Fort Collins Dog Hikes
Northern Colorado is an amazing place for enjoying outdoor activities with your furry friend! If you live in Fort Collins, odds are you love trying out new adventures with your pup. It’s a great experience for your dog, as they get to see lots of new things, from mountains to flowers to water. As a Colorado resident, you’re probably always looking for a new place to explore or test out! Luckily there are dozens of different trails of all skill levels and new spots to see for dog owners and their pups. Whether you’re looking for a leash-free spot to give your dog some freedom, horseback riding trails for the whole animal family, or a trail near water to cool off in, there are plenty of dog-friendly trails to try. Many of these are open year-round, especially if you and your dog are brave and bring your snowshoes.
Here are some of our favorite dog-friendly trails that Sit Means Sit recommend!
If You Want an Off-Leash Hiking Trail
Sometimes your dog truly just needs to get off their leash and have a blast without those restraints. Hewlett Gulch Trail in Fort Collins Poudre River Canyon is the perfect place for them to do this. This spot allows your dog to explore and play off-leash. On top of that, it also isn’t a super hard trail. It is about 3 miles, but if you want to extend it for a longer journey, it can also be 5 miles. It doesn’t have too much elevation gain, so it will be a smooth and carefree hike. Another nice feature is that it follows Gordon Creek, causing most of the trail to run along the water. This is perfect if your dog needs to cool off or just for great views.
Length: 3 or 5 miles
While the dogs must be on leash on the beautiful trails at Horsetooth Reservoir, there is a dedicated off-leash dog swim beach for dog-friendly pooches! This a great place to let your dog blow off some energy, play with other dogs, dig, in the sand, and cool off in the summertime. Let your dog get their zoomies out after exploring the trails of Horsetooth Reservoir, open all year with access to fishing, rock climbing, camping, and more! Nearby the Reservoir is the Horsetooth Mountain Open space, giving you and your dog access to the mountains and multiple trails of difficulty.
Length: .3 miles
As a word of caution: do not allow your dog to go off-leash unless your dog has excellent recall. Dogs can easily get lost or hurt when off-leash and are nonresponsive to their owner’s command. If you’re not confident in your dog’s recall, work with our professional dog trainers in Fort Collins today.
If You Want a Challenge
Are you and your four-legged friend more experienced at hiking and want something more than plain dog walking? Then head on over to the American Lakes Trail! It is 7 miles with a 1,430 ft. elevation gain, so be sure that you and your dog are prepped and ready for a challenging day. The hard work you put in will definitely be worth it: there are great views of alpine tundra, wildflowers, an alpine lake, and the continental divide. We guarantee you’ll leave feeling like you got a great workout in, but also a great experience.
Length: 7 miles
For another challenging hiking experience, Blue Sky Trail and Indian Summer Trail is a great place to explore, camp, see wildflowers, and adventure with your dog. Dog owners and their best friends can enjoy the dog-friendly Blue Sky Trail during every season since it is open year-round. Just be prepared for the ever-changing Northern Colorado weather! Pack lots of water and snacks for this Fort Collins adventure, you and your dog will gain 1,771 ft in elevation! The total trail length is over 15 miles, which makes this a great camping opportunity.
Length: 15.6 miles out and back
If You Want Something Unique
If you’re tired of the same ole boring trail, you have to head to Disappointment Falls in Red Feather Lakes. Even the name is unique! It is also a great choice if you and your pup are beginner hikers since it is not too challenging. However, what it lacks in difficulty it makes up for in fun! There are rock formations, waterfalls, and so many smaller trails you can try out.
Length: 2 miles round trip
The Mason Trail combines natural areas with the urban feeling of old Northern Colorado and is a great place for dog walking and hiking. A fairly flat trail, this path follows old train tracks turned into a network of hiking trails, great for all dogs, people, and skill levels. Part of a network of 1600 rail trails, the Mason Trail is a part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a non-profit working to connect this network of hiking trails. Even though your dog needs to be on a leash for this trail, it will still be a unique experience.
Length: 4.9 miles point to point
If You Want Something Secluded
Some days you just don’t want to deal with the crowds or the many other dogs on the trails. The Montgomery Pass Trail in Cameron Pass is normally used in the winter for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, which makes it pretty empty during the summer months! It’s a secret spot if you want a less crowded experience one day this summer. On top of the quiet, your dog is also allowed off-leash!
Length: 4.8 miles
With so many natural areas offered in the Fort Collins and Northern Colorado region, you will find plenty of secluded hikes for you and your dog to adventure. Poudre River Trail is usually quiet and has miles of easy-to-moderate trails for dog walking, running, and mountain biking. Pick your favorite trailhead and parking area out of many and discover your favorite quiet hiking spot. Near the Poudre River, there are plenty of opportunities to cool off in the lake or river on the Poudre Trail. Don’t confuse this trail with the Cache La Poudre River Trail, which has beautiful views but is not dog-friendly.
Length: 16.4 miles out and back
You Want To Go Trail Riding with Your Dog
For the multi-animal family, there is nothing more fun than going on horseback riding trails with your dog and equine friend. Horseback riding trails connect their riders with nature at the Lory State Park Trails. Take the whole day to explore the beautiful views, wildflowers, and waterfalls at Lory State Park trails while riding your horse and adventuring with your dog. Before taking your dog on horseback riding trails, make sure your dog is under control, both on leash and voice command.
Length: Choose from over 28 miles of trails
Remember to stay safe when you’re out on the trail! Bring water and snacks, keep your dog close to you, and watch out for signs of overheating in your pup. Always be prepared, the weather in Northern Colorado can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
Check the trailhead parking area where you choose to explore with your dog. Some of these trails require parking fees or permits. Of course, be sure to always pick up after your pup. Have a great time exploring the trails!