Dog walking in Hot Sulphur Springs

Arapaho National Forest

The Arapaho National Forest has a couple of trails that are pet-friendly. The Clear Creek Trail is a three-mile hiking trail that is a little out of the way. It is a quiet trail where you aren't likely to run into other hikers. It doesn't have water access, though, so be sure to bring some. The Butler Gulch trail is more hiker-friendly and does have access to water. At the beginning of this 4.5-mile trail is a molybdenum mine. You will need to keep your dog on a leash at all times no matter which trail you choose to spend the day on. Both trails are in Parshall, about five miles from Hot Colorado Springs.

Winter Park Resort

If you are in Winter Park and you want something warm and comforting to eat, then you need to try The Back Bowl Soup Company. Just look for the little yellow house at the base of the Winter Park Resort. They bake fresh cookies throughout the day, so make sure to try one! Dogs are welcome to warm up here as well; just keep them on a leash. They even have spirits if you want a taste of something stronger. It takes less than ten minutes to get here from Hot Colorado Springs, making it the pawfect place for breakfast. Bone Appetit!

Downtown

The Parshall Inn isn't an inn anymore. The building used to be, back in the 1950s. Now, it is the home a quiet restaurant where you can get good home cooking, even in the middle of nowhere. Come and grab a meal and chat with the locals, or play a game of horseshoe or pool. Your dog can come with you as long as he is well-behaved. This is about ten minutes from Hot Colorado Springs and is said to be the last stop for a cold beer. Every day there's a different special, so be sure to check the board before you order.

White River National Forest

The White River National Forest is home to Straight Creek Trail, which follows along an old wagon road. The trail is about four miles long and takes about three hours to trek. The trail tends to be soft and gets softer in the winter months. This trail has no amenities, so make sure you bring plenty of water with you. There are maps available online. This park is about five miles from Hot Colorado Springs. It is advised that you do not stray from the marked trail. This is the pawfect place to come and get away from it all for a little while!

East Vail

There are times when all you really need is a dog park. While Vail doesn't have your traditional dog park, it does have Bighorn Park Off-Leash Area. Although it's about an hour and a half from Hot Colorado Springs, every minute of the drive is worth it. There are always other dogs to play with in this spacious park. The park isn't fenced, though, so keep an eye on Fido. Dogs aren't allowed on the children's playground. You must clean up after your dog. There are water fountains, but you will want to bring your own drinking water and dish.