Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Cotopaxi, CO

Fido is welcome at Red Rock Canyon Open Space, a dog-friendly natural space in Colorado Springs. Leashed pups are welcome on most trails, and the Upper and Lower Dog Loops are designated as off-leash areas (but pease be advised that this is an unfenced space). In the winter, many of the trails make for good cross-country skiing.

Fido is welcome to join you in exploring Stratton Open Space, a dog-friendly natural spot in Colorado Springs. This 318-acre open space features beautiful views, miles of hiking trails for owners and pups to explore together. Please clean up after your dog while visiting. Note that the South Suburban Reservoir is closed to the public.

Leashed dogs are allowed in the main, pet-friendly day use areas at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Mosca, CO. Unless you're in the moist, cool sand of Medano Creek, plan to hike with your pet in the morning or evening in summer months to avoid the hot sand on their paws. Be sure to clean up after Fido. Please note that leashes can be no longer than 6-feet, and dogs aren't permitted in the backcountry of the national park.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Garden of the Gods, a pet-friendly, Registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs, CO. Fido can join you as you hike along the beautiful trails through the red rock formations and enjoy the stunning views and landscape. Pets are also allowed inside the Visitor and Nature Center, but must be kept out of the indoor dining space. Please clean up after Fido during your visit.

Lair o’ the Bear Park in Idledale, CO, is a pet-friendly favorite of visitors and families due to its abundance of picnic tables, charcoal grills and proximity to Bear Creek for fishing. Leashed pets are welcome and the Bear Creek Trail is 12 miles roundtrip.

Bring Fido to bask in the majesty of the dog-friendly Seven Falls, a magnificent series of waterfalls located in a 1,400-foot-wall box canyon in Colorado Springs. Next to the Falls, a 224-step stairway leads to a system of trails that will take you onto Inspiration Point with a breath-taking view of Colorado Springs and the great plains beyond. Wildlife is everywhere, including hummingbirds, rainbow trout and the rare, waterfall nesting- American Dipper. Please note that this is a seasonal activity and it's recommended to check the website to confirm opening dates.

Buckskin Pass Trail is a 8.2 mile dog-friendly hike near Aspen, CO. Located within White River National Forest, this route will take about 6 hours to complete with Fido. From mid-June through September, Maroon Creek Road is restricted to vehicles from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. If hiking during this period, take the shuttle from Aspen Highlands Ski Area. The shuttle leaves every 20 minutes and dogs are allowed on the bus. Buckskin Pass Trail offers stunning views of Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak, and Snowmass Lake.

Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown, CO, is dog friendly. Several hikes range from mild to moderate here, but the 5.6-mile trail to the canyon is the most popular. And though Castlewood Canyon is less grand than the Grand Canyon, it is worth the 5-hour round-trip hike. Please note Fido is not allowed on the East Canyon Preservation Area trail.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Golden, CO, is a dog-friendly scenic area covered in dense forest and rocky peaks. You and Fido will discover over 35 miles of paths through fields and woodlands, including some of the most popular trails: Horseshoe Trail, Snowshoe Hare Trail, and Mule Deer Trail Loop.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the ridge and Triceratops Trail at Dinosaur Ridge, a pet-friendly trail in Morrison, CO. Dogs are not allowed in the gift shop or Exhibit Hall. Dinosaur Ridge features a world-famous dinosaur track site with over 300 dinosaur footprints for you and your friends and family to explore!

St. Mary's Glacier Trail is a beautiful, pet-friendly hiking trail in Idaho Springs, CO, with great views from the top. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. Within 30 minutes of setting off, you'll be at the top of the glacier enjoying the refreshing lake of St. Mary's. This is a moderate 2.4-mile trail that is highly trafficked by lots of pups.

Bring Fido along to explore the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, a dog-friendly trail in Pueblo, CO. There is a well maintained walking path along the river with plenty of grass and shade around for you and your pup. Dogs must be on-leash and bags are provided for clean up.

Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen, CO, encompasses 107 acres of open space and offers two dog-friendly hiking trails. Take the trail from Elk Meadow Lewis Ridge Trailhead and admire beautiful mountain scenery and herds of elk. Elk Meadow Stagecoach Trailhead, accessible from 32281 Stagecoach Blvd, is best suited to adventurous and experienced hikers. This 4.7-mile hike leads to stunning views from 9,708-foot Bergen Peak. Much of the park is not fenced so Fido should be leashed during your visit.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Ute Valley Park, a pet-friendly open space in Colorado Springs, CO. This park is popular for hiking, running and mountain biking on the multiple different trails of differing difficulties. Please remember to pick up after your pup.

The High Line Canal Trail in Horseshoe Preserve is a 5.8 mile hike that will take about 3 hours to complete with Fido. This pet-friendly hike in Greenwood Village, CO, will actually lead you through the suburbs and passes through some expensive subdivisions. A new, larger parking lot was installed that caused Colorado Boulevard to intercept Orchard Road a block farther to the east. Be aware that this change still is not marked on most maps.

John Denver Sanctuary in Aspen, CO is dog friendly. This scenic open space and park located next to the Roaring Fork River is home to one of the largest perennial flower gardens around. Leashed pets are welcome, as long as they are well-behaved and cleaned up after.

Fido is welcome to explore scenic Pike National Forest near Fairplay, CO. This pet-friendly national forest is made up of 1,106,604 acres, which offer dog owners sightseeing, hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, and cross-country skiing opportunities. Dogs must be on a leash while in developed recreation sites, and are not allowed in swimming areas.

Located inside Garden of The Gods is the dog-friendly Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, a living history farm and museum in Colorado Springs, CO. Although pups are not allowed inside the historic buildings, they can join you for walks along the hiking trails. You may have your furry friend roam off-leash east of the bridges, but your dogs must be leashed west of the bridges (in the central area of the Ranch).

The dog-friendly Red Canyon Park is a 640-acre outdoor recreation area in Canyon City, CO, where two- and four-legged friends can explore together. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners along dirt and gravel hiking trails through this mountain park. Other amenities include camp sites, picnic shelters and restrooms.

Two- and four-legged friends are welcome to explore the dog-friendly Echo Lake Park in Evergreen, CO. This recreation area, located along the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, offers hiking, fishing, and scenic drives. Visitors will find a stone shelter with picnic tables and barbecue grills on one end of the lake, and the 1926 Echo Lake Lodge and an Arapaho National Forest campground at the other.