Colorado Springs’ dog-friendly hikes offer sunshine, stunning views, and tail-wagging adventure. Each trail offers a unique experience, from stunning rock formations to awe-inspiring bodies of water. The best part? Plenty of trails allow dogs, so your four-legged adventure buddy can come along too!
In this Sploot Vets guide, we go over some of the best dog-friendly hikes in Colorado Springs that are easy, scenic, and perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
1. Ridge Loop Trail in Garden of the Gods
- Location: Garden of the Gods—1805 N. 30th Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Highlights: dog-friendly hike near Colorado Springs; relatively smooth footing and shaded in some areas; offers great views; easy, 0.4-mile loop trail
To kick things off, we have a dog-friendly trail located in Garden of the Gods, a well-known public park with stunning sedimentary rock formations. Although there are numerous dog-friendly hiking trails in Garden of the Gods, the Ridge Loop Trail is a hidden gem.
This dog-friendly hike in Colorado Springs offers plenty of great views, all packed into a short, fun hike, making it a great trail for beginners. There are also some shaded areas thanks to the trail’s scattered tree cover. This dog-friendly trail features attractions like Gray Rock, Sleeping Giant, and Keyhole Window, so get ready to take a lot of stunning photos!
2. Cheyenne and Grandview Trail Loop
- Location: Palmer Park—3344-3376 Paseo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
- Highlights: dog-friendly hike near Colorado Springs; shaded in some areas; offers great views and forests; great for birding; easy, 1.8-mile loop trail
Next on our list of the best dog-friendly hikes in Colorado Springs is the Cheyenne and Grandview Trail Loop, located in Palmer Park. Palmer Park is a regional park in Colorado Springs, known for its multi–use trails.
The Cheyenne and Grandview Trail Loop in Palmer Park is a popular destination for not just hiking, but also birding and horseback riding. As you follow this trail, you and your furry friend will be treated to some partially shaded wooded paths, overlooking views, rock formations, and vibrant wildflowers. You will also find picnic sites, including Sentinel Point and South Canyon.
3. High Arches Trail and Ute Valley Regional Park Trail Loop
- Location: Ute Valley Park—1705 Vindicator Dr, Colorado Springs, CO
- Highlights: dog-friendly hike near Colorado Springs; intermittent shade at the beginning of the trail; well-maintained; offers great views and interesting wildlife; easy, 1.4-mile loop trail
Next up, we have the High Arches Trail and Ute Valley Regional Park Trail Loop. This dog-friendly hike in Colorado Springs is located in Ute Valley Park, a popular destination for various outdoor activities, including hiking, running, and mountain biking. This park has several trails that allow dogs; however, this trail is one of the easiest and shortest ones, while still having plenty to offer for a fulfilling experience.
The High Arches Trail and Ute Valley Regional Park Trail Loop has well-maintained paths that take hikers through stunning views, patches of wooded areas, wildflowers, and picturesque rock formations.
4. Prospect Lake Loop
- Location: Memorial Park—1605 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO
- Highlights: dog-friendly hike near Colorado Springs; flat, paved trail; well-maintained; offers great views of Prospect Lake and Pikes Peak; wildlife; easy, 1.3-mile loop trail
If you admire the quiet, serene beauty of lakes, this next dog-friendly hike in Colorado Springs is for you. The Prospect Lake loop trail is situated in Memorial Park, a community park in Colorado Springs, which offers sports facilities, a recreation center, pools, and a paved hiking trail surrounding Prospect Lake.
The Prospect Lake trail is paved and flat, making it an ideal destination for hiking and running. It is also praised by visitors for its accessibility. This dog-friendly hiking trail takes you around Prospect Lake, treating you to views of open skies, calm waters, trees, and the majestic Pikes Peak in the background. Another notable sight along this trail is the Peace Officers’ Memorial, a tribute to officers who have given their lives in service.
5. Quail Lake Trail
- Location: Quail Lake Park—915 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
- Highlights: dog-friendly hike near Colorado Springs; flat, paved trail; well-maintained; offers great views of Quail Lake and Pikes Peak; wildlife and wildflowers; easy; 0.9-mile loop trail
The Quail Lake trail is located in Quail Lake Park, a scenic destination for walking, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. This is another well-loved, dog-friendly hike in Colorado Springs that’s great for anyone who enjoys peaceful walks and stunning lake views.
As you and your pup make your way along the trail, you’ll enjoy scenic views of Quail Lake, which the path gently loops around. Along the way, you will also see wildflowers, wildlife, and Pikes Peak rising above the treeline.
Quick Reminders Before Hiking with Your Dog
Ready to go on a hike with your dog in Colorado Springs? Here are some important reminders:
- Pack some food and water for your dog. Even short, easy hikes (like the trails featured here) can leave your dog thirsty or hungry.
- Don’t forget your dog's first aid kit. Bring a portable dog first aid kit for emergencies. If you’re unsure what to pack, get some ideas here → Dog First Aid Kit: Must-Have Items [Vet-Approved]
- Dog shoes or boots may be helpful on some trails. Dog boots help shield your pup’s paws from rough trails, hot pavement, and sharp debris.
- Check to see if your dog is up to date on their preventives. For utmost safety, your dog needs updated canine vaccines, as well as preventive measures against heartworm, ticks, and fleas.
- Book a quick vet checkup to ensure your dog is hike-ready and to determine if they need some conditioning before heading out.
Note: Preventatives for heartworm, fleas, and ticks are available on SplootRX, your convenient online pet pharmacy and pet supply store. Learn more about SplootRX today!
Sploot Vets: Your All-in-One Colorado Springs Vet Clinic
Sploot Veterinary Care is a trusted provider of primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet care services for dogs and cats. Our experienced vets can provide guidance on conditioning your dog, supplies to bring on your hike in Colorado Springs, and all the necessary preventatives to keep your pup protected!
Visit one of our vet clinics in Colorado Springs, located in Interquest and Powers Pointe. Schedule an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app!
Our vet clinics are open for extended hours, 365 days a year.
