Denver is a dog-friendly city, making it the perfect destination for vacationing with your furry friend. There are plenty of places to stay, activities to enjoy, and restaurants to visit that will accommodate both you and your dog. In this blog post, we'll give you a comprehensive guide to Denver's best dog-friendly spots so that you and your pup can have the best time possible!
We've done the trip to Denver and stayed all around the city, down to Colorado Springs, and through the ski towns to the West. All of our dogs have always loved going to Denver, and the people are all super friendly too. If you have a dog, Denver is the place to be! To dog-proof your trip and make sure you hit all the highlights, here's our list of Denver musts.
Where to Stay
Traveling with your dog doesn't mean you have to sacrifice comfort or luxury. Denver has a number of dog-friendly options that will make your stay enjoyable for both you and your dog. Just make sure to always have a dog-friendly room reserved ahead of time as not all places in Denver allow dogs, and the last thing you want is to be stuck without a place to stay.
Airbnbs
Airbnbs are a great option if you're traveling with your dog. This way, you'll have access to a kitchen and all the amenities of home that will make your dog feel right at home. Just be sure to communicate with your host ahead of time to make sure they are okay with you bringing a dog. The nice thing about Airbnb is that you can now filter your search and add the number of pets you intend on bringing. This has made traveling with 4 dogs so much easier, as most places only allow a maximum of 2. Plus, we always try to book a house with a nice fenced-in yard so they can all run around and play. When booking a place, be sure to check the house rules for possible pet fees and restrictions before you book! Here are a few we've stayed at that we really enjoyed!
This house was perfect for a long weekend family trip. It had a big backyard that was perfect for the pups to run around in and even a cute firepit and hanging outdoor lights. It has two bedrooms, tons of comfortable and clean living space, and ideally, would fit 4 people and some dogs.
I stayed here one of the first times I visited Denver, back when we only had Lulu. It's a cute space with an outdoor area to relax in, and the doggy door was nice. The only downside is that they only allow one small to medium sized dog!
If you're willing to stay just outside of Denver, this Farmhouse in Arvada is a great option. It has a beautiful backyard with plenty of space for your dog to explore. The inside is decorated very chicly with the most adorable backyard deck set up. It's about a 20-minute drive into Denver, but totally worth it!
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Denver
Typically, dog-friendly hotels will charge a nightly pet fee, so be sure to factor that into your budget. Also, some dog-friendly hotels have weight limits and breed restrictions, so be sure to check with the hotel before making your reservation. Here are a few of our top choices!
Kimpton Hotels - Kimpton Hotels are located throughout Denver and offer a variety of room types to fit your needs. Each Kimpton Hotel has its own unique pet policy, so be sure to check with the specific hotel you're interested in.
The Art, A Hotel - This boutique hotel is located in Denver's theater district and offers a variety of room types to fit your needs.
Halcyon - If you're looking to really pamper your pooch, Halcyon is a luxury hotel located in Cherry Creek. Dogs are welcome at Halcyon for a fee of $50 per stay.
Motel6 Denver - Motel6 is always a good option if you're looking for a place to crash while on a budget. We've stayed at the Denver Motel6 countless times passing through the city and they've never failed to accommodate our pups.
Camping with Your Dog
If you're looking for a more outdoor-centric vacation, camping with your dog is the perfect option. Colorado is unsurprisingly dog-friendly when it comes to camping, and there are plenty of dog-friendly trails and campgrounds to choose from. Just make sure your dog is comfortable with hiking before you hit the trail!
Some of our favorite dog-friendly camping spots in Colorado are:
Rocky Mountain National Park - Although dogs are not allowed on any of the trails and backcountry like most national parks, they are still allowed in the campgrounds and on paved roads!
Golden Gate Canyon State Park - This is a great option for those looking to camp with their dog but don't want to deal with the crowds of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Staunton State Park - This dog-friendly state park is another great option for those looking for easy hikes with their dog.
Mueller State Park - This dog-friendly state park is located in the Teller County area, about an hour southwest of Denver. The dog-friendly park offers hiking trails, camping, and picnicking.
What to Do
There's no shortage of things to do with your dog in Denver! From hiking to swimming, there's something for every pup.
Here are a few of our favorite things to do with our dogs in Denver:
Dog Parks
Denver has plenty of options for socializing with your pup. If you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, there are plenty of dog-friendly parks and trails where you can take your pup to explore. Keep in mind that all dogs are different and as cute as it is seeing them play with other dogs, not all dogs enjoy the company of other dogs. So, if your dog isn't a fan of the dog park scene, that's totally ok! There are plenty of other places to take your pup to socialize. Also, make sure that you're watching your dog closely and that you can recall them if playing starts to get a little ruff! Some of our favorite dog parks include:
Washington Park
Berkeley Dog Park
Stapleton Off-Leash Dog Park
Highlands Dog Park
Civic Center Park
Hiking
There are plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails in the Denver area. Some of our favorites include Castlewood Canyon State Park, Roxborough State Park, and Staunton State Park. If you're willing to drive a little further, there are plenty of day trips that are perfect for taking your dog on a hike. Just remember that if you're new to the Denver area, the altitude is no joke! Be sure to take it easy and give your pup plenty of breaks and acclimate them to the altitude before hitting the trails. Here are a couple of our all-time favorites!
Lost Lake Trail
This trail is located right outside Rocky Mountain National Park and is a great option for those looking for an easy hike with their dog. It's a beautiful trail that's perfect for a leisurely stroll with your pup. We visited in the summer and it took us about 2 hours to hike the 2.6-mile out and back trail.
St. Mary's Glacier
This trail is located about an hour outside of Denver and is a great option for those looking for a moderate hike with their dog. It's a beautiful hike with plenty of opportunities to take in the views. There are plenty of pull-off points, but we always spend most of our time hanging around the lake and playing fetch along the water.
Butler Gulch
This trail is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and is a great option for those looking for a moderate to difficult hike with their dog. It's a beautiful hike with plenty of opportunities to take in the views. Especially in the springtime when all the wildflowers are in bloom. It's a pretty long hike, so be prepared. You can always do a portion of the hike as well and turn around when you and your pup are ready.
Red Rocks Amphitheater
This is a great option for those looking for a fun activity to do with their dog. Dogs are allowed on the grounds as long as they are on a leash. It's a great place to take your dog for a walk and explore. We've also heard that some people take their dogs up to the top of the amphitheater for a great view of the city.
For more dog-friendly hikes around Denver and things to do, check out our other blogs.
Water Activities
There are a few dog-friendly swimming spots in the Denver area. One of our favorite summer activities is stand-up paddle boarding with our dog. And Denver is the perfect place to do it! There are a few dog-friendly spots to paddle board with your pup. Cherry Creek Reservoir, Sloan's Lake, and Standley Lake are all great options. Just be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and have some treats on hand to reward them for being such a good pup!
Go Shopping
What's better than a day of retail therapy with your best friend? Denver has plenty of dog-friendly shopping options. The 16th Street Mall is a great place to start. It's an outdoor strip mall with plenty of dog-friendly stores along the mall where you can pop in. If you're looking to spoil your dog, check out these stores:
Three Dog Bakery
This store is every dog's dream come true. They have a wide variety of made-from-scratch dog treats, cakes, and more. They also have a doggy ice cream bar!
1503 Boulder St, Denver, CO 80211
Luke & Company Fine Pet Supply & Outfitter
This store specializes in high-quality dog food, toys, and accessories. They also offer grooming services and carry all the unique outdoor dog supplies you'd need for the great outdoors.
430 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Chewy's Bonetique
This store is a must-stop for all dog lovers. They have the cutest dog clothes, accessories, and more. They also have a wide variety of dog treats, which are perfect for spoiling your pup.
200 Quebec St #600-119, Denver, CO 80230
Where to Eat With Your Dog in Denver
Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean your pup can't enjoy a good meal! There are plenty of restaurants and tons of breweries that are dog-friendly in Denver. It's easier in the warmer months to eat with your dog since most of the outdoor patios are dog-friendly. Check out FIDO's full list of dog-friendly restaurants in Denver for a complete list. Here are a few of our favorite places to eat with our dogs in Denver:
Ugly Dog Sports Cafe
This dog-friendly restaurant is located in Denver's historic Highland neighborhood and offers a variety of American food options. They even allow dogs inside, so your pup can enjoy a good meal while you watch the game. There is an attached dog park so your pups can socialize as well. If you end up going here, be sure to order the Ugly Dog Signature Bowl which is a beef patty, eggs, and bacon!
1345 Cortez St, Denver, CO 80221
Improper City
This hip and trendy spot is located in Denver's RiNo neighborhood and is known for its great food and drinks, as well as being one of the most dog-friendly places in the city. Improper City has a large patio that is perfect for spending a sunny day with your pup, and there are usually a variety of food trucks parked out front.
3201 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205
Watering Bowl
This dog-friendly bar is located in Denver's LoHi neighborhood and offers a variety of American food options as well. They have an enclosed patio so your pup can enjoy the weather while you enjoy some good food and drinks. If you're looking for a place to watch the game, this is also a great option!
5411 Leetsdale Dr, Denver, CO 80246
Park & Co.
This dog-friendly restaurant is located in Denver's Uptown neighborhood and is known for its gourmet burgers and fries. Your dog will love the patio seating and you'll love the delicious food.
Pro Tip: Be sure to order your burger "Denver style" with green chili on top!
439 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
Bigsby's Folley
Located in LoHi, this craft winery has a large outdoor patio that is perfect for your pup to socialize while you enjoy some delicious food and drinks. Make sure to try their charcuterie board and a wine flight!
3563 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80216
Breweries
Denver has a ton of breweries and most of them are dog-friendly! So, you can enjoy a cold beer while your dog enjoys some people-watching. Some of our favorite breweries include:
Wynkoop Brewing Company
Denver Beer Co.
Great Divide Brewing Company
Ratio Beerworks
Black Shirt Brewing Co.
Recess Beer Garden
Prost Brewing Co & Biergarten
Dog Sitters and Boarding in Denver
As dog-friendly as Denver is, there are still some really cool places to see and things to do that unfortunately are not dog-friendly. If you plan on doing any of these activities, you'll need to find a reputable dog sitter or boarding kennel to make sure your pup is well taken care of while you're gone. Here are a few of the top-rated dog sitters and boarding kennels in Denver:
This dog daycare and boarding facility is located in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood. Dogs will enjoy playtime in one of the three indoor/outdoor play areas, which include an agility course. Boarding guests have the option of a private room or suite.
Fido's Day Out Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
This company is one of the highest-rated in Denver. They offer a variety of services, including dog walking, pet sitting, and even dog photography. They have a team of professional dog sitters that will make sure your pup is well taken care of while you're gone.
This dog boarding kennel is located in Denver's Stapleton neighborhood and offers a variety of services, including daycare, boarding, grooming, and training. They have a large indoor/outdoor play area where your pup can socialize and play. They also offer a pick-up and drop-off service so you don't have to worry about getting to and from the kennel.
Things to Remember
When traveling with your dog, it's important to bring some essentials, like food, a dog bed/crate, and some comfort items like toys or blankets. You should also make sure your dog is up to date on all their vaccinations, is microchipped, and has a collar with ID tags. Make sure you follow all signs and rules when it comes to bringing your dogs places and always clean up after your dog. Lastly, have fun and enjoy spending time with your furry friend!
As long as you're prepared, Denver is an incredibly dog-friendly city and you and your pup are sure to have a great time. Make sure to visit all the dog-friendly spots on our list and enjoy everything this Mile High City has to offer!
Have you been to Denver with your dog? What are some of your favorite dog-friendly spots in the city? Let us know in the comments below!