Pet Friendly Hiking Trails in Colorado

Mayflower Lake and Lower Mohawk Lake, Breckenridge

Mayflower Lake and Lower Mohawk Lake is a 7.9 mile hiking trail located near Breckenridge. It is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Colorado. Mountains, forests, lakes, river, waterfalls— this amazing place has everything! If you go hiking at this trail during the Spring season, you even get to see some pretty little wildflowers along the way. Though from April to October is thought to be the best time to hike at this trail, many people visit during the colder months when it snows, to indulge in a number of exhilarating outdoor activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There are many wildlife species in the area. So, people often go there for bird watching as well. Mayflower Lake and Lower Mohawk Lake is a dog friendly hiking trail. So, you can take your furbaby along with you while exploring this hiking trail.

North Mount Elbert Trail, Leadville

North Mount Elbert Trail is 9.3 miles long and offers stunning views filled with snowcapped mountains, river, rocks and wildflowers. In addition to hiking, adventure lovers usually hit this trail for mountain biking, horseback riding and rock climbing. If you love engaging in these heart thumping activities, then you can choose this trail for your next adventure. It is also a pet friendly hiking trail. Both dogs and horses are allowed on this trail. If there’s a chance that your furkid might get spooked by horses, then it is best to keep him/her on a leash while at North Mount Elbert Trail. The trail has been rated as hard. So, if you’re a first time hiker, then this trail is not for you.

Herman Gulch Trail, Arapaho National Forest

Herman Gulch Trail is a 7 mile hiking trail that has been rated as moderate when it comes to the skill level required to make it through the trail. This little piece of heaven is just 20 minutes away from Dillon. While hiking here, you get a chance to breathe in that forest fresh air, listen to the soft melodies of the water flowing serenely down a river, and soak in the tranquility of a beautiful lake. You also get to see many species of wildlife such as native flowers, birds, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. For the ones who love to do more than just walk around and enjoy nature, there are a number of adventure options to choose from. Herman Gulch Trail has space for camping, skiing, horseback riding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you’re planning to go hiking with dogs, then you can include this trail in your itinerary as it is a dog friendly trail. Horses are also allowed on this trail. In case your pooch doesn’t do so well around horses, it is best to keep him/her on a leash while hiking at this trail.

Royal Arch Trail, Chautauqua Park

Royal Arch Trail is a 4 mile hiking trail located near Boulder. It has a rocky terrain so you would need to wear really comfortable hiking shoes to be able to go hiking at this trail. The trail leads you through a forested area to an opening at the top towards the end of the hike. The views from up there are pretty amazing. The best time to go hiking at this trail is deemed to be between the months of March and October. However, if you want to go snowshoeing, it is best to visit in the colder months when the trail gets covered by a beautiful blanket of snow. Royal Arch Trail is a hiking trail that allows dogs. So, your little darling can accompany you on a trip to this trail. However, at some parts of the trail, the climb can get somewhat tricky and your pet might need your help getting over those parts. So, make sure that your dog is athletic enough to overcome such obstacles or tiny enough to be carried over them.

Disclaimer: Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, the services and business hours of some of the places mentioned above may be different than usual.