Where to Stay in Estes Park with your Dog: Ultimate Guide 2025-2026
As a vacation destination, Estes Park, Colorado has a TON of lodging options – an overwhelming amount. But that doesn’t mean finding your perfect spot has to be hard. In this post, we’re digging into the best dog-friendly places to stay in Estes Park, whether you’re after rustic charm, luxe lodges, or something with a backyard big enough for zoomies. Leash up, and let’s explore!
Introduction
Tucked into the rugged edge of the Rockies, and serving as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado is a great little getaway town for you and your dog. Think hiking trails where paws and boots tread side by side, riverside patios serving up water bowls, and cozy cabins where your dog is greeted with more enthusiasm than you are (no offense). Rocky Mountain National Park looms large over Estes, and while dogs aren’t allowed to hike IN the park, there’s plenty for them to do, including hike gorgeous trails outside the park. You can find all my recommendations for visiting RMNP in the blog posts below.
If you’re anything like me, securing lodging is always a first step in travel planning, so keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what I think are the best options for dog-friendly stays. I haven’t personally stayed at all of these places, because I live close and usually do day trips to Estes. However, I’ve done extensive online and in-person research, and am only including places that I feel comfortable vouching for.
That being said, everyone is a little different in what they look for in a dog-friendly stay, and those preferences might look a little different with each kind of trip you take. So I’ve included several different categories, and broken them down by various features that might draw you to particular places. Always feel free to DM me at @pupperscouts on Instagram if you have additional questions!
One final note: I’ve thoroughly researched all the properties on this list to ensure they are all dog-friendly. HOWEVER, vacation rentals and hotels can change their policies at any time. Thus, do be sure that you double check that dog or pet friendly is still listed in the info before you book. And always disclose the pets you’re bringing upon booking, to help prevent any last minute hassles.
Can my dog hike in Rocky Mountain National Park?
This is the #1 question I get asked about visiting Estes Park with a dog! And the short answer is…Nope. BUT, don’t be deterred! There are SO MANY wonderful dog-friendly hikes just outside the park boundaries, and dogs can join you on scenic drives, picnic areas, and scenic viewpoints inside the park. So you absolutely can enjoy the Rocky Mountain National Park with your dog, as long as you’re willing to think creatively. Find all my recommendations in this blog post: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: Dog-Friendly Guide
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between May 23-October 13? You NEED timed entry reservations.
You can purchase timed entry here If your ideal dates/times are sold out, don’t fret! you can still visit the park, you will just need to do it before 9am (We recommend entering before 7am for the least amount of traffic), or after 2pm (We recommend a gorgeous golden hour scenic drive)
Bonnie walking along the shore of Lake Estes, one of the most beautiful and serene places to walk your dog in Estes Park.
Estes Park Pet-Friendly Hotels Map
Dog-Friendly Hotels
Best Hotel with Budget-Friendly Vibes
✔️ Coyote Mountain Lodge – Cute place, with basic amenities, which is really all you need for an outdoor adventure getaway!
Pet Fee – $20 per dog, per day
Pet Information: Dogs only, no cats, 3 dogs max, must not be left in room unattended
Includes Breakfast – Yes
Includes free on-site parking – Yes
Pool – Yes, outdoor, seasonal
Hot Tub – No
Walkable – To Lake Estes and Stanley Hotel
Style – Comfy midmod
Best Hotels with Authentic Mountainey Vibes
✔️ Hotel Estes – Rustic-chic style with all the amenities you need!
Pet Fee – $25 per day
Pet Information: Call for additional information
Includes Breakfast – Yes
Includes free on-site parking – Yes
Pool – Yes, outdoor, seasonal
Hot Tub – Yes
Walkable – To Lake Estes
Style – Sleek, Colorado chic
✔️ Colorado Cottages – Staying in a little cottage in the heart of the Rocky Mountains is pretty dreamy, and these are lovely!
Pet Fee – $15 per pet per night
Pet Information: Call for additional Information
Includes Breakfast – No
Includes free on-site parking – Yes
Pool – No
Hot Tub – Yes
Walkable – To a supermarket and a couple eateries
Style – Cozy cabin-style
Best Hotels with Boutique Hotel Vibes
✔️ Trailborn Rocky Mountains – Unique touches, fun decor, and a lower price tag than a luxury hotel, this spot is a stylish basecamp for all things outdoors, with guided excursions, gear at the ready, and cozy, sensory-rich spaces to relax in after a day of exploring.
Pet Fee – $35 per pet per day
Pet Information: Dogs only, up to 40lbs, provide food/water bowls, and off leash area
Includes Breakfast – For a fee, and also has two restaurants on site serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Includes free on-site parking – Yes
Pool – Yes, Outdoor seasonal
Hot Tub – No
Walkable – To Lake Estes, and less than 1 mile to downtown Estes Park
Pet Information: Dogs and cats welcome, 2 pets total, up to 50 lbs each
Includes Breakfast – Yes
Includes free on-site parking – Yes
Pool – Yes, Indoor
Hot Tub – No
Walkable – To Lake Estes
Style – Modern & fun
Best Hotel with Chain Hotel Vibes
✔️ Holiday Inn Estes Park by IHG– For a chain hotel, this Holiday Inn is very nice, feels very botique hotel-ish, and the ability to earn IHG bonus points is a plus.
Pet Fee – $40 per night
Pet Information: Pets allowed in specific rooms indicated in choices visible in booking link
Includes Breakfast – Not included but hotel has on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Includes free on-site parking – Yes
Pool – Yes, Indoor
Hot Tub – Yes
Walkable – To Lake Estes, and less than 1 mile to downtown Estes Park
Style – Sleek, modern mountain lodge
Best Hotels that are Walkable to Downtown Estes Park
✔️ Silver Moon Inn – This spot is the closest to historic downtown, so if you love walkability, this is your spot!
Pet Fee – $25 per night
Pet Information: Dogs and cats welcome, 2 pets max
Includes Breakfast – Yes
Includes free on-site parking – Yes
Pool – No
Hot Tub – Yes
Walkable – To downtown and tons of shops and eateries
Style – Cozy mountain chalet-ish
✔️ Murphy’s River Lodge – Close to both downtown and the perk entrance, this cozy spot is a great choice.
Pet Fee – $20 per dog per night
Pet Information: Dogs only, 2 dogs max, dogs allowed in specific rooms indicated in choices visible in booking link
Includes Breakfast – Yes
Includes free on-site parking – Yes
Pool – Yes, Indoor
Hot Tub – Yes
Walkable – To downtown and tons of shops and eateries
Style – Cozy mountain chalet-ish
Best Hotel that is Walkable to Stanley Hotel
Ada in front of the iconic Stanley Hotel
✔️ Discovery Lodge – The world-famous Stanley Hotel of Stephen King fame is a must-visit when in town, and while dogs are not allowed to stay at the hotel or go inside, they are allowed to explore the sprawling ground with you. Don’t miss the pet cemetery!
Pet Fee – $20 per dog per night
Pet Information: Dogs only, 3 dogs max, dogs may not be left unattended in rooms
Includes Breakfast – Yes
Includes free on-site parking – Yes
Pool – No
Hot Tub – No
Walkable – To Stanley Hotel property
Style – Cozy cabin-ish
Best Hotel with Secluded Vibes
✔️ Woolly Bugger Inn – This spot is set a bit outside of town, but tucked right into the mountains with a stream running right through the property.
Pet Fee – $20 per dog per night
Pet Information: Dogs only, 2 dogs max, call for additional information
Includes Breakfast – No
Includes free on-site parking – Yes
Pool – No
Hot Tub – No
Walkable – No
Style – Tiny homes with fun vibes
The wildflowers in and around Estes Park are incredible, and can be enjoyed with your dog on any of the local hikes that are outside the National Park’s boundary
Dog-Friendly Vacation Rentals
If hotel vibes are not your thing, there are plenty of homes of all sizes, shapes, and styles in Estes Park that deliver a perfect Colorado getaway.
Best Budget Homes
I’m not going to lie, “budget” is pretty hard to come by in Estes Park, especially in the summer. But these vacation rentals are on the more modestly priced side, and if you’re really looking for a deal, plan a trip in the fall when there are not as many tourists.
Pet Considerations: $25 per dog/per night – 2 dog maximum allowed
Dogs are not allowed inside Rocky Mountain National Park, but several local trails hike right up to the boundary, so you can enjoy some of the same scenery.
Best Mid-Price Homes
There is a ton of variety in the mid-price range, so if you’re flexibel with your budget, check out these eclectic options.
Pet Considerations: Up to 5 dogs allowed (will consider more dogs per special request), All guests bringing dogs will be required to fill out/sign a separate pet agreement and pay an additional dog fee of $30 per dog per night. This fee will be collected separately from your booking reservation payment.
Highlights: Cool vintage cabin vibes and NO PET FEES
Pet Considerations: Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit one pet total), Bringing a pet? – bring your own dog bowls for food/water. Do NOT use dishes provided in the cabin. Please pickup after dog-poop bags are provided.
Highlights: Super comfy vibes! Note: This spot is closer to Allenspark, so if you like being out of the fray, and close to tons of dog-friendly hiking, this spot is ideal! But know that you will have to drive into Estes Park proper.
Pet Considerations: No pets in carpeted loft or closet areas. Keep closet door closed and use the pet/child gate on the stairs. Additional charges will apply if pet damage occurs. Fully fenced area (approximately 4 ft tall only and not escape proof; alwayswatch your dog to keep safe from wildlife.), dog bowls, small kennel, and towel for paws provided.
The views from pretty much everywhere in and around the town of Estes Park are incredible!
Best Luxury Homes
If you’re in the mood for luxury, these homes will transport you to ethereal mountain palaces.
Highlights: Private indoor pool/sauna/hot tub, and 12 seat movie theater, what?!
Pet Considerations: Dogs Allowed; Max 2, Reservations up to 5 nights: $250.00 per pet/per stay, reservations 6 nights or more: $50.00 per pet/per night
Highlights: Crisp style, gorgeous spaces, walking distance to one of the ONLY dog-friendly hikes in Estes Park proper – Old Man Mountain
Pet Considerations: Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
Don’t be deterred from visiting Estes Park with your dog just because they are not allowed to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park! There are many dog-friendly trails outside the park, and the town itself is extremely dog-friendly.
Best Romantic Getaways for Couples
There’s nothing sweeter than cozying into a snug little cabin, and enjoying time together as a family. The cabins below are ideal for romantic stays.
Highlights: Super cozy with a jacuzzi and private patio
Pet Considerations: Bring up to 2 dogs for an additional $30/night + tax
A moose in Rocky Mountain National Park
Best Vacation Rentals with Fenced Yards
There is a LOT of wildlife in and around Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Thus, it can be ideal to find a place to stay with a fenced yard. Curiously, they are few and far between, but all the homes below include private, fenced outdoor space.
Highlights: Super ideal location for walking around town
Pet Considerations: We are happy to accept your dog(s) with an additional $100 pet fee per stay. If you allow your dog(s) on the furniture, please use the provided blanket to cover it.
Highlights: Super ideal location for walking around town
Pet Considerations: If you are bringing a dog on your trip, the pet fee is already included in your quote when selecting ‘Yes’ to pets. If you would like to add more dogs, please contact us. The pet fee is per stay and ranges between $150 and $200, depending on the bedroom count, and will apply for each additional dog
Highlights: Super ideal location for walking around town.
Pet Considerations: We are happy to accept your dog(s) with an additional $100 pet fee per stay. If you allow your dog(s) on the furniture, please use the provided blanket to cover it.
The entire town of Estes Park is an incredible sniff spot, and your dog will love it!
