Denverites often head west to explore and soak up the perfect panoramas offered by the Rockies, but mountain dogs in the know recommend heading south, too. Located just 70 miles south of Denver, dog-friendly Colorado Springs is a pawfect weekend playground for you and pup. We sniffed out some of best hikes, hotels, restaurants, and more for your special getaway.
Dog-Friendly Colorado Springs Itinerary
Don’t miss these must-sniff spots.
Pikes Peak
Does climbing a 14,000-foot mountain sound like pup’s idea of a good time? Nah? Us, either. Luckily, you and your chill best fren can drive the 19-mile paved toll road to the summit of Pikes Peak. Take in views of lakes, the majestic Rockies, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife from the comfort of your own air conditioned car. Visit their website or call ahead, as there’s some current construction to navigate.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings and Museum
Take your barky-ologist to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings and Museum, located just 5 miles from Colorado Springs. This site has preserved fascinating 800-year-old authentic Anasazi cliff dwellings. It boasts a three-story Pueblo-style building, replicas of Ancient Pueblo architecture, a nature walk, and a small museum (all dog-friendly as long as pup is leashed and behaves). The museum offers a slice of ancient life in Southern Colorado with dioramas, videos, and artifacts.
Colorado Jeep Tours
Head for adventure on Colorado Jeep Tours, where your Jurassic Park-lovin’ pooch can pretend like he’s in the movie (except you know, subtract the dinosaurs). This company offers dog-friendly guided jeep tours along the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Red Canyon Park, and the Gold Belt Scenic Byway. All breeds and sizes are welcome, but advance reservations and dog waiver required. Full pet policy here.
Dog-Friendly Hikes in Colorado Springs
Take a hike (with impressive views). Here are some of our recs in dog-friendly Colorado Springs.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Dogs showcases jaw-dropping red rocks formations, an impressive view of snow-capped Pikes Peak, ample hiking, and photo opps fur your handsome pup. One of the most popular trails is the 4-mile Palmer, Cabin Canyon, Strausenbach, and Central Gardens Trail Loop. Though this hike is rated easy, with a meager 550-foot elevation gain and partially paved paths, there is no shade. Dogs must remain on a 6-foot leash, unless in the designated off-leash area of the park.
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Does your travel hound have waterfalls on his bucket list? Check out the majestic Broadmoor at Seven Falls. Tumbling down a magnificent 1400-foot box canyon, Seven Falls is Colorado’s only waterfall to get a coveted spot on National Geographic’s list of International Waterfalls. Athletic dogs’ll ruv the 3-mile out and back trail from Seven Falls to Inspiration Point. Meanwhile, senior woofs can take the shuttle from the parking lot and the tram elevator to Eagle’s Nest Viewing Point. Deets: $16.50 admission per person. Dogs can ride the tram for $2 per pup, and mutts remain leashed.
Racoon Ridge, Acorn Alley, and Bobcat Way Loop at Cheyenne Mountain State Park
This 2.3 mile dog-friendly loop at Cheyenne Mountain State Park is pawfect for dogs who prefer flat, easy terrain with partial shade. Yes–you read that right, a coveted partially shaded trail in the hot springs! Your flower child will love views of the wildflowers, plains, and ponderosa pines. Note: Not all trails in this State Park are dog-friendly, so take a look before pup starts hikin’ like he owns the place.
Dog-Friendly Colorado Springs Restaurants and Breweries
After you’ve borked up an appetite, check out these dog-friendly patios.
Pub Dog
Pub Dog’s claim to fame is being the first and only restaurant in Colorado to allows their hooman and canine guests to dine indoors together. Pup’ll be beggin’ to play in the amazing off-leash area, then order from the dog menu, which features pupsicles, rice bowls, dog beer, and puppy patties.
Pizza Rustica
Pizza Rustica serves up yummy wood-fired pizza, gelato desserts, and antipasto from their wood-fired oven. Reviewers rave about their authentic Italian-tasting Neapolitan pizza. Although dogs aren’t allowed inside their historic restaurant, they are welcome and adored on the patio.
Phantom Canyon Brewery
Located in downtown Colorado Springs, Phantom Canyon Brewery features classic pub fare, vegan options, and an expansive rotating menu of 12 specialty tap beers. Their small but mighty patio is welcoming for well-behaved pups, plus we hear staff will bring out bacon and treatos for very good boys. Psst–head there from ten to midnight for late-night deals.
Colorado Springs Dog-Friendly Hotels
Sleep at last! Sniff out our recs for a place to call home when your dogs are barking.
Budget Friendly Lodging at La Quinta Inn and Suites
For a mini-vacation without breaking the bank, head to La Quinta Inn and Suites. This chain offers three locations in the Colorado Springs area.Treatos and waste bags are available at the front desk, plus there’s a pet-relief area on-site. Two dogs per room, and the extra kibble on top? No pet fee!
Stay in Style at Cheyenne Mountain Resort
At Cheyenne Mountain Resort, you and pup’ll get a taste of both city and mountain life. This resort serves up stunning natural beauty, which you can savor on your private balcony. There’s also a 35-acre lake, ideal for fishing and swimming. Wanna unwind with some wine and apps? Chill on the restaurant patio with your pooch. Dogs up to 80 lbs allowed for a $35 fee per pet per night.
Lap of Luxury at The Broadmoor
Stay at posh The Broadmoor, because your pampered pooch deserves only the finest things in life. Four-legged guests are spoiled with snaccs, bowls, a pet bed, and several pet relief areas on-site. Hooman guests are treated to mountain and lake views, a full-service spa, pool, and on-site golf and tennis. Two pets per room; fee is $100 per pet per night.
What’s your floof’s fave thing to do in Colorado Springs? Woof at us in the comments or in our Dog-Friendly Denver Facebook Group.
Featured Photo: Patrick Hendry
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Denver Facebook Group.
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