Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Just 30 miles west of Denver lies the Golden Gate Canyon State Park, where a peaceful getaway awaits you and your four-legged friend. This 12,000-acre site draws outdoor enthusiasts with its dense forests, picturesque meadows, rocky peaks, and miles of trails that your adventurous pup will surely love, too!
Golden Gate Canyon features over 35 miles of hiking trails for you and Fido to explore. Most of the trails are named after an animal and many will lead you and your pooch through aspen groves, so remember to bring your camera! To see historic buildings and seasonal streams, take the 1.2-mile Buffalo Trail. If your dog isn't very athletic or you're hiking with children, the .7-mile Blue Grouse Trail is the pawfect choice. If you and Fido don't mind getting a bit of a workout, hit the 2.8-mile Beaver Trail loop, which has been ranked as “most difficult.” Your efforts will be rewarded with pawmazing views of the Continental Divide, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, and Tremont Mountain.
Be sure to download a map before you hit the trails as there is no cell or internet service in the park. Note that a couple of the trails travel through areas where hunting is allowed and that you'll be sharing some of the paths with mountain bikers and horseback riders. Observe proper petiquette by always keeping your pup on a 6-foot leash and cleaning up after them. Bring your own clean-up bags, and enough water too. After your hike, rest your tired feet and paws and enjoy a picnic at one of the park's 125 picnic sites.
If you'd like to extend your adventure, Golden Gate Canyon offers two campgrounds that are open from Memorial Day weekend to early October. Backcountry camping is also available—be sure to get your permit at the visitors center. For a more comfortable stay, cabins and yurts are open to the public all year round, and most units welcome furry guests for an extra fee of $10 per night.
Escape to the beautiful mountains of Colorado with your pup at the Golden Gate Canyon State Park!
