Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Cotopaxi, CO

Here are the dog-friendly hiking trails closest to Cotopaxi. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Mosca, CO

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve 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 are not permitted in the backcountry of the national park. See Details

Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs, CO

Garden of the Gods 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. See Details

Stratton Open Space

Colorado Springs, CO

Stratton Open Space 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. See Details

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Colorado Springs, CO

Red Rock Canyon Open Space 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. See Details

Castlewood Canyon State Park

Franktown, CO

Castlewood Canyon State Park 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. See Details

Elk Meadow Park

Evergreen, CO

Elk Meadow Park 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. See Details

Cheesman Park

Denver, CO

Cheesman Park Located in central Denver, CO, Cheesman Park is dog friendly and offers an open grassy space for picnics or a casual walk with Fido. Take a stroll along the crushed granite path which winds its way around the park, or engage Fido is a game of frisbee on the grass. Visitors will also find restrooms, a designated picnic area, playground, and The Pavilion at Cheesman Park. See Details

John Denver Sanctuary

Aspen, CO

John Denver Sanctuary 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. See Details

Beaver Brook Trail

Golden, CO

Beaver Brook Trail Leashed dogs are welcome on Beaver Brook Trail, a strenuous, pet-friendly hike on the south rim of Clear Creek Canyon in Golden, CO. Even though the trail isn't far from Denver, it's difficult enough that Fido will think he's on a rural, backcountry hike. The trail is not a loop, but is 10-miles one-way with limited trail markers. Please remember your starting point, and bring a map, food and water on this difficult hike. See Details

Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Park

Morrison, CO

Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Park Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners while they exercise at Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Park trails. Red Rocks Park is a pet-friendly Denver Mountain Park and has two trails that are completely within the park, Trading Post Trail and Geologic Overlook Trail, both restricted to pedestrians only. The Trading Post Trail is 1.4 miles in length, and goes through spectacular rock formations, valleys and a natural meadow. Some of the terrain is rough, so hiking boots/shoes are recommended. Also, hikers should be prepared for adverse weather conditions as the weather can change very quickly. The Red Rocks Trail runs through the east side of the park and is a multi-use trail for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and owners must clean up all waste. Dogs are not allowed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre during performances; call (720) 865-2494 before driving to the park to avoid disappointment. See Details

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Golden, CO

Golden Gate Canyon State Park 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. See Details

Bear Creek Regional Park

Colorado Springs, CO

Bear Creek Regional Park Set in the rolling foothills of Pikes Peak, Bear Creek Regional Park is a dog-friendly outdoor space in Colorado Springs. While dogs are not allowed on the nature trails, there are plenty of regional trails open to leashed dogs. The Regional Park is 545-acres and features a mix of active and passive recreation such as picnic pavilions, playing fields, hiking opportunities, the El Paso County Veterans Monument, a large dog park and more. See Details

Spruce Mountain Open Space and Trail

Larkspur, CO

Spruce Mountain Open Space and Trail Bring Fido to explore Spruce Mountain Open Space and Trail in Larkspur, CO. Spruce Mountain is a large, tree-covered mesa which features over eight and a half miles of recreational trails with easy access and parking. Dogs must be cleaned up after and on a leash during their hike at Spruce Mountain Open Space. Enjoy a choice flat trails for a leisurely walk or steep trails if you're looking for a challenge and some exercise for your canine companion. See Details

Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area

Florissant, CO

Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area is a dog-friendly destination in Florissant, CO. Dogs on a leash no longer than six feet are allowed to explore the forested, lush and rocky canyon and take in the river as it "twists and crashes against huge boulders lining the canyon floor." There is an entrance fee, and hiking, picnicking and camping are all available within this popular recreation area. See Details

Pike National Forest

Fairplay, CO

Pike National Forest 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. See Details

Vail Nature Center

Vail, CO

Vail Nature Center When visiting Vail, CO, take some time out of your day to visit the dog-friendly Vail Nature Center. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the grounds of the Nature Center with you. The Center offers a wide variety of programs and tours. Sometimes the naturalists there will even schedule a special dog hike! See Details

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Perimeter Trail

Commerce City, CO

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Perimeter Trail While pets aren't allowed inside Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City, CO, leashed dogs are welcome to stroll along the Perimeter Trail. The path spans 15.97 miles, is located just outside the refuge boundary, and offers different sections of various surfaces for people and their pets to hike. Parking for the trail is available on Gateway Rd. See Details

Mount Belford and Mount Oxford Trail

Buena Vista, CO

Mount Belford and Mount Oxford Trail Mount Belford and Mount Oxford Trail is a 12.5-mile challenging loop hike in San Isabel National Forest near Buena Vista, CO, that will take about 9 to 10 hours to complete with Fido. You'll want to be prepared for this hike since it's at a high altitude and will put you at the mercy of the weather. Make sure Fido has had plenty of water before embarking on this pet-friendly adventure. Parking is available near the Missouri Gulch Trailhead off of CR 390. See Details

Seven Falls

Colorado Springs, CO

Seven Falls 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. See Details

Buckskin Pass Trail

Aspen, CO

Buckskin Pass Trail 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. See Details