Make sure you’re using Green Mountain West if your pupper comes along.). Mount Sanitas is probably the most popular hike in Boulder. Do you ever get sick of exploring the rolling hills, flatirons, and forested foothills of the Front Range? June 12, 2020 Posted by Becky Boulder, Colorado, Dog Friendly, Hikes Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. ), 8.3 miles of woodsy beauty through and around Boulder Canyon, with small waterfalls and views of South Boulder Creek. This in-out hike is a portion of the more popular Mt. As the name suggests, the 7.3 mile round-trip hike offers dogs ample opportunity to swim and play in the water. No dogs. 5 Easy Hikes Gentle trails with plenty to see. 48 Hours in Boulder. We snowshoed it a few times this winter and look forward to checking it out in the summertime, too. As with most hikes that begin at Chautauqua, this one gets crowded at peak times. Is it the best hike in Boulder? This easy 3.8 mile stroll gives you great views of the Boulder flatirons and Longs Peak. Start on the North Loop to have the best views throughout the hike. After a break, head north down fern canyon trail until it curves and reaches the mesa trail, then continue back to the start of your venture. Best www.alltrails.com. Tips for Hiking Near Denver. If you still need more, just turn around and start again going the opposite direction. There are lots of offshoot trails, be sure to follow the signs to the final 100 ft rock climb. Hands-on Classes ... making them some of the best hikes near Denver. Dog-Friendly Boulder Suggested Itineraries . ), A 4 mile out-and-back with super rewarding views at the top, Green Mountain West is another great short weekday hike that gets crowded on weekends. Take the broad ridge trail up to the summit if … In winter I’d recommend going clockwise, which means you climb a steep section of stairs rather than slide down them when they’re icy. Parking at the trailhead is quite limited, so arrive early! Sanitas & Sanitas Valley Loop. Safety and Courtesy when Traveling in Winter with a Dog Always be prepared when traveling in winter. While parts of this hike are dog friendly, dogs are not allowed on the Lions Lair section of the trail. But of course there are so many more hikes that you can do in the area. Coming from out of town? So that is our top 10 best hikes near Boulder. Head west to the Mesa trail and cross it by the information sign. Authorities in Boulder County, Colorado say Josh Hall, 27, of Arvada has been missing since he and his dog, Happy, went hiking on February 3. This flat, beautiful 13.2 mile trail is an out and back with no true payoff point: the views are pretty good most of the hike, so you can go as far as you want before turning around. When I'm not telling stories around the campfire, I sometimes tell them here. AllTrails is usually accurate, but not always.After plenty of wildflower walks, sunset summits, and snowy-slippery slopes, here are our top 11 dog-friendly hikes in Boulder County: Yes, it’s actually blue! No spam, ever. The trail meanders under cottonwoods, along a pond and past a small farm with horses and other livestock. Should you choose to purchase anything, a small portion of the proceeds will support me and Juno. Not every trail in Boulder County is dog-friendly, so you have to be extra careful when planning — especially when combining separate trails to make a loop. If there is no ice or snow proceed up to the cave. Read More. Dogs: Leashed; The Boulder Skyline Traverse is possibly one of the most notable hikes to Boulder locals. Dog Friendly Hikes Near Boulder. A wonderful "desert like" hike with great rock formations, vistas of Boulder CO, and rock scrambling if desired. This hike is not for the faint of heart, and you should be prepared for the strenuous nature of the hike’s many climbs. A steep, scenic 4+ miles ending at a gorgeous natural arch you won’t see anywhere else in Colorado. The hike starts easily enough and there is plenty of shade as you wind through dense forests with intermittent crossing through open meadows. #1 - Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop Trail. Evergreen Lake Trail Location: Dedisee Park, 0.4 miles west of Evergreen, CO Length: 1.4-mile loop; Difficulty Rating: Easy At the Bear Peak canyon trail junction head west. About this Guide to the Best Hikes Near Boulder Dogs love the wide paths and rolling terrain of Boulder Valley Ranch, an open space just north of Boulder off Highway 36.The trail meanders under … Take the Gregory Canyon Trail to the Ranger Trail for a tour that features remnants of the powerful floods that hit Boulder in 2013. A North and South Fork allows for loops of various length. It is the more rugged and quicker route to the summit. Read More . Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks are one of the rare open spare areas in the state where dogs are allowed to walk off-leash. With so many options to choose from, we turned to Hiking Project, REI’s digital trail guide and online hiking community, to find some of the best dog-friendly hikes in Colorado to get you started. I found all of these by filtering for “dog friendly” on AllTrails, then confirming their friendliness —and open status, especially during COVID!— on the Boulder County parks page. This canyon takes you to the bear peak west ridge trail leading to the peak. Things to Do. For current conditions, please check https://maps.bouldercolorado.gov/osmp-trails/?_ga=2.46731559.1013192217.1587579849-1695750673.1587579849 Button Rock Dam via Sleepy Lion Trail, 11. 10 Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Denver. Distance: 10.4 miles Elevation Gain: 1,666 feet Difficulty: moderate Dog-Friendly: Yes. This dog-friendly hike is located in Grand Mesa, which is a breathtaking area east of Grand Junction. Head west to the Mesa trail then south. (Opinions on that vary, since either way you’ll have to make up the elevation at some point!). Things You Can Do During Covid. It also intersects with many of Boulder’s other trails, so you can choose your own adventure. May 13, 2020 - Click to read all about the five best hikes in Boulder Colorado: trail length, elevation gain, difficulty rating, estimated time frames, and dog friendly. This steep-but-short 2.5 mile trail gives you nice views of Boulder’s iconic flatirons and the city below. Highlights include rock scrambling (if desired), a steady ascent, projected outcrops, and a "desert-like" baked earth terrain. (Just be sure the other trails are also dog-friendly.). Here at AboutBoulder we’ve compiled a list of the best dog-friendly hikes in the area so you’ll never have to leave your pup behind again! This popular peak on the edge of town is a great place to begin your Boulder hiking adventure. It is wide, well traveled, and slightly inclined, with valley (Boulder CO) vistas, wild flowers, and great upward views of the jagged Flat Irons. Eldorado Canyon State Park has six trails that are available to dog owners. Help protect Boulder's natural beauty by remembering these Mountain Manners, and before you go, check here for trail closures due to trail conditions. Becky is a writer wrangling words in the wild, wild west. This hike starts at the NCAR parking lot. It’s easily accessible, and the trails are well-signposted, well-maintained, and dog-friendly. This 5.4 mile loop starts out on a gravel road before climbing to a rocky summit overlooking Ralph Price Reservoir, with great views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker (blocked by Juno’s ears in this photo!) A heart-pumping ascent ends in jaw-dropping views of Boulder, 3.2 miles round trip. NOTE: The cave itself is permanently closed to reduce human contamination that can cause white-nose syndrome in bats. 2 h 8 m While parts of this hike are dog friendly, dogs are not allowed on the Lions Lair section of the trail. This challenging hike along a mostly shaded trail offers less packed trails in a town that is full of climbers and hikers. More information Click to read about the 5 best hikes in Boulder Colorado, from a local who has done them all. Boulder is a pretty dog friendly hiking area, and almost all of the following places allow leashed dogs unless otherwise noted in the description: Boulder hiking trails Eldorado Canyon State Park Golden Gate Canyon State Park Indian Peaks Wilderness. Waterdog Lake is a wonderful hike for explorers and their dogs on the western slope of Colorado. When you shop via the following links, a small percentage supports Becky and Juno at no extra cost to you. The trail gets fairly challenging on the last mile or so before summit. Of the 155 miles of hiking trails in Boulder, 90% welcome your four-leggers, and a good portion of those allow off-leash. It gets crowded during the day and on weekends, so save this one for sunrise/sunset or weekdays if you can. Must-See Boulder. We sure don’t—and we bet our dogs don’t either. It’s one of the best hikes in Evergreen, CO. There’s very few crowds here, large in-part due to the long mileage. Happy was found on Thursday. As you progress deeper and higher the terrain increases in difficulty; to the point of being slightly technical. By Jerilyn Forsythe, Victoria Carodine • June 7, 2019. The Tenderfoot Trail, a meandering, easy Boulder hike, perfect for enjoying some time outdoors with your dog of any age or ability. Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop Trail. Thanks for your support! There’s 1 dog friendly hiking trail in Longmont, and 10 more nearby. Length: 3.2 mi • Est. Josh Hall, 27, and his dog, Happy, started a hike … Thankfully, there are plenty of furry-friendly trails to choose from if you know where to look. This beautiful high alpine lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness is 5 miles roundtrip from the Brainard Lake parking area, which closes in winter. A wonderful "desert like" hike with great rock formations, vistas of Boulder CO, and rock scrambling if desired. As one of the best winter hiking trails in Colorado, the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop lives up to its namesake. (Usually December-January, but also during COVID-19.) A list of the top dog-friendly hikes in Colorado within easy driving distance of Denver, including some in Jefferson County, Boulder, and Denver. Solo Travel Scenic Drives . Here are some of our favorite Fido-friendly Front Range trails—all less than (or about) an hour's drive from Denver. This challenging 3.4-mile loop will gain 1,358 feet and provide you and your pooch with a killer workout. The scramble from Blue Lake (pictured) to Little Blue Lake was too much for Juno so we stopped here — no regrets! A Colorado man's dog was found alive eight days after they were supposed to return home from a hike, authorities said. Beautiful scenery from start to end. COVID-19 Alerts: Face coverings are required in Boulder County, including on open … Jun 24, 2019 - These lovely alpine lakes are located in the James Peak Wilderness. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners. Trails 7 through to 11 that we picked allow off-leash hiking in Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks. We almost always see deer, elk, and rabbits here —hence the name Rabbit Mountain—without too many other people. Beginners to experts may practice their craft (freestyle only, no technical equipment allowed). Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in Longmont. For instance, Boulder is one of the most dog-friendly counties. Gregory Canyon to Flagstaff Summit and the Boulder Star, 10. (We had the trail almost to ourselves at sunset, but sunset views themselves aren’t great as the arch faces east. In summer I’d recommend counterclockwise, so you can go down the stairs and make the hike easier on yourself. This hike starts at the NCAR parking lot. This loop is 3.6 miles without including the side trip to the Boulder Star, which I highly recommend if it’s lit. Rock outcrops, projections, holes, nooks, and giant boulders offer many types of climbing, scrambling, and exploring opportunities. Explore the most popular dogs on leash trails near Boulder with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. If parking lot is full, roadside is allowed. This is followed by a short portage down some very steep steps, followed by another moderate climb back to the trail head. Boulder's color-coded dog regulation map tells you the exact rules for each trail in Boulder (if you're checking a specific trail or trailhead, just type in … The terrain varies from open meadows and wild flowers, to rugged boulders and projected rock outcrops. The many short trails leading to the impressive Red Rocks sandstone formations are well worth the quick hike. Nearly all (about 90 percent) of the city’s 150 miles of trails are open to dogs. The trail starts out very easy with well maintained walking trails. Dog-Friendly Boulder Suggested Itineraries . $5 fee for parking unless you are a Boulder resident. The loop via Lion’s Lair is NOT dog-friendly, so unless you do a point-to-point hike you’ll have to descend the same way you came. (Dogs aren’t allowed here in winter, either, so best to do it in summer when the lake is snow-free and blue.) It’s our favorite weeknight sunset hike (just 15 minutes from our front door) for its carpets of wildflowers in the spring. There is a $5 fee for parking. Mount Sanitas offers a roughly three-mile loop up to the 6,863-foot summit and back, with stunning views out over Boulder to the east and the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the west. As a secret hiking trail near Denver, I make it a point to hike this one each season. Eagle Wind Trail at Rabbit Mountain Open Space, The Heart-Shaped Labyrinth in the Oakland Hills | Sibley Volcanic Preserve, Cosmic Ashtray Utah Hike: Directions & GPS Coordinates, Maroon Bells Sunrise: Reservations, Permits, and Parking Tips for 2021. Distance: 1.9 miles Elevation: 160 feet Difficulty: Easy Red Tape and Local Tips: There are a lot of rules here, please respect signs and regulations. Hiking with your hound is just an average day in Boulder, where miles and miles of hiking trails are open to dogs on leash. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is best … This trail basically serves as the first "in-trail" that leads to many other popular hikes in the park such as the Flat Irons and Royal Arch. Going counter clockwise starts you off on a fantastic downhill, just be careful for hikers and dogs. Here's Trip Savvy's list of Best Winter Hikes in Colorado. A precaution, there are many sharp drops and smooth rock faces, so be careful and wise! Along a lonely canyon to a ridge leading to a peak. South Boulder Peak and Bear Mountain Trail South Boulder Peak and Bear Mountain Trail is a 5.6 mile hike that will take about 6 hours to complete with Fido. You can hike the easiest Fowler Trail that is 1.4-miles long or you and … Rainbow Lake Trail in Frisco. (Note: the popular Green Mountain Loop is NOT dog-friendly. Visit Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks website for dog regulations by area and to get information on the best off-leash dog hikes where you and your pup can both run free. As a professional writer for the outdoor industry and Colorado local of over 12 years, I know a thing or two about the best hikes near Boulder, Colorado. In the city of Boulder, you can let your dogs enjoy the abundant nature around us. It is a go-to trail for trail runners, and also a popular hike to do in Boulder with dogs. Hiking up cool, green Gregory Canyon is a treat, followed by panoramic views of the city from Flagstaff Summit. Best Hikes In Boulder Colorado – Bonus Hikes. Please note that partial trail closures are reported for this trail as of (07/16/2020). This lovely trail near Nederland certainly gets “lost” in winter, when it hides under a thick layer of snow and ice. Walker Ranch is a fantastic loop that can be taken both clockwise and counter. These dog-friendly hikes located within two hours of Denver provide endless winter fun. Sign up for occasional updates and travel tips from Becky and Juno. Location: Boulder Valley Ranch, 7 miles north of Boulder, CO ; Length: 2.9-mile loop; Difficulty Rating: Easy; Best For: A sunny loop with a nearby dog-friendly swimming pond ; Dogs: Leashed; Off-leash under voice and sight control. The trail can get hard to follow in a few spots so be sure to keep an eye out for the cair. There’s a small waterfall at Longmont Dam and even a cute Little Free Library in the middle of the trail. Since Juno and I moved to Boulder County last year, we’ve sniffed out dozens of dog-friendly hikes in Boulder and beyond. As an expert hiker, I’ve tackled each of these trails over the years to give you the inside scoop on Boulder’s best hiking trails. When the parking lot is full, designated roadside parking is allowed. Bring plenty of food, water, extra layers, and a bivvy shelter for you and your furry pal. Sanitas may be the best place to walk your dog in town because of the broad trails, great views, and places for your pup to get a sip of water. You can also check out a full list of Boulder OSMP hiking trails or get other hiking/walking ideas on BringFido.com , which is a great resource for all kinds of pet-friendly travel and accommodations. Once at the bottom, you will start a moderate but tiring climb that eventually opens up at the top into an area with a parking lot, which is where the real fun starts! If you plan to be out all day, investing in a doggy coat that covers the underbelly is something to consider. The trail system intersects with South Mesa Trail and provides access to the Shadow Canyon and Fern Gulch trails to Bear and South Boulder Peaks. I'm a writer roaming the wild, wild west with my dog, Juno. #5 - Bear Peak via the Shadow Canyon Trail. Dogs love the wide paths and rolling terrain of Boulder Valley Ranch, an open space just north of Boulder off Highway 36. Get Outside! Royal Arch Trail; Credit: Trevor Senior, AllTrails . Totaling just a little under 2 miles there and back, this trail gains only 345 feet of elevation, and boasts amazing mountain views, as well as beautiful wildflowers. This trail takes you up through the open space along Shanahan Ridge. Situated right in the heart of Boulder, the trails at the base of Mt. At 16 miles long, it’s a long day hike best done during the spring and summer. Note: This trail may be CLOSED due to muddy conditions. (And note the falling-down remains of the Hessie townsite on your first mile in. Explore Boulder's outdoor recreation. 7. She's probably outside with her dog, Juno. From this point, you will experience what some would argue is 2 miles of the best downhill you will ever ride. Solo Travel Scenic Drives . Vast meadows sprawling with wild flowers to forests with towering evergreens to rocky boulders of great size. Sunshine Canyon Trail is a 2.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Boulder, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels.

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