Dog Friendly Activities in Estes Park
Estes Park is an awesome destination for the whole family. Including dogs! A walk around Estes Park is a great way for your dog to burn some energy and for you to get to see the area.
You can window shop along Riverwalk, where most stores are dog-friendly or have at least put out a bowl of water for a hydration break. The Riverwalk connects to the 3.75 mile Estes trail that loops around the stunning lake. Just a few steps off of that trail is the Estes Park Dog Park, in case your pup wants to go socialize with the other pooches.
Dog-Friendly Dining in Estes Park, CO
There are plenty dog-friendly spots in Estes to grab a drink! Rock Cut Brewing Company, Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company, and The Barrel, which is an outdoor beer garden. All three of these spots have dog-friendly patios so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Estes. Rock Cut and Lumpy Ridge both have food trucks onsite, so grabbing a bite to eat is easy and convenient.
Another great option? Grab takeout from your restaurant and have a picnic near the lake or in one of the downtown parks.
Dog-Friendly Hiking in Estes Park, CO
Dogs aren’t allowed on the hiking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, but they are welcome in cars, picnic areas, established roads and parking lots while leashed. Thankfully, there are other hiking trails nearby where you can take your furry friend!
Homer Rouse Trail
A short drive from town, yet far enough away is Homer Rouse Trail. The 4-mile trail follows a small creek before crossing into the forest. After a short section of mild switchbacks, the trail opens up to a wide gravel road, that eventually climbs to a finish below the Baldpate Inn. Views of Long Peak and Lily Mountain make this stroll wonderful for people and their pups.
Lily Mountain Trail
A few miles south of Estes along Highway 7 is the trailhead for Lily Mountain, a National Forest trail that borders Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail climbs over two miles to a rocky and exposed summit with 360-degree views of the Continental Divide, Estes Valley, and Longs Peak. Keep in mind for your dogs feet that the trail is rocky. But there are several spots along the trail to step aside and admire the view. There is no water on this trail so be sure to bring your own!
If you have any recommendations for dog-friendly activities in Estes Park, we would love to hear them! If you are looking for dog training in Estes Park or surrounding areas we would love to help, contact us today.