Dog walking in Cripple Creek

Wildwood

Start your excursions in Cripple Creek at the Cripple Creek Heritage and Visitor Center. While you can't take your fur-baby inside the building, there are paths for him to explore outside. There is even a fenced area where he can play off-leash! One path will lead you to an overlook where you'll find a sweeping view of the area as well as information on Pike's Peak as well. There are restrooms for the humans; just bring your pup's water dish. There are doggie waste bags up front by the fenced area, but you will need some of your own for the other paths.

Carr Ave Depot

Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is a pet-friendly locomotive tour that takes you through the gold mining area. It is a four-mile tour that takes about 45 minutes to ride through. On this unique adventure, you and Fido can ride on an authentic steam train as the conductor tells you all about the history of the gold mines. The scenery is breathtaking and picturesque. By the time that you return to the depot, you will have fallen in love with the entire area. Dogs must be well-behaved and on a leash. You are responsible for your dog and her messes. You'd be barking mad to miss this one-of-a-kind experience!

Bennett Ave

Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation has a new addition -- City Park. This park has a ton of amenities to enjoy, including a dog run where you can let your dog off their leash to play for a while. Or, you can explore the 5K walking track with your leashed pooch. The 18-round disc golf course is pet-friendly, too, if you clean up after your pup. There are water fountains in the summer months, but the water is turned off in the winter, so be sure to bring your own in cold weather. Doggie bags are located in the dog run, but you will need your own for the trails.

The Outskirts

The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine has many fun activities both above ground and below. Above ground, you can explore the grounds, take in the scenery of the area, and check out some of the equipment used to mine the gold. The sawmill is even still standing. Down below the two-mile shaft, you can go on a tour of the actual shaft. Pets are no longer allowed down below because of the tight space. There are restrooms above ground as well as water fountains. You may want to bring a water dish with you. You will also need to bring doggie waste bags so you can keep the grounds clean.

Pike National Forest

The Crags Trail is located in Divide, which is about thirty minutes away. This four-mile trail is the pawfect place to go on a walk with your leashed dog and takes about two-and-a-half hours to complete. There are soft needles lining the paths, which make it easier on your pup's paws. This is a true mountain trail, so you will want to bring water for you both. Please clean up after your dog so the trail remains enjoyable for everyone. This trail is just for hikers and horses, which makes it safe to walk -- unless, of course, your pup doesn't play well with other species! When you get to the end, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the area.