with their dogs, also love talking about hiking with their dogs) and do some research about the dog-friendly trails.
Not every trail will suit every dog.
Some dogs are made for plunging through the deep snow in cold temperatures, and some are not.
Make sure that you choose a trail that gets used regularly by hikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers.
This will give your pooch a harder pack to traverse upon, and it is always good to know that there is a chance that you will have company in an emergency.
On another note, you want to make sure you are aware of other company that you might run into on the trail.
Bears should be nestled in their beds during the winter months, but coyotes, foxes, moose, and mountain lions can be around.
Be extra cautious between January and March when coyotes are mating, they are more aggressive at this time of year and have been known to prey on medium and small-sized dogs.
The Less Snowier Months
The winter at the higher elevations in Colorado (over 8000 ft) lasts for much longer than in Denver for instance, and when the winter comes to an end, there is a season called Mud Season that happens before spring officially arrives.
As the snow continues to melt, the mountain roads and trails can get to be very sloppy and slippery and are not ideal for the majority of dogs to safely hike.
By the late spring, the lower elevations in Colorado will be much dryer, but wildlife is also very active.
Black bears will be out and about searching for calories, and rattlesnakes become active with the onset of warmer dryer days.
You just need to be hyper-aware of your surroundings, and it cannot be stressed enough if your dog does not respond to your commands 100% of the time, then hiking with dogs off-leash in Colorado is not something that you should consider.
Related Questions
What about the Elk Meadow Dog Off-leash area in Evergreen, Colorado?
Elk Meadow DOLA used to be one of the most popular spots near Denver to explore with your pooch off-leash.
Unfortunately, for many reasons, mainly people, Elk Meadow was shut down in 2017.
This report gives all of the sad details.
There was some hope that it would be re-opened at some point, but unfortunately not.
What are the dog-friendly State Parks, Colorado?
The dog-friendly State parks in Colorado are fairly limited.
Roxborough and Harvey Gap State Parks do not allow pets in anywhere, the others have specific restrictions in regards to trails and buildings.
Only Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park have areas designated for off-leash play and hiking.
Check out our article on which National Parks allow dogs, in Colorado and other states, by clicking here.
Where can I take my dog that’s near Grand Lake Colorado?
We’ve done a very detailed review of 10 great dog-friendly hikes in that area.
Where To Next?
Let’s say you conquered these 15 hikes with your canine companion and you’re hungry for more. Where would you go?
We’ve created some epic dog-friendly hiking guides that we know you will enjoy as a handy resource to research your next canine adventure.
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