Dog walking in Aspen

East Main Street

Take one look at Aspen, and you'll know immediately where it got its name; Colorado is home to over 5 million acres of aspen forestland! More challenging hikes like the Cathedral Lake Trail offer plenty of gorgeous sights of the large trees. If you’d rather sniff out a smaller area where your pup can still get fresh air, visit Wagner Park! While there is no fenced-in, off-leash dog park here, it's still a popular spot for dog owners in the area. Take a hike up Little Cloud to get a great view of downtown, as well a look at a bit of Aspen’s history.

West Vail

Vail is revered as one of the most beautiful winter destinations in Colorado for visitors from all over the country, including pups! While your fur babies can’t enjoy the hot chocolate and ski trails, you're sure to find a comfy lodge that is pet-friendly and offers wonderful amenities! Prefer the warm weather? Come during spring or summer to enjoy Colorado River Runs alongside your pooch! The gentle waters are perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon with your furry friends in tow -- plus, there are spacious areas where they can run around. Vail is a remarkable town that is sure to keep tails wagging.

Grand Mesa

Want to take Fido on an adventure in the mountains? Cedaredge is at a higher elevation than the cities nearby, which allows for majestic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Just 30 minutes outside the center of the city is the Mesa Lakes Trail, which is great for beginners or pups that can’t handle more demanding hikes. It opens out to a sparkling lake where you can watch the sunset with your furry friend by your side. If you’re looking to spend a whole day hiking, try the Crag Crest National Recreation Trail Loop – an 8-mile trail that can take up to 8 hours to complete!

South Palisade

Colorado is well-known for its sights, including vast, wide-ranging valleys and long-stretching bodies of water. In Palisade, locals and visitors can revel in the beautiful nature alongside their canines. Visit the River Bend Park for a stroll around the riverbanks, or explore the trails that follow alongside the Colorado River. A 2-hour drive from the city of Aspen, Palisades is a quiet city with plenty of outdoor activities you and your dogs can enjoy. You can even bring Spot along to the Colorado Cellars Winery for a more refined outing.

Chihuahua Gulch

Looking to push yourself and get some exercise while taking in breathtaking sights and watching wildlife? The Chihuahua Gulch and Lake Trail is a 6.1-mile hike that will work out even big breed pups! Thankfully, there are a number of refreshing streams and small ponds throughout the trail for your pet to cool off. Dillon is a small town in Colorado that is 2.5 hours out from Aspen, but is a lovely place for a day trip or even an extended vacation. With a number of pet-friendly accommodations throughout the area, you are your pup and sure to find the pawfect spot!