Dog walking in Bailey

Jefferson/ Como

The Jefferson/ Como neighborhood of Fairplay is where you’ll find the Kenosha Pass West Trail in the Pike National Forest. This long trail is on-leash woofer-friendly and travels along the ridgeline of Kenosha Pass on the Colorado Trail through meadows and forested land. Your fur-buddy will love the streams you’ll cross where he can cool off and take a drink, and the trail is a consistently packed forest floor of dirt, so is easy going for both of you, once you’ve attained the ridgeline. It does rise quite a bit to that point so be prepared with drinking water and maybe a walking stick to help you on your way. This is a pawrrific, if long, walk!

Broken Arrow

Buffalo Creek/ Green Valley Acres

This neighborhood in Conifer is where you’ll find dog-friendly Reynolds Park, a 2100-acre forested,  mountainous area of 2100 acres containing 17 miles of trails. Several trails lead to scenic overlooks, and the Chickadee Trail ends at the Idylease Campground where Fido is welcome. At the campground you’ll find 5 semiprivate tented campsites, along with restrooms, grills, bear-proof food storage and water for cleaning (nondrinkable, so be sure to bring bottled water for you and your bestie!) The campground is hike-in only and is about 1.5 miles from the park entrance. The trails throughout the park are well-maintained and of varying skill levels, but well worth the effort as you and your pup catch pawrrific sightings of wildlife and take in spectacular views of the mountains and South Platte River below!

Glenisle/ Grant

This Bailey neighborhood is home to Staunton State Park, a woofer-friendly gem of high Alpine-like grassy meadows and soaring granite cliffs. Family friendly, this park attracts walkers/hikers, bicyclists, and nature observers. Its streams and variety of terrain results in vegetation and wildlife diversity that draws residents and visitors alike. Pups must be on leash at all times, but that won’t diminish their fun as they sniff out small (and sometimes large!) mammals and visually track the raptors gliding on the thermals above. The park offers 15 trails of varying length and difficulty, as well as rock climbing areas, picnic sites, parking for a small fee, and restrooms. Be sure to check with the rangers at the park entrance about trail conditions and possible seasonal or other restrictions. Pawsome!

Winfield/ Rockdale

The Lost Creek Wilderness is 120,000 acres, located within the Pike National Forest, in the town of Buena Vista. Named for an underground creek that disappears and reappears above ground as it heads for the South Platte River, the Wilderness features a variety of rock formations, including granite domes and knobs as well as natural arches. Accessible year-round, it attracts hikers and rock-climbers in nice weather, cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts in winter on its 130 miles of trails. Part of the Wilderness is the 17,000-acre Lost Creek Scenic Area whose rock pinnacles and spires are a sight to see! Bring your fur-pup and your backpack with plenty of water and get out there!