10 Best Beginner Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Denver, Colorado

If you’re looking for the best pet-friendly hiking trails Denver for a beginner hiker, we’ve got you covered! Not only do we share our 10 best beginner-friendly hikes for dogs near Denver, I share a moderately difficult trail to accompany each for you to tackle once you’ve built your strength, stamina, and confidence. Everything you need to start hiking with dogs in Colorado is laid out in this post.

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Introduction to beginner hiking

Me, Bonnie, & Ada sitting on the shore of an alpine lake

Hiking can be as easy as you make it, but also as intimidating as you let yourself imagine. Often when you’re just starting out, it feels like a mix of the two. Whether you’re a brand new hiker, getting back on the horse after a hiatus, or excited to start bringing your furry bestie on a hike for the first time, we’ve got you! 

I’ve been a hiker my whole life, although as a child in the midwest we called it “playing in the woods”. Since living in Colorado, I’ve tried all kinds of hikes. However, I’ve just never been into the whole competitive “bagging peaks” culture, and I have no desire to do overly punishing hikes. I’ve never hiked a 14er, and I don’t really enjoy any hike over 6 miles long, regardless of the elevation. I thoroughly believe that all you need to do in order to call yourself a hiker is to just go out and walk through some pretty, new-to-you place, and call it a day. I share this all to say that if you feel intimidated to begin hiking, I get it! The outdoor culture in/around Denver can seem extreme. But for every trail runner lapping you, you’ll find someone like me – a casual, for-fun hiker – who is eager to smile at you no matter your experience, fitness level, or ability.

Additionally, three years ago I broke my leg, and had to get surgery to repair it. The whole process necessitated three full months of non-weight-bearing, so I couldn’t even keep my body in walking condition. Then it was another several months of physical therapy before I could truly exercise. Thus, when I was ready to be active again, I felt like I had to completely start over in terms of what kinds of hiking I participated in.

I share this only to say that I get it! I’ve been there. Even though I didn’t enjoy super hard hikes before my injury, I found myself wholly unable to hike anything other than the easiest trails after it. Being a total beginner can feel intimidating, exhausting, and dejecting. However, when I was just starting out again, I re-learned to love the little trails, the easy ones, the trails that some would call “not real hikes”. I grew confidence in the connection that I share with Bonnie & Ada while on the trail, no matter what the conditions, or how I’m feeling. No matter where you’re starting out at, I encourage you to embrace this mindset.

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The strategy for “becoming” a hiker

Husky dog sitting amidst golden grasses on a hike in Colorado
Ada resting in a sandy spot on a hike

Starting out hiking is about 3 things in my opinion: Strength, Stamina, & Confidence. Give yourself permission to build them gradually – both you AND your dog. If you try too much, too long, too hard, too soon, you can wear yourself and your dog out on the whole idea before you’re built the strength and stamina to gain any real confidence in yourself. And your dog might end up hating it too. 

To officially “become” a hiker, you do NOT need to be shooting for long, hard, or epic right out of the gate. Below I’ve listed 10 trails that are all ranked “easy” on Alltrails, which means they are relatively short (usually under 3 miles round trip), and don’t include a lot of elevation gain. Start with these, and take your time. Rest when you’re tired, which is a great time to let your dog sniff around and enjoy the scenery. When you’ve worked your way through each trail, I’ve listed a “level-up”, which is an adjacent or nearby trail that is ranked moderate. So really, I’m listing 20 trails, and all of them can be reached within a 1 hour drive from Denver. This should be enough to keep you busy for a season, and build up your capacity to take on more challenging hikes.

The best part is that all 20 trails are truly beautiful, including lots of great views and landmarks to enjoy as you build your strength, stamina, and confidence. In fact, now that I’ve rebuilt my own strength after my injury, I continually return to the trails I list below, because of the pure joy I find through connecting with my puppers and with the earth each time. 

Where can I take my dog hiking near Denver?

Two dogs standing on rocky stairs while on a hike in Colorado in the autumn
Bonnie & Ada on a hike in the fall

If you’re ready to start hiking, but not sure where you can take your dog, the good news is that many areas around Denver are dog-friendly. All of the trails listed below are pet-friendly, so if you strictly stick to this list, no need to think any further.

But not all trails are dog-friendly, so as you start to branch out, you’ll want to know how to learn the rules. You can certainly check city/county websites, as well as Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or National Park websites, depending on who manages the trails. However, I’ve found Alltrails to be the easiest way to determine which areas are dog-friendly, and which are not. The app has a search filter for dog-friendly hiking trails, so when you search with this on, you can get very accurate information.

Tips and etiquette for beginning hikers

Bonnie on a summer hike, surrounded by Rocky Mountain wildflowers

When you’re just starting out, there are a few rules to keep in mind, but you’ll find them all to be quite intuitive and easy to remember.

  • Stay on the Trail – Stick to marked paths to protect the environment and prevent erosion. This is true especially when trails are muddy! Your instinct tells you to walk around the mud, but this is one of the most critical times when erosion and trail damage happens. Instead, wear sturdy shoes, and always walk THROUGH the mud.
  • Leave No Trace – Pack out all trash, including food scraps, and leave nature as you found it. NEVER let your dog drink out of naturally occurring water sources. Bacteria and viruses can live in this water, and cause a whole range of illnesses. Giardia is a common concern in Colorado, and you do NOT want your dog to contract this – It will be a horrible experience for both you and your sweet pupper.
  • Yield to Others – Hikers going UPHILL have the right of way. Step aside for faster hikers, and yield to horses and bikers.
  • Keep Noise Levels Low – Enjoy nature quietly. Avoid loud music or shouting, as it disturbs wildlife and fellow hikers.
  • Respect Wildlife – Observe animals from a distance, never feed them, and never let your dog chase or harrass them.
  • Be Prepared – Bring water, snacks, a map, and appropriate gear. The rule for water is 1L per hour of anticipated hiking per person. Additionally, we pack about half this for each dog). Let someone know your hiking plans.

Hiking etiquette for dogs

Brown and cream husky standing amongst red rocks on a hike in Colorado
Ada on a winter hike

When you’re just starting out hiking with dogs, following these general rules will help ensure safety and success for everyone. 

  • Always keep your dog leashed unless in designated off-leash areas to ensure the safety of wildlife, other hikers, and your pet.
  • Carry waste bags and clean up after your dog to keep trails pristine. Pro tip: We ALWAYS have our dogs wear backpacks, stocked with poop bags, so they can carry their own waste. 
  • Bring enough water and snacks for both of you. (Another great reason for doggie backpacks!)
  • Be mindful of trail conditions that could be harsh on your dog’s paws. We live and breathe by paw wax, which we apply before and after hikes in the winter to protect from cold, and in the summer to protect from rough surfaces.
  • Never assume another hiker wants to meet your dog. Always ask before approaching, and if they say no, simply step off the trail and let them pass.
  • Make sure your dog is well-behaved around people and other animals, respecting personal space and preventing unwanted interactions. Never assume another dog is safe to meet yours, and always ask as you see dogs approaching. If your dog is reactive, or if the other dog is not able to meet others, take yours several steps off trail to let others pass. Here are some great tips for training your dog on the tail. We do great with “sit”, “wait”, “up”, & “leave it”, and find that we rarely need others if these ones are solid.
  • Check park regulations before heading out, as some trails may have specific rules regarding pets.

Our favorite beginner dog-friendly hikes near Denver

Large gray rock in foreground with a small pine tree, white dog in front of Colorado mountains in the background
Bonnie climbing a rock on a foothills hike near Denver

In compiling this list, we’ve taken several factors into consideration. All of the trails listed below are: 

  • FREE! Free parking, free trail use. Many State and National Parks cost money, and some city and county parks do as well. These fees help pay for maintenance and staffing to keep the trails in use, so I’m not recommending against these areas. However, when you’re just starting out, it’s nice to hit free places while you get your sense of bearing. 
  • Categorized as “easy” on Alltrails. They are relatively short (usually under 3 miles round trip), and don’t include a lot of elevation gain. Thus, no matter your level of fitness, no matter the weather, no matter how much stamina your dog currently has, you should be able to start and finish these trails. 
  • Gorgeous in every season.
  • Located in easy to reach areas, no matter the weather conditions. I did not include trails that necessitate 4×4 driving, or extended mountain driving. You can always seek those trails out later, depending on your vehicle and comfort with driving in extreme conditions, but it’s best to keep things simple when you’re a beginner. 

1. Sanitas Valley and Dakota Ridge Trail, Boulder

The highlights of this trail include beautiful rock formations, gorgeous views of Boulder, and historic structures hidden in the trees throughout the trail (a relic from when this trail was used by the Colorado Sanitarium – A facility started by John Kellogg in 1896). Because this trailhead is right in town, it’s great in any season with no mountain driving involved. The trailhead does get quite busy, so parking can be a challenge on weekends, but you can park along Mapleton Avenue for overflow.

2. Gross Reservoir via Forsythe Canyon Trail – Boulder

The highlights of this trail include a gentle walk through shady woods, down to a lovely small waterfall. To see the waterfall at its peak, visit in the early summer when the water flows from snow melt are strongest. Although this waterfall is also completely stunning frozen in the winter and spring.

Note: One thing to know is that when you get to the top of the waterfall, the trail appears to end, and I see people scramble down the falls (not safe for dogs). Instead, when you get to the top of the waterfall, turn around and walk back up the trail about 15 paces, and you’ll see a small trail offshoot that takes you up and around the back of rocks. Keep following the path, and look for another offshoot to deliver you to the base of the falls.

3. Fowler Trail – Eldorado Springs

The highlights of this trail include gorgeous views of the dramatic Eldorado Canyon, where you can often spot rock climbers scaling the walls. We love this trail in every season. In the summer, it’s quite shady, so a great one for warm weather.

Pro Tip: The Alltrails route below will take you inside the State Park to begin your hike. It’s fine to do this, but know that you have to pay a fee to enter. Instead, you can navigate to the Fowler Trailhead, which begins outside the park. Essentially, you can do the out & back trail in reverse, and avert Eldorado Springs traffic and park fees.

4. Maverick and Sawmill Trails – Golden

The highlights of this trail include beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and the cactus flowers that bloom along the trail in the late spring and early summer. In addition, there are tons of other trails in White Ranch Park, so this area alone can keep you busy for a while!

5. Fossil Trail – South Table Mountain, Golden

The highlights of this trail include birds eye views of Golden and downtown Denver, as well as the abundant wildflowers and lush grasses that grow along the trail. In addition, you get up-close views of the columnar basalt rocks that line North and South Table Mountains, formed from ancient lava flows.

Note: This area is fairly well known for rattlesnakes, and I’ve seen them every time I hike here in the summer. Thus, I don’t hike here in the summer anymore, and we save it for colder months when the snakes are sleepy and hiding. But no matter when you hike here, keep your eyes on the trail!

6. Red Rocks Trading Post Trail – Morrison

The highlights of this trail include up-close views of the rippling red rocks that form the famous natural amphitheater, and surround the entire area. Because this trail runs right around the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, and Red Rocks Trading Post, you can use flush toilets, and also walk up to explore the amphitheater as long as there is no concert actively in process. This trail can get quite hot in the heat of mid-summer, but is fantastic in every other season. If you’re an early riser, this is a particularly special sunrise hike.

7. Bear Creek to Bruin Bluff and Creekside Trail, Morrison

The highlights of this trail include walking along the cool, rushing creek. There are multiple spots to approach calmer pools, and let your dog splash around. This trail is fairly shady, and a bit higher in elevation than Denver, so it’s a fantastic one for staying cool on a hot day.

8. Upper Maxwell Falls (Upper Trailhead), Evergreen

The highlights of this trail include lots of shade for summer days, and of course the waterfall. We actually prefer it in the winter, because it’s a really popular spot in the summer, so usually a crowd. Plus, the waterfall itself is around a creek bend and behind large shrubs. In the summer it can be hard to see. But in the winter, it’s usually fairly empty of hikers, and you can walk across the frozen creek right up to the base of the falls.

9. Coyote Song Trail – Littleton

The highlights of this trail include the stunning red rock formations throughout, as well as wildflowers in the early summer. This is one of those trails that’s easy to reach, and absolutely lovely in every season. In the heat of midsummer, however, this trail gets quite hot as there’s no real shade. So if you hike it in the summer, shoot for sunrise or sunset.

10. South Platte River Trail to Strontia Springs Reservoir, South Platte

The highlights of this trail include walking along the rushing river at the foot of a dramatic canyon. if you visit on a hot day, there’s a small swimming hole at the very end, but the water is COLD, so we really only do this in July & August. This trail is in a very remote area of Jefferson County, down a dirt road that is not well maintained. No 4×4 or special vehicle capabilities are needed, but be aware and drive slowly and carefully.

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 Native Land 
  • 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. 

Gear recommendations: Always be pup-pared

You can find all of our favorite gear for people and puppers in these Rockporch lockers.

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