7 Dog-Friendly Art Walks In and Around Denver, Colorado
Urban hiking with your dog can be such a rewarding experience. While mocked by some as not “real” hiking, we believe that anytime you have a walking adventure in a new and beautiful outdoor space, you’re hiking! Beauty exists everywhere, especially in communities who have made investments in public art, and urban areas are much more accessible than mountains or wilderness for most people and their dogs. So when you are in the mood for something different, grab this list, and explore what we consider to be some of the best urban hikes for dogs in Colorado!
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Introduction to urban art hikes
For us, urban hiking is a welcome source of diversity and inspiration, and cities are full of wonderful sniffs for Bonnie & Ada. Urban hiking is the perfect blend of adventure and city life, offering the thrill of exploration without leaving the comforts of civilization behind. Instead of rugged backcountry trails, urban hikes take you through scenic parks, historic districts, vibrant street art corridors, and hidden green spaces. It’s a chance for you and your dog to see cities in a whole new way, discovering unexpected pockets of beauty. Whether you’re chasing murals, waterfront sunsets, or just a different sense of perspective from your usual neighborhood walks, urban hiking proves that adventure is truly anywhere.
Public art is such an incredible type of scenery to seek on urban hikes. As you wander through colorful murals, intricate sculptures, and thought-provoking installations, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the creativity woven into the urban landscape. From hidden gems in quiet neighborhoods to massive works adorning city landmarks, urban hiking provides an ever-evolving artistic adventure, blending culture, exercise, and discovery into one experience.
Denver, the Metro Area, and several other cities along Colorado’s Front Range have vibrant public art to explore. In this post we share six of our favorites, but will continue to add to this post as we discover more! We particularly love to mix in these walks during winter months, when mountain roads are icy, or we just want some vibrant color in our scenery.
Best dog-friendly art walks near Denver
RiNo Art District Murals
RiNo, short for the River North Art District, is Denver’s vibrant hub of creativity, where art thrives in literally every corner. Marked by its signature rhino logo, this neighborhood blends urban charm with industrial revival, transforming historic warehouses into jazz bars, breweries, galleries, and studios. Home to a diverse mix of artists, designers, craft brewers, and makers, RiNo is a hotspot for innovation. But the real magic spills onto the streets, where bold, colorful murals turn alleys and buildings into an open-air gallery, making every stroll a dynamic artistic experience.
The murals in this area are particularly noteworthy, because each year the DENVER WALLS festival adds more color and more innovation. You simply can’t look in any direction without being immersed in creativity. The DENVER WALLS festival unites internationally renowned and local artists to transform Denver’s public spaces with vibrant murals and immersive experiences. You can find murals by superstars like Shepard Fairey, as well as local juggernauts like Jaime Molina, Detour (Thomas Evans), Hiero Viega, Jonathan Saiz, Koko Bayer, Sandi Calistro, and so many more.
If you’re looking for dog-friendly photo opportunities, this area packs a real punch, by far the densest concentration of art you’ll find of any on our list.
Suggested Route: This area is so dense with art, that it’s difficult to suggest a specific route, and we end up taking slightly different turns every time we visit! I suggest parking near a coffee shop like Milk and honey (where doggos are allowed to join you in ordering), starting your experience with a warm drink to go, and traipsing up and down the streets and alleys at your leisure.
Interactive map of RiNo murals
Westwood Creative District
The Westwood Creative District, one of Colorado’s newest, celebrates the area’s rich Latino arts and culture along Morrison Road with vibrant murals, galleries, and community-driven arts events. Born from the grassroots efforts of D3 Arts, the district supports local artists and sobriety initiatives while showcasing Mexican-American heritage through street art, food, and cultural spaces. Plans are underway to transform Morrison Road into Mercado Lineal, a lively pedestrian-friendly hub with plazas, gardens, and public art. Nonprofit Re:Vision’s RISE Westwood is at the heart of this evolution, fostering community with a food co-op, events, and an upcoming urban farm and commercial kitchen.
The public art, street murals, and rich culture in this area makes for a beautiful place to walk, with tons of sweet spots to stop and sniff, photograph your pooch, and soak in the color.
Suggested Route: We like to park by Hecho en Westwood, at the corner of Perry St. & Morrison Rd, because there are a couple doggie bag dispensers and trash cans. Then we walk a loop up and down Morrison Road, with a little additional loop around Westwood Park for some green space. This totals about 2.5 miles.
Lakewood Art Line
Lakewood’s 40 West Arts District is a vibrant hub of creativity, blending public art, galleries, and performance spaces along historic West Colfax. At its heart, the 40 West ArtLine is a four-mile walking and biking route showcasing over 70 permanent and temporary installations, with new works continuously added. The ArtLine is a literal painted green line, which makes following it very easy! Launched in 2018 with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the ArtLine connects parks, businesses, and transit, transforming the area into an ever-evolving outdoor gallery. This community-driven project brings color, culture, and creativity to Lakewood, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers.
Suggested Route: Because the line is painted on the street and sidewalks, it’s super easy to follow. If you follow it end to end, and back, it’s a hefty 8 mile hike, so we like to do it in sections.
Option 1 (approximately 2 miles round trip): Park by Casa Bonita, follow the line north to Aviation park, then loop back around
Option 2 (approximately 2.5 miles round trip): Park by Casa Bonita, follow the line south and east to Mountair Park, then loop back around
Option 3 (approximately 2.5 miles round trip): Park by the Lamar light rail station, floor the line east to Montair Park, then north to Walker Branch Park, then loop back around.
Loveland Art Walks
Benson Sculpture Garden
Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland, Colorado, is a breathtaking dog-friendly outdoor gallery featuring 178 sculptures by world-renowned artists, valued at over $5 million. Spanning 10 acres, the park offers accessible pathways, picnic areas, and a serene setting for art lovers. It hosts the annual Sculpture in the Park event, drawing global visitors and earning recognition as a must-see contemporary art destination. Open year-round with free admission (except during the show weekend in August), Benson Sculpture Garden is a cultural gem where art and nature come together in perfect harmony.
Suggested Route: We like to combine the Benson Sculpture Garden trail with the North Lake Park Trail. Together, these equal about a 2 mile walk, through all the beautiful sculptures and with gorgeous views of Lake Loveland.
Chapungu Sculpture Park
Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra in Loveland, Colorado, is a stunning 26-acre outdoor exhibit featuring 82 monumental stone sculptures from Zimbabwean artisans. Opened in 2007, this serene space blends art, nature, and culture, offering meandering trails, lush gardens, and peaceful spots to relax. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided journey through Zimbabwean history, spot local wildlife, or attend community events like summer concerts and special celebrations. Open daily with free admission, Chapungu Sculpture Park is a one-of-a-kind destination for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Suggested Route:
Interactive map of Chapungu Sculpture Park
Lyons Public Art Walk
Lyons boasts a vibrant public art scene, curated by the Lyons Arts and Humanities Commission (LAHC), which fosters creativity throughout the town. Notable installations include the HeARTS of Lyons Outdoor Sculpture Collection, the colorful Creative Outlets painted utility boxes, and the community-crafted Clarifier Mosaic. Other highlights, such as the Bell of Renewal and the Lyons Town Hall Mural, reflect the town’s rich history and artistic spirit, making Lyons a must-visit destination for art lovers.
Suggested Route: We like to walk the Lyons Corridor Trail, which takes you past several sculptures and the stunning Clarifier Mosaic, then walk around downtown to see more of the art.
Interactive map of art in Lyons
Adams County Platte River Trail Art Walks
Murals for Hope is a public art initiative in Adams County, featuring large-scale murals along the Clear Creek and South Platte River trail systems. Created by local artists, these murals reflect the region’s natural beauty and incorporate mythological symbols of hope, such as the Firebird and Thunderbird. As part of the county’s Artfully Adams Master Plan, the project aims to enhance public spaces, inspire hope, celebrate nature, strengthen community connections, and promote mental well-being through art and nature. Complementary initiatives like Love Your Trails, Adams County Pride Babe Walls further offer connection to public art, encouraging creativity, reflection, and social interaction in accessible outdoor settings.
Suggested Route: There is art installed along all 14 miles of the South Platte River Trail that runs through Adams County, so you can pretty much jump on it wherever you like. We particularly like parking by Riverdale Regional Park, and doing a 3 mile loop around the area. You can access our route here.
More information about Adams County Platte River Corridor Trails
Tips for enjoying dog-friendly hikes and art walks in Denver
When walking your dog in urban environments, it’s essential to stay mindful of both your pet’s safety and the surrounding community. Always keep your dog on a leash to prevent unexpected encounters with traffic, other animals, or pedestrians. Be aware of potential hazards like hot pavement, which can burn your dog’s paws, and ensure they have access to water, especially on warmer days. Maintain control in crowded areas to avoid distractions, and watch for obstacles like bikes, skateboarders, or construction zones. Clean up after your dog to keep the environment clean and respectful for others, and always stay alert to avoid any sudden dangers.
