January is “Walk Your Dog Month”, and we are lucky to live in an area that provides some of the best trails in America to enjoy with your furry family member! If you’re looking to do a trail walk or hike and wondering which ones allow your pup to be part of the fun, we have five northern Colorado recommendations for you to check out. Please keep in mind that while dogs are welcome to accompany their family on these hikes, they must be kept on a leash at all times.
Horsetooth Falls and Horsetooth Rock Trail
The scenic 2,711-acre Horsetooth Mountain Open Space covers elevations from 5,430 to 7,255 feet. Its 29 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails connect to the Blue Sky Trail and Lory State Park trails. The optimal time of year to visit this trail spans from April to October.
This hike is considered a moderate hike for you and your dog, and it runs 5.2 miles through Roosevelt National Forest. If you’re interested in this hike, it’s best to tackle from April to September. Be mindful that the Mount McConnel Trail is located within the Cameron Peak Fire zone, so you will see the effects of the fire during your hike.
The Poudre River Trail hike is considered a favorite for northern Colorado residents. While it’s much longer than most hikes at 9.4 miles, it is regarded as one of the less challenging trails for you and your pet in northern Colorado.
Arthur’s Rock is one of the more scenic trails in northern Colorado, and it’s normal for your dog to meet up with other dogs while completing this hike. It’s 3.4 miles and is considered a moderate hike, starting in Lory State Park.
Overlook Trail via Foothills Trail
This trail is another easy hike, which will take you 3.9 miles with a small elevation gain of 593 feet. It’s good for all skill levels (for both you and your pup) and if you hike it in the summer, your dog may enjoy stopping to smell the beautiful wildflowers that grow alongside.