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"Tail" Trails of Colorado

Dog-friendly destinations throughout the state

The great outdoors are best explored with your canine companions, and with everything from mountain trails to shopping malls to choose from, Colorado's canine-friendly paths offer much more than just another walk in the park.

"Unleash" the fun in one of Colorado's national forests. The Rio Grande National Forest www.fs.fed.us/r2/riogrande/ , located in southwest Colorado, offers 1.86 million acres of adventure to explore - many of which require no leash! Encompassed within is found the Continental Divide and the scenic Sangre de Cristo Wilderness.  Located in the heart of the largest agricultural alpine valley in the world, the Rio Grande National Forest offers exploration of elevations that range from 7,500 feet to over 14,000 feet, with landscapes ranging from alpine desert to pine forest and all the way to the top of several mountain peaks.             

Travel farther south and leave some "paw" prints in the sand at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve www.nps.gov/grsa/ , which just recently became Colorado's newest national park. The park boasts more than 30 miles of the country's tallest sand dunes, many reaching heights greater than 750 feet. It is surrounded by the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains and provides access to several alpine lakes and multiple hiking trails-- all with a fascinating variety of diverse wildlife and plant species.

Discover more dog-friendly trails at Dinosaur National Monument www.nps.gov/dino , a natural exhibit of more than 1,600 dinosaur bones in northwest Colorado. The canyons of the Yampa and Green rivers form a geological wonder revealing a historical journey. Leashes are required - there will be no digging up these bones!

You'll find plenty of canine terrain along the Mesa Trail ranked the No. 1 dog trail in Boulder by Rocky Mountain Sports magazine www.bouldercoloradousa.com . Mesa Trail branches into a number of other trails, such as the South Boulder Creek and Shadow Canyon trails, which offer everything from a grassy prairie to a ponderosa pine savannah for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy.

Or, head to the city and take a relaxing stroll through Denver's Washington Park www.denvergov.org/South_Denver_parks/ , a premier social scene for dogs. This 154-acre park has two small lakes, and the option to walk along crushed gravel or a paved inner path.

If you prefer, step off the trail and into the stores at Aspen Grove Mall www.shopaspengrove.com  in Littleton, Colo. This open air shopping center lets you and your dog enjoy fresh air, sun, and your favorite stores, many of which allow dogs to come right in and share this pet-friendly shopping experience.

For complete information on planning your vacation to Colorado, including lodging, attractions and activities, log on to www.colorado.com  or call 800-COLORADO for a free state vacation guide.

Edited by Marilyn Miller
Adult Travel Editor
TravelLady Magazine

Photo Credits:
CO Dog hiking - Jack Affleck/Vail Summer
CO Dog biking and Dog family - Jack Affleck

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