Dog Friendly Vacations Colorado – Colorado has four national parks and three of them are dog-friendly! Unfortunately, the most popular national park (Rocky Mountain National Park) does not allow dogs on all trails. But three lesser known parks – Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison are worth visiting with your child! All three parks are in southern Colorado and can be combined into a great road trip (the Ultimate Dog-Friendly Colorado Road Trip post is a work in progress). If you plan to visit several parks in one year, consider purchasing an Annual National Parks Pass! An annual pass is $80, but admission to each park will be $25 or $30 each.
Great Sand Dunes is about a four hour drive south of Denver. Although it is a lot of driving, it is possible to do this day trip – Alice and I did it! Dogs are allowed on the first set of sand and on other trails. I was surprised when we got to these big storms, with 14 big ones behind them. Weather can make or break your time at this park. We were there in the first week of April, it was a clear day, not too windy, not too hot, and it was absolutely beautiful! It is very cold, with snow, in the winter, but very hot in the summer. Some roads in the park are closed during the winter (and most of the summer), so you can’t get to the higher elevations. If it’s too windy, sand can get into your puppy’s eyes. If it’s too hot, the sand can burn their feet. We saw some dogs wearing shoes and glasses to fight this! The weather in Colorado is unpredictable, but I would like to go in April, May, or October, or get there before sunrise before the heat sets in. Make sure you stop to check out Zapata Falls on your way – you’ll see signs of it between the main road and the park entrance. Wear waterproof shoes or at least a change of socks.
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Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde is full of rock shelters built and inhabited by the Ancestral Pueblo people in the 1200s. of canyon views and cliff dwellings. It is very hot in summer, but the park is closed in winter, so May or September/October would be the best time to visit. Bring it on
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Water and see that there is usually no shade anywhere in the park. Be sure to catch the sunset at the Montezuma Valley Overlook.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, this VRBO is about a 5 minute drive from the park entrance and was great!
Conflicting opinions… I like the Black Canyon of the Gunnison better than the Grand Canyon! The park wasn’t too busy when I was there in July, and the view of the canyon walls is amazing. The marble formations in the rock are amazing and the layered rocks created by the canyon look beautiful. Dogs are allowed everywhere on the ridge, although this is not clearly shown on the map. The trailhead is definitely dog friendly. Some viewpoints with smaller trails, such as Painted Wall, Sunset Point, and Chasm View, have small signs indicating that leashed dogs are allowed. Definitely watch the sunset from Sunset Point, it was beautiful! Weather can be an issue here – the highway is closed in winter, but it gets hot during the day in summer.
If you are looking for a place to stay nearby, the Holiday Inn Express in Montrose is about a 20 minute drive from the park entrance and everyone here was friendly. I also recommend stopping by the Museum of the West while you’re in the area. It’s a really cute little old town full of art, and dogs are allowed! Going on vacation with your pooch can add another level of fun and adventure to your travels, especially in dog-friendly Steamboat Springs. Exploring new mountain trails and dining out at dog-friendly restaurants make for a pet-friendly vacation. These adventures open up a world of possibilities for both you and your furry friend.
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Here at The Astrid, we’re obsessed with making your next Colorado vacation the ultimate delicious experience. There is no more dog-friendly destination than the charming town of Steamboat Springs. This dog friendly neighborhood is the perfect combination of outdoor activities, community events and specialty shops that cater to your pets. Explore a town where tail wagging and barking is an integral part of the holiday experience.
At Steamboat Springs, dogs are on hand at all times. However, there are some special areas where your energetic pup can run free and let off some steam. Within these outdoor areas, the City of Steamboat Springs requires that your dog be under voice and visual control, for the safety of other people, pets, wildlife, and your pup.
One of the best things about going on vacation is finding great local restaurants and cool cafes where you can relax and enjoy a meal with friends. Steamboat’s reputation for Western hospitality extends to all visitors, including your furry friend. A number of dog-friendly restaurants can be found in Steamboat Springs, many of which have become exciting local communities.
One thing that makes Steamboat appealing to the general public is the exciting calendar of annual events. From music concerts to traditional festivals, there’s something for everyone – including your dogs!
Colorado State Parks Pet Policy
A Steamboat Springs vacation isn’t complete without a trip downtown to explore the many independent boutique shops. Owners of several dogs can spend hours wandering through high-end pet stores. You can even find special food for your dog.
A destination for dog owners, Steamboat Springs offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventures and dining. It also hosts community events and specialty stores that offer their furry friends. In this mountainous city, dogs are not just pets; they are valued members of the community, embraced in all aspects of this welcoming city’s culture.
Here at The Astrid, we know how much your dog means to you. They are a beloved family member that you want to take with you everywhere. That’s why we build a unique vacation home that welcomes dogs with open arms.
Our vision is to be recognized as the first destination for those seeking luxury and Western hospitality in Steamboat Springs. We strive to provide an unparalleled experience to travelers. Our goal is to create an idyllic retreat where families and their pets can enjoy exceptional service and a wide range of options. Families and their pets can enjoy the incredible beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
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We are starting on this revolutionary new project in the summer of 2024 and we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. To join our community, just provide us with your name and email address. By doing this, you are invited to join our private mailing list. As part of this list, you get access to inside information and behind-the-scenes content. Enjoy the most exclusive email experience reserved for Astrid community members only. As I sat in the gondola traveling from Breckenridge Station to Peak 8, my two dogs, an English bulldog named Daisy and a Chihuahua Pomeranian named Scout, looked out the side window of the Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Refuge. They waved a little as the gondola moved before looking at me with what seemed like total confusion. After all, most dogs are allowed to ride in cars and some even fly, but few ride the gondola to the top of one of the most famous ski areas in the United States.
I found similar unexpected dog-friendly activities almost everywhere in Breckenridge, Colorado when I visited in August. In the warmer months, the crowds of people with skis and snowboards are replaced by mountain bikers, runners and hikers who hit the town and the trails with their dogs. In Breckenridge, it’s possible to plan a weekend trip without ever leaving your pup.
For one thing, almost every outdoor recreation area is dog-friendly (things are a little difficult in the colder months, but summer is one of the best times to visit Breckenridge). Cucumber Gorge, as a wildlife preserve, is another area that should protect pets from frogs, beavers and moose. Also, dogs are welcome in most populated areas. Many restaurants have large outdoor patios, and some even have dog-friendly menus. Many restaurants and bars also have dog-friendly patios, and some even allow four-legged friends.
Certainly anyone who has visited their share of hill towns knows this
Colorado’s Dog Friendly National Parks — Adventures Of Alice Bug
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