One of the best reasons to live in Colorado is the easy access to trails up and down the front range, not to mention those that are available in the mountains. You don’t have to travel far to stretch your legs and reap the benefits of a heart-pumping workout. Here are five, dog-friendly hikes close to home that will satisfy your craving to get out on the trail.

  1. Flatirons Vista Loop. Boulder’s famous Flatirons forms the backdrop for this 2.4 mile, lollipop, mesa top ramble with open prairie views spreading east on the downhill side. Leashed dogs permitted & dogs permitted off-leash if displaying a Boulder Voice & Sight dog tag.
  2. Rattlesnake Gulch (Eldorado Canyon State Park.) Follow the old “Crags Boulevard” to the remains of the Crags Hotel for 2.8 miles out and back. Enjoy surrounding rock-climbing walls as you ascend and of the Continental Divide from the hotel site.  State parks pass or daily permit required.
  3. North Table Mountain Park. Easily accessible on both the west and east sides, North Table Mountain Park visitors enjoy panoramic views and 15-plus miles of trails. For a longer trek, try all or part of the North Table Loop (7.4) miles, or connect with the Mesa Top Trail (2 miles) to make a shorter loop. The options are endless and so are the views!
  4. Mount Galbraith Loop via Cedar Gulch Trail. With easy access from Golden Gate Canyon Road, this 4.0 mile loop is considered moderately challenging. It’s a very popular area for hiking and trail running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
  5. Racoon Trail (Golden Gate State Park). This 3.4 mile loop traverses forests and fields, encountering beautiful vistas as well as elevation gain. State parks pass or daily permit required. Choose from a number of additional trails in this foothills park gem as well. 

Please consult the appropriate website for the most up to date information on each of the above trails. Always be sure someone knows where you are going and when you are expected home. Bring snacks and plenty of water for both you and your dog and remember to pack out your dog waste.