With the gorgeous mountainous surroundings and deep, red rock formations that color Colorado Springs and surrounds, this is a wonderful place to escape for you alongside your four legged friend. Muscular hunk gives a pounding to beauty’s pussy You are about to learn some of the best dog-friendly activities in Colorado Springs that sure showcase spectacular memories!
Location of Colorado Springs
Lying slightly over an hour’s drive from Denver, CO Springs is perfect for a weekend get a way. For anyone thinking about hopping on an airplane, there are flights to the Colorado Springs airport but they tend to run a premium compared with flying into Denver unless you book well in advance and pay extra for your Chihuahua.
For those of us dog lovers who want to take their furry friend everywhere (not an hour or two away), you can see the driving times from a few cities close by:
- Amarillo, TX: 363 miles
- Albuquerque, NM: 378 miles
- Santa Fe, NM: 288 miles
- Dallas, TX: 703 miles
- Oklahoma City, OK: 457 miles
Climate in Colorado Springs
Weather in Colorado Springs is pretty mild year-round, but winter months can see a chill. The summers are warmer although it is also the rainy season. It has average temperatures during the fall and spring, which is why many people like to visit there. The reality of it, there is never a bad time to visit Colorado Springs!
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 43°F / 18°F
- Spring (March-May): 65°F / 34°F
- Summer (June-August): 83°F / 55°F
- Fall (Sept-Nov.): 63°F / 36°F
- Highest Rainfall: July and August
- Snowfall: 57.3 inches annually
Temperatures listed are averages and provided in Fahrenheit.
Dog-Friendly Activities in Colorado Springs
1. Experience the Garden of the Gods
One of the cooler places you will find when looking to get outside in Colorado Springs has to be Garden Of The Gods — and for good reason.
This is an entirely dog-friendly 1,300-acre park and there are endless trails to explore with your fur baby.
Insider tip: The visitor center is near the busiest part of most hiking trails so try and avoid it. For a calmer start, park at the Trading Post and begin your hike. Even though the parks look amazing, there are fewer people in your way.
Garden of the Gods Quick Facts:
- Location: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
- Nature Center Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9 am-3 pm, Fri-Sun: 9 am-5 pm
- Events: Guided walks, crafts, 5ks, and more
- Cost: Free!
2. Cross the Tallest Suspension Bridge
everyone wants to have a new profile picture right here, but guess what, this is the best dog-friendly adventure. Walk with your furry friend over the bridge and through Royal Gorge Park. Be sure to get a picture by your home state sign (though it might be crowded) and gape at the cable car death-defying its way over the deep gorge.
Royal Gorge Park Quick Facts:
- Distance from Colorado Springs: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Location: 4218 County Road 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212
- Hours: Bridge access from 8am-10am; Rides and attractions open from 10am (closing time varies by season)
- Cost: $23/adult, $18/child (ages 6-12), children 5 and under are free. Additional fees apply for certain rides.
- Other Activities: Zipline, sky coaster, theater, playland
3. Take a Gondola Ride Over the Royal Gorge
But how thrilled I was to discover a gondola that is dog-friendly? Trust me, it’s totally worth the 1.5 hour drive from Colorado Springs. Once you’ve crossed the suspension bridge on foot, you and Fido can catch a lift on the gondola for a picturesque ride across gorge.
Insider Tip: You can catch the gondola before crossing the bridge and entering Piazzale Roma, or you take it after. What we found, is that if you follow the more usual path of walking first and then re-entering by gondola along with all visitors who only take this free transport it seems to be quicker!
4. Drive to the Summit of Pike’s Peak
A drive to be native of a mountain! If a 14 mile hike sounds daunting, drive your car to the top of Pike’s Peak instead. This is a view from the car on what can be 2 to maybe three hours drive.
You have loads of pull out spots for photos and stretching the legs, or enjoying a picnic. For an added thrill, you could always book a ride up to the top and rent a bike for your downhill journey.
Pike’s Peak Quick Facts:
- Location: 5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, CO 80809
- Cost: $15 per adult, $5 per child
- Hours: Vary by season, check current hours here
- Tips: Dress warmly as the temperature drops significantly at the peak, and ensure you have at least a half tank of gas as there are no fuel stops along the way.
5. Hit the Trails!
If you have an appetite to hike more Colorado Springs trails – Garden of the Gods is just a taster, as though most satisfying one. With mountains, red rock formations, and mystic forests on all sides of you ready to make that promise come true.
Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Colorado Springs:
- St. Mary’s Falls Trail: 6.3 miles
- Mount Cutler Trail: 1.7 miles
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space: Over 20 trails of varying lengths.
6. Visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Enjoy a truly unique dog-friendly spot at here in Colorado Springs! It is open to exploring with your four-legged friend through the ancient cliff dwellings, and even inside of museum part. Sure, you may bring your dog indoors— a rarity!
Manitou Cliff Dwellings Quick Facts:
- Location: 10 Cliff Dwellings Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Cost: Adults $12.00 + tax, Children $7.50 + tax
- Hours:
- May-August: 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
- March, April, September, October: 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
- November: 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.
- December-February: 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. (7 days a week)
7. Enjoy a Drink on a Patio
You will likely want some decent food and a cold drink after a day of adventures. Some dog-friendly restaurants with patios in Colorado Springs serve nachos, cold beverages.
8. Take a Road Trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park
I promise your pup will be as happy as can be here! With more than 30 miles of massive dunes to hike, Great Sand Dunes is a dog hiker’s paradise.
Humans should also probably rent a sandboard and bring their lunch to eat at the top of this 700-foot-tall monster.
Pro Tip: Great Sand Dunes National Park is fairly isolated so be sure to have a game plan before you arrive.
Great Sand Dunes National Park Quick Facts:
- Location: (Visitor Center) 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146
- Hours: The park is open 24/7. Visitor Center Hours:
- Fall, Winter, Spring (Labor Day until Memorial Day Weekend): 9:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. daily
- Summer (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend): 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. daily
- Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Hiking: No designated trails; you’re free to roam the 30+ miles of dunes
- Other Activities: Stargazing, splashing in the creek (summer), sandboarding, and hiking to nearby Zapata Falls
9. Denver Ghost Tour
Denver Terrors presents two spine-chilling ghost tours lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. The basic tour will bring you to 8 spooky Denver locations and the extended version covers an additional 12!
Both tours are eerie but more entertaining than frightening and a fun way to spend time walking around downtown Denver getting the occasional scare. Of course, your perfectly behaved four-legged friend is more than invited to join in the Halloween festivities with us!
10. Lost Lake Trail
This dog-friendly trail, one of the best Colorado wildflower hikes, leads to Lost Lake via Hessie. You’ll trek through meadows of wildflowers and past a stunning waterfall with your pup as you travel in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
This 4-mile out-and-back trail, located near Nederland, is dog-friendly and accessible year-round, making it a perfect adventure no matter the season.
11. 88 Drive-In Theater
Enjoy a nostalgic movie night with your pup at the last original Drive-In theater near Denver. Tickets are only $10 for one or all three screenings, and children 12 & under receive free entry.
You may also want to reserve space in your bag for snacks and enjoy some refreshment at the on-site snack bar, with an array of affordable bites to eat. Also, this could be a cool idea for date night.
12. City Walking Tour
Starting your exploration of a new city with an guided walking tour is the best way Denver Walking Tours offers free tours along with private and audio-guided experiences.
The tour is free and each starts — no reservations needed, just walk up to the steps of Colorado’s Capitol Building at 10:00 a.m. The walk is 1.7 miles, lead by a guide and takes about 2.5 hours to Union Station At this time, reservations are necessary in order to participate on the tour.
13. Mount Sniktau
One of the best dog-friendly hikes near Denver, Mount Sniktau is a dedicated banger for your Colorado 13er list if you and your pup are itching to break a sweat together.
Located high above the Loveland Pass ridgeline, this trail is a convenient trek from Denver and views of the Continental Divide. Eagle’s Nest Wilderness or Holy Cross Wildernes waiting at its higher elevations If you are lucky and it is a really clear day, than maybe even Long’s Peak will be visible to the north; how cool!
The round trip is a very reasonable 3.7 miles and it’s one of the more beginner friendly mountain hikers you could do. But it is not easy, make sure your dog still in good shape and has experience with lighter courses before taking this one.
Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in Colorado
Finding dog-friendly accommodations has become much simpler! I usually use HotelsCombined for hotels or Airbnb, both of which offer filters to show only places that welcome pets.
- Eagle Fire Lodge and Cabins: Cozy, pet-friendly cabins available at an affordable price.
- Green Mountain Falls Lodge: Features an outdoor tennis court, rooftop terrace, and a garden with lovely views.
- Wingate by Wyndham: A budget-friendly choice that still offers plenty of charm, complete with complimentary breakfast (a personal favorite!).
What to Pack for Your Dog on Your Colorado Trip
- Collapsible Doggy Dishes: These are easy to pack and perfect for both car rides and hikes.
- Doggy Boots: Optional, but great for protecting your pup’s paws on rocky trails.
- Leash
- Dog Tags
- Collapsible Kennel: Handy if you need to leave your dog in the Airbnb for a bit.
- Seat Cover: A must-have to protect your car seats from dog hair, scratches, mud, and more.
- Pet First-Aid Kit: It’s small enough to carry in your hiking pack, ensuring you’re prepared for any minor injuries.
