A Dog-Friendly Weekend in Colorado Springs

Listed as top pet-friendly city by Livability and other websites, Colorado Springs has a bounty of activities, restaurants and parks for tail-wagging visitors and their human counterparts to enjoy together. Use the itinerary below as inspiration for the perfect weekend with your pup.

By: Visit Colorado Springs
Updated: March 26, 2024

Day 1

Check into one of Colorado Springs’ pet-friendly hotels, many of which even offer goodie bags for your best friend. Drool-worthy amenities at Cheyenne Mountain Resort include eco-friendly toys, logoed dog tags, washable blankets and treats, while El Colorado Lodge invites guests to walk their canines on more than 3 acres of grounds with magnificent Pikes Peak views. 

After you get settled in, head to one of the restaurants in town with a great patio so your pooch can join you for dinner. Order something tasty from dog-themed menu at Pub Dog, the first restaurant in Colorado to allow guests to eat indoors with their dogs (try the Bow Wow BLTA), or savor a mouthwatering bison patty melt and refreshing amber beer on the patio with your pal at Phantom Canyon Brewery

Other favorite restaurants with pet-friendly patios include Pizzeria Rustica, TAPAteria, Salsa Brava and Edelweiss. More pet-friendly breweries in the area

Day 2

Grab breakfast and get ready for some exercise. The Colorado Springs region has many fantastic hikes suitable for both two- and four-legged visitors. Palmer Park has a fenced-in dog park and a 1-mile off-leash loop, and leashed pups are allowed throughout Garden of the Gods Park and can roam freely in the off-leash section near the main entrance by Rock Ledge Ranch.

Other great parks with off-leash sections include Red Rock Canyon Open Space, equipped with miles of trails and two off-leash loops, and Fox Run Dog Park near Black Forest, which gets two paws up for its shady fenced-in area. Be sure to keep your dog leashed unless you are in a designated off-leash area, always clean up after your pet and bring enough water for you both. 

In the afternoon, discover some of the area’s attractions together. Explore the trails at Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, or check out the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. More dog-friendly attractions

 

Day 3

No trip to Colorado Springs with your furry sidekick is complete without a visit to Bear Creek Dog Park. Highlights include 25 acres for dogs to run and play, a 3/4-mile loop trail, small dog section, new agility course and a creek with multiple swimming areas — all amid beautiful panoramas of the foothills. The entire park is off leash to dogs under voice control, so let him or her run freely and sniff up all of the fresh new smells.

After your pooch has gotten a fair share of frolicking time, treat yourself to some retail therapy at a dog-friendly shopping destination in the area. Options include the Outlets at Castle Rock, Promenade Shops at Briargate and shopping districts of Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City.

More Dog-Friendly Places in Colorado Springs

More About Colorado Springs

A version of this article was originally published on Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website.