10 dog-friendly winter hikes along Colorado’s Front Range

Winter brings a unique charm, with crisp air, tranquil evergreen forests, sparkling snow, and serene landscapes. So many people pack up their hiking boots and wait for spring, but we think that’s an entirely missed opportunity! There are so many opportunities to adventure with your dog in the winter, and in this post you’ll find 10 of our favorite dog-friendly trails to explore in the cold months.

This site contains affiliate links, which means when you click, we may receive a small commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps us run this page and offer great content free of charge, and we only recommend products that we use and love. We appreciate you!

Everything to love about winter hiking

A season of cozy moments, hot drinks, and the joy of bundling up in soft layers, winter is often a time to slow down, appreciate nature’s beauty, and embrace the magic of the season. Dogs, however, still need exercise & stimulation. They benefit so much from exploring new landscapes in the cold weather months. In Colorado, often skiing and snowboarding get all the hype, but when it comes to getting outside with your dog and marveling at wintery landscapes, winter hiking in Colorado is unparalleled.

If you’re new to hiking with your dog, start here: Hiking with your dog: 12 tips to always be pup-pared

If you’re new to winter hiking with your dog, start here: Beginner’s guide to winter hiking with your dog: Snow pups unite!

We love hiking in the winter because the trails are generally emptier, which just makes everything easier. Many of the most popular trails on the Front Range transform into peaceful winter wonderlands, prime for enjoying with your dog free from distractions and undue stimulation. 

The following collection of hikes are some of our favorites in the wintertime. They offer stunning scenery, and will make you feel like you’re living in a snow globe for a few hours. Many of these hikes are typically fine for hiking with regular hiking boots and traction devices (micro-spikes). Snowshoes might be beneficial if you’re heading to one of these places after a big snowfall. However, most of these spots have enough regular traffic to keep the trail packed down, making snowshoes unnecessary. Whether you’re after frozen waterfalls, icy rivers, snow capped mountain views, or serene evergreen forests, you’ll find something on this list to delight both you and your dog. 

Colorado’s Front Range

Colorado’s Front Range is a breathtaking region where the Great Plains meet the majestic Rocky Mountains. Stretching from Fort Collins in the north to Pueblo in the south, this dynamic area is home to bustling cities like Denver and Boulder, nestled against a dramatic backdrop of towering peaks. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the Front Range offers a playground of outdoor adventures. With its mix of vibrant urban culture and easy access to pristine wilderness, the Front Range captures the essence of Colorado’s spirit—where rugged landscapes inspire exploration and community thrives in the shadow of the Rockies.

Hiking along the Front Range in the wintertime can be extremely variable. There can be snow and ice, clouds or sun, or dirt and mud, depending on what the weather patterns have been lately. The temperatures can be single digits, or balmy 50’s or 60’s, and everything in between. Always check trail conditions before heading out to these hikes, and it can be extremely helpful to check recent Alltrails reviews and photos to get a sense of what the trail will look like when you arrive.

Land Acknowledgement

The Denver Metro Area and Colorado’s Front Range is located on the ancestral homelands of the Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), Hinono’eino’ Biito’owu’ (Arapaho), & Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) peoples

To show respect to the native peoples who cared for these lands long before white settlers, we do several things: 

• Research and speak the names of the traditional guardians of the land. We use Nativeland.net 
• Ask permission from the land itself before we enter. It might seem silly at first, but the more this becomes a habit, the more you become attuned to the ways in which the land speaks.
• Make donations to native-led organizations that support the communities whose ancestral lands were stolen. 

Always be pup-pared

If you’re in need of any gear to make your winter hikes safe, warm, and stylish, all of our favorites are contained in our Rockporch locker below.

Bonnie’s favorite winter coat is the Powder Hound by Ruffwear (Save 10% with our code Pupperscouts10)

Musher’s Secret Paw Wax is our go-to for keeping Bonnie’s & Ada’s paws protected from cold and chapping on hikes

Both Bonnie & Ada wear the Front Range Day Pack by Ruffwear on most winter hikes. (Save 10% with our code Pupperscouts10)

The hikes – All within a 2 hour’s drive from Denver

1. South Platte River Trail to Strontia Springs Reservoir Trail, Littleton

This hike is very secluded, and wonderfully wintery! It follows the Platte River through a canyon flanked by gorgeous evergreen trees. Water drips down the canyon walls, and in the winter, you will see curtains of icicles hanging down from the rock as you walk along. The river doesn’t freeze over, but it becomes encrusted in icy sheets along the banks, giving the whole place a magical feel. The trail itself is quite gentle. 

Trail Info

• Trailhead: North Fork Trailhead
• Length: 2.7 mi
• Elevation Gain: 101 ft
• Cost: FREE parking
• Rules for Dogs: On leash
• Road Considerations: The road to this trailhead is dirt, and quite remote. It is maintained, but not a high priority. Be careful traveling here after a storm. It’s best to wait a couple days to let fresh snow get plowed aside.
• Trail Info on AllTrails

2. Coyote Song Trail – South Valley Park, Littleton

Coyote Song is one of our favorite trails after a fresh snow. The jagged red rock formations look especially ethereal poking out of a sparkly white landscape. This is a trail that we often avoid in the warm months. There is no shade, so in the summer it’s often too hot. And in the spring and fall it’s quite busy. But in the winter, you won’t find as much traffic, though it’s regularly hiked, so the trail stays packed down and easy to hike.

Trail Info

• Trailhead: South Valley Park South Trailhead
• Length: 2.9 mi
• Elevation Gain: 321 ft
• Cost: FREE parking
• Rules for Dogs: On leash
• Road Considerations: This trailhead is off a major paved road that gets regularly plowed and well maintained. So unless you’re heading here in the middle of a storm, it’s never a difficult drive.
• Trail Info on AllTrails

3. Walker’s Dream via Castle Trail – Mt. Falcon Park, Morrison

Walker’s Dream is one of the most stunning trails in Mt. Falcon Park, and particularly so in the wintertime. There are a couple main features – Ruins of the Walker castle that burned down in the early 20th century, and the cornerstone of what Walker dreamed would be a mountain retreat for the president of the United States. LUnfortunately (or fortunately), his dream never came to fruition, but the mountain views from the spot are now able to be enjoyed by anyone who makes the trek. 

Between the castle ruins and the spectacular views, the snowglobe vibes are strong on this trail. It’s another location that gets extremely busy in the summer, so we often avoid it for that reason. But in the wintertime, it’s much quieter, and the snow adds so much beauty to everything you encounter here. 

Trail Info

• Trailhead: Mt. Falcon West Trailhead
• Length: 3.3 mi
• Elevation Gain: 377 ft
• Cost: FREE parking
• Rules for Dogs: On leash
• Road Considerations: The main roads into this trailhead are paved, but there are some dirt road sections that take you to the trailhead itself. It’s best not to head here directly after a big snowstorm, but in general, the area is quite easy to get to. 
• Trail Info on AllTrails

4. Independence Mountain Trail, Pence Park, Evergreen

Independence Mountain is great if you’re looking for a short hike with big payoffs. The trail is a fairly steep climb through a quiet evergreen forest, and it ends in the ability to sit atop a proper mountain and gaze at the expanse of snow-capped peaks all around. 

Trail Info

• Trailhead: Independence Mountain Trailhead
• Length: 2.1 mi
• Elevation Gain: 748 ft
• Cost: FREE parking
• Rules for Dogs: On leash
• Winter Road Conditions: The roads to the trailhead are definitely mountain roads, but because this trail sits right outside of a small unincorporated town with residential and businesses, the roads get plowed and maintained regularly.
• Trail Info on AllTrails

5. Panorama Point via Panorama Point and Bear Creek Trail, Corwina Park

Panorama Point offers exactly what the name implies – incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks. In particular, you are treated to a lovely view of Mt. Bluesky, the closest 14er to Denver. We love this trail in the winter because the hike up is through a tranquil wooded slope, offering big doses of serenity. This is another trail that gets quite busy in the summer, but is perfectly peaceful in the wintertime. Bring something waterproof to sit atop on when you reach the panorama, because you’ll definitely want to sit and contemplate life. 

Trail Info

• Trailhead: Panorama Point Trailhead
• Length: 3.1 mi
• Elevation Gain: 646 ft
• Cost: FREE parking
• Rules for Dogs: On leash
• Road Considerations: This trailhead is located off a regularly trafficked, paved mountain road. It is plowed and well maintained in the winter, but always be careful. 
• Trail Info on AllTrails

6. St. Mary’s Glacier Trail, Idaho Springs

This hike is one of the most popular and heavily trafficked in the summer – a fact that never phases me because the Colorado-high vibes are always so strong here. Folks who make it to this spot are always in a good mood, and soaking in the splendor. In the winter, it’s definitely not deserted, as you’ll encounter folks ice fishing and backcountry skiing. But it’s definitely a bit less trafficked in the cold weather months. The lake that sits at the foot of the glacier is gorgeous, and you’ll see a frozen waterfall trickling down the western shore. The lake is surrounded by ancient bristlecone pine trees, and the snow globe vibes are strong. You can sit by the shores and watch folks hiking and skiing down the glacier, which is super fun. 

Trail Info

• Trailhead: St. Mary’s Glacier
• Length: 1.6 mi
• Elevation Gain: 528 ft
• Cost: $20, or $10 – Depending on the lot you choose. DO NOT try to park without paying. The lots are private, and heavily monitored. The fees are used to maintain the area.
• Rules for Dogs: On leash
• Road Considerations: The roads into St. Mary’s & Alice are paved and regularly maintained, but turn into dirt once you get close to the trailhead. The area is residential, so there is regular maintenance, but it’s high elevation so snow and ice in some capacity are almost always present. 
• Trail Info on AllTrails

7. Fowler Trail, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Eldorado Springs

Fowler Trail leads you through the canyon entrance to Eldorado Canyon State Park, and offer some of the best up-close and personal views of the geology that makes this place so special. This trail is a very gentle hike through forest, past talus fields, and around towering rock formations. This is another spot that is very popular in the summer, but in the winter it’s typically a peaceful and more secluded experience. 

Trail Info

• Trailhead: Rattlesnake Gulch Trailhead
• Length: 4 mi
• Elevation Gain: 410 ft 
• Cost: Keep Colorado Wild Pass required to park, $30/year, or $10/day
• Rules for Dogs: on leash
• Road Considerations: Sitting right outside Boulder, the roads into the park are well maintained. However, the road through Eldorado Springs and into the park is dirt, and can be treacherous when there’s a lot of fresh snow or ice. 
• Trail Info on AllTrails

8. Canyon Loop Trail, Betasso Preserve, Boulder

The Canyon Loop is a gentle stroll through gorgeous forested countryside, and beautiful views of surrounding mountains throughout. This is another hike area that gets really busy in the summer, particularly with bikers, but is much more serene in the wintertime. There’s no big “thing” to see at the end. Rather, this is simply a peaceful and beautiful winter hike throughout the whole trail, with lush evergreen forests, and several stunning viewpoints to encounter.

Winter Road Conditions: The areas surrounding Betasso Preserve and residential, and thus the roads are maintained in the winter. However, there is some direct road driving required, so be careful when there’s ice & snow. 

Trail Info

• Trailhead: Betasso Preserve Trailhead
• Length: 3.3 mi
• Elevation Gain: 479 ft
• Cost: FREE parking
• Rules for Dogs: On leash
• Road Considerations: The areas surrounding Betasso Preserve and residential, and thus the roads are maintained in the winter. However, there is some direct road driving required, so be careful when there’s ice & snow. 
• Trail Info on AllTrails

9. Bible Point Loop Trail, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park

Bible Point Loop is a great option for hiking with your dog in the Estes Park Area. Located on the YMCA of the Rockies property, the land is surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park on all sides, but since it’s not actually part of the park, dogs are allowed to hike with you. Bible Point itself is a spectacular viewpoint from which to view the surrounding mountains. In the winter, the evergreen forest positively sings on the way up to the viewpoint. Once you arrive at the top before looping back down, there’s a sweet little mailbox with journals and pens for writing some reflections to leave for others to encounter. 

This trail was built to honor a young man named Edwin Bradt who died young in 1918. Bible Point (Also called Buena Vista) was his favorite place in the world, and he’s actually buried atop the mountain. Visitors are encouraged to leave a pinecone on his grave on your way past. As you take in the snowy peaks surrounding the spot, you’ll easily understand why Edwin loved it so much. 

Trail Info

• Trailhead: Bible Point Trailhead
• Length: 2.5 mi
• Elevation Gain: 577 ft
• Cost: FREE parking
• Rules for Dogs: On leash
• Road Considerations: The major roads in the Estes Park area are fairly well maintained. Once you get into the YMCA property, the roads are dirt and gravel, but are plowed and maintained. Do be aware, however, that Estes Park is very high elevation, known for intense winter conditions. 
• Trail Info on AllTrails

10. Horsetooth Falls Trail, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Ft. Collins

Horsetooth Falls freezes over in the winter, and forms a long, skinny column of thickly entangled icicles. The hike itself is a gentle incline over meadows and forested slopes, and you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the front range throughout. When you reach the falls, you’ll descend down into what feels like a fairyland. Bring something waterproof to sit on, because you’ll definitely want to hang around for a while and imagine yourself in a storybook. 

Trail Info

• Trailhead: Horsetooth Falls Trailhead
• Length: 3.1 mi
• Elevation Gain: 636 ft
• Cost: Larimer County daily entrance permit fee: $10/vehicle
• Rules for Dogs: On leash
• Road Considerations: This trailhead is located off a paved, and well maintained county road. 
• Trail Info on AllTrails

Winter driving considerations

I’ve done my best to give a little context about the roads leading into these trailheads. In the absence of an abundance of snow/ice, no special vehicle capabilities should be needed to reach these. However, in the winter, you always need to adopt an additional level of caution, and we recommend the following.

• You will almost certainly encounter winding roads, and ups and downs in elevation driving to these trailheads. Look at a google earth map of the roads leading to your hike before you head out.
• Have your tires checked by a professional, to make sure the tread is solid. Ask your tire professional what they recommend for your car for winter mountain driving.
• Always check the weather conditions in the areas you intend to drive before embarking on any of these adventures, and adopt an extra level of caution when driving in the winter. We like the carrot weather app
• It’s also helpful to read recent Alltrails reviews, which sometimes give hints about road conditions.