If you're looking for a dog-friendly hike or day trip, look no further! Denver is home to some amazing outdoor spaces that are perfect for taking your furry friend along. In this blog post, we'll share 20 of our favorite dog-friendly hikes and day trips from Mile High City. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, we've got you covered. So grab your leash and get ready to explore some of the best trails Colorado has to offer!
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Red Rocks Park is a dog-friendly oasis in the city, and it's the perfect place to bring your four-legged friend for a hike or a picnic. The park has miles of trails to explore, and you can even catch a concert at the amphitheater in the summer. During the days when events are not going on, dogs are welcome to play in the amphitheater. The Red Rocks Amphitheater is about a 30-minute drive from Denver.
Castlewood Canyon State Park
This dog-friendly state park is located in Franktown, Colorado, and it's a great place to hike with your pup. The park has miles of trails to explore, and you can even bring your dog along on the trail. There are also plenty of places to stop and rest, so you can take a break and enjoy the scenery. And if you're looking for a place to cool off, there's a river that runs through the park. It's only a short drive from Denver, so it's the perfect place to go for a day trip.
Boulder Reservoir
Boulder Reservoir is a man-made lake that's perfect for a day of swimming, fishing, and picnicking with your pup. The reservoir has a large dog beach where your furry friend can splash around and cool off. There are also plenty of trails to explore along the water's edge. Boulder Reservoir is located about 45 minutes from Denver. Keep in mind that dogs are only allowed in the off season and not during the summer.
Union Reservoir Dog Beach
Union Reservoir is a dog-friendly lake in Longmont, Colorado, and it's the perfect place to bring your pup for a day of swimming and playing. There's a dog beach where dogs are allowed off-leash, and there are also plenty of hiking trails around the reservoir. Union Reservoir is about a 45-minute drive from Denver.
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
Looking for a day trip that's a little further from Denver? This dog-friendly day trip from Denver is perfect for those who want to hike with their pooch but don't want to deal with the crowds. The Indian Peaks Wilderness Area is about an hour and a half from Denver, and there are tons of trails to choose from. This area is also great for camping, so if you're looking for an overnight trip, this is a great option.
Lily Mountain Trail
This dog-friendly trail is located in Estes Park, Colorado, and it's a great place to hike with your four-legged friend. The Lily Mountain Trail is a moderate hike that is about four miles long, and it offers stunning views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
South Table Mountain Trail
If you're looking for an easier hike that's still dog-friendly, try the South Table Mountain Trail. This trail is located in Golden, Colorado, and it's a great option if you don't want to drive too far from Denver. The trail is about two miles long, and it offers some great views of the city. Plus, your dog will love running around on the wide-open trail.
Mount Evans Summit
If you're looking for a pretty simple hike with the most breathtaking views, look no further than Mount Evans. This 14,265-foot peak is the highest point in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, and it's just a short drive from Denver. Dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they are leashed, and there are plenty of places to stop and take in the views. The Mount Evans Summit is about an hour and a half drive from Denver, with different pull-off areas that are even closer. The actual hike is only about a half-mile, but the drive up is not for the faint of heart!
Idaho Springs
This little town is a great place to take your dog for a day trip. There are tons of trails to explore, and you can even go skiing with your dog. Idaho Springs is about an hour and a half from Denver, and it's the perfect place to spend a day in the snow.
Butler Gulch
This dog-friendly hike is located in Idaho Springs, Colorado, and it's a great place to take your pup for a day trip. The trail is about four miles long, and it offers some stunning views of the mountains. The best time to visit is the spring and summer, when the wildflowers are in bloom.
James Peak Wilderness Area
This wilderness area is located in Idaho Springs, Colorado, and it's a great place to take your dog for a day hike. There are tons of trails to choose from, and you can even camp overnight with your pup. James Peak Wilderness Area is about an hour and a half from Denver.
St. Mary's Glacier
This hike is one of the most popular dog-friendly hikes near Idaho Springs. The trailhead is about an hour from Denver, and the hike itself is only about a mile long. But don't let the short distance fool you - this hike is pretty strenuous, with a steep incline to get to the glacier. But once you get to the end, the views are absolutely stunning, and your dog will love playing in the lake.
Aspen
One of the most popular dog-friendly day trips from Denver is the drive to Aspen. This mountain town is a dog-lover's paradise, with plenty of trails to hike and dog-friendly restaurants to enjoy. The drive to Aspen is about two hours from Denver, making it the perfect place for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Devil's Punchbowl
While you're in Aspen, be sure to check out Devil's Punchbowl. It's a dog-friendly hike that has some of the most beautiful views in the area. The trail is only about a mile long, and although it's not super strenuous, it's best to keep your dogs on leash since there are plenty of cliffs. During the summer, it's a common cliff diving spot, so you might even see some people taking a plunge while you're there.
Lost Man Lake
Another dog-friendly hike near Aspen is Lost Man Lake. This trail is a bit longer, at about four miles, but it's an easy hike with stunning views of the lake. Dogs are allowed off leash on this trail, so your pup can enjoy a swim in the lake when you reach the end. Just make sure that they have good recall before letting them off the leash.
Maroon Bells -Snowmass Wilderness
Just a short drive from Denver, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is the perfect place to escape the city and explore some of Colorado's stunning scenery. The wilderness offers dog-friendly hiking and camping, and there are plenty of trails to choose from depending on your level of experience. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is about a two-hour drive from Denver.
Conundrum Hot Springs
If you're looking for a dog-friendly hot spring trail, look no further than Conundrum Hot Springs. This dog-friendly hike from Denver is about a three-hour drive, but it's totally worth it. The hot springs are located in a beautiful valley, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. It's not recommended that you allow the dogs in the hot springs, but they can come on the hike with you.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is another great dog-friendly day trip from Denver. This city has tons to offer, including hiking trails, dog parks, and even a dog-friendly brewery. Colorado Springs is about an hour and a half from Denver, making it the perfect place for a day trip.
Garden of the Gods
If you visit Colorado Springs, you have to check out Garden of the Gods. This dog-friendly park has miles of trails to explore, and is a great place to hike, picnic, and even stargaze since it's one of the darkest places in Colorado Springs. To get to the Garden of the Gods, take a short drive from downtown Colorado Springs.
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
The Broadmoor Seven Falls is another dog-friendly day trip destination from Denver. This attraction is located in Colorado Springs and features a series of seven waterfalls that cascade down a mountainside. Dogs are welcome on the hiking trails, and there's even a dog-friendly restaurant on site. The Broadmore Seven Falls is about an hour and a half drive south from Denver. To get to the Broadmore Seven Falls, you have to park at the Broadmoor Hotel and then take a shuttle, but don't worry - they let dogs on the shuttle!
There are plenty of dog-friendly day trips and hikes to take from Denver. Whether you're looking for a short hike or a longer camping trip, you'll be able to find what you're looking for within a few hours drive of the city. So get out there and explore Colorado with your furry friend!
What are some of your favorite dog-friendly day trips from Denver? Let us know in the comments!