Like the typical Boulderite, I hate leaving my pet at home. We both have separation anxiety. The last time I left my dog for a vacation, he ended up eating a $400 mattress cover and got a ball stuck in his throat. One emergency vet bill later and a near cardiac arrest on a boat in Hawaii, and he happily comes with me on vacation.
Boulder is a dog lover’s dream. Some of the country’s most beautiful hiking trails are within Boulder County and unlike a visit to a national park, they are dog-friendly. Whether you are cruising up the Flatirons or jogging along the Mesa Trail, dogs are always welcome.
But what about during the freezing winter months? Or perhaps your dog isn’t as young as he used to be and hiking has never been your thing anyway. The possibilities for adventure with your furry companion are still endless.
Here are our favorite dog-friendly activities you can do within or just a short drive from Boulder.
1. Take Your Dog Swimming at an Indoor Luxury Pool: CRCG
The Canine and Conditioning Rehabilitation Group in Broomfield is a fun destination spot for pups of all ages, shapes and sizes. For the fit, healthy dog, they have an open pool. If your dog is a social butterfly, they have open swim times every day. They even have reserved times for shy canines. Your dog will love leaping into the water after toys, swim races with other pups and learning how to swim by CRCG’s knowledgeable instructors. Your pup is sure to leave happy and tired.
For the geriatric pet, they provide canine physical therapy, rehabilitation, chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture. The facility is fit with underwater treadmills and a weightless pool to fit your pet’s specific needs.
CRCG’s facility is a hop, skip and a jump from Boulder, less than a 20-minute drive away, and is located in an adorable stretch of dog shops, including a dog-friendly bar, a pet supply shop and an animal hospital.
Local tip: They even allow cats. In the weightless pool, that is. Make sure to call for a schedule and to set up your pet’s intro lesson.
2. Bar Hopping: Romero’s K9 Club and Tap House
Just up the road from CRCG is the doggie bar. Dogs are welcome to relax next to their owners at the bar. You sip a local brew or beer or kombucha while your dog happily snacks on Spent Grain Dog Treats. Just outside of the bar is a full dog park where dogs can frolic with each other. Need another beer? Just head to the open-style window and the bartender will happily give you a refill.
Be sure to register your dogs before heading over to the clubhouse, but once you do they will be having a howling good time.
Local tip: Must love dogs and off the beaten path beer. Romero’s has a laid-back atmosphere where dogs and people mingle about. If your pup has social anxiety, there are plenty of dog-friendly bars in the area that may give your pup some more space.
3. Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Boulder Res
This is another water-loving dog activity. Boulder is littered with magical lakes nestled next to the mountains. A few nearby lakes that we love are Boulder Reservoir, Gross Reservoir and MacIntosh lake. Imagine lazily floating in serene waters, your hand caressing the water, birds chirping overhead, your dog launching herself off the front of your kayak, tossing you sidewise into the water. You both laugh and laugh because life truly is better with a dog.
Local tip: A dog life jacket is a must. Most jackets have a handle to help you hoist your pup back onto your stand-up paddleboard. If you forgot to pack yours, stop by CRCG where they carry lifejackets in all sizes.
4. Try Doggie Reefer: Petreleaf or Charlotte’s Web
While your pets won’t actually get high on pet CBD, they will chill out. CBD hemp oil has anti-inflammatory properties, boosts the immune system, helps joints, helps anxiety and much more. So whether your pet gets anxious on long road trips, can’t settle down in the hotel room or you just want to give them a health boost, pick up some CBD from your local Boulder pet supply shop (McGuckin Hardware in the Village Shopping Center, Only Natural Pet and Bentley’s Pet Stuff on the Twenty Ninth Street Mall, to name a few).
The two companies we recommend most are Petreleaf and Charlotte’s Web. These companies are Colorado-based and certified organic. Visit their websites for more information and amazing transformation stories.
Local tip: THC is not good for your pets so while you are enjoying Colorado’s marijuana recreational activities, do not share them with your dog or cat.
5. Go Shopping: the Twenty Ninth Street Mall
While the Pearl Street Mall is known for street performers and specialty shops, the Twenty Ninth Street mall is known for high-end shopping and dogs. Well, maybe it isn’t known for dogs but dogs are very welcome. The mall is so dog-friendly that it provides disposable bag stations and a comfort relief area in the parking lot west of Five Guys Burgers and Mad Greens.
Some dog-friendly shops that we love include Bentley’s Pet Shop, Moosejaw and lululemon. Once you are done shopping, grab a salad from Madgreens, a vegan wrap from Native Foods Cafe or coffee from Peet’s Coffee & Tea. Most restaurants have dog-friendly patios for you to relax and enjoy your meal.
Local tip: It is illegal to leave your pet unattended outside of stores within Boulder so bring a friend, get coffee on a dog-friendly patio, but please don’t leave your pup with a stranger. Your dog is the best dog in the world and someone else is guaranteed to think so, too. Strangers cannot be trusted with your dog’s cuteness.
6. Visit a Dog Medium: JoLee Wingerson
Technically JoLee Wingerson is an “animal communicator.” She has been doctor-doolittling pets since 2002 and says she can communicate with any pet you have, including but certainly not limited to dogs, cats, horses, turtles and ducks. Wingerson is located on Conestoga Court near the restaurant Blackbelly but will happily hold video and phone sessions for you and your pet.
Spirit Whispering is Wingerson’s company and while she specializes in pet communication, she provides spiritual guidance for people as well. She says she can help strengthen the relationship between you and your pet, resolve your pet’s emotional issues and support you and your pet during their passing. Wingerson says she looks at the soul of your pet to help you understand them more.
Local tip: Come with a lot of questions and an open mind. If your dog is like mine, sitting still for an hour or more can be challenging so it may be best to exercise your pet beforehand.
7. Do Doga
For all the avid yogis or the first-time yogis, Boulder is a beautiful location to find peace and enlightenment. Doga is just what it sounds like: yoga with your dog. Dogs are known to have a calming effect, decrease stress and increase the lifespan of their human companions. Some dogs’ jobs are to help bring relaxation to humans. You can find these dogs as PTSD-service animals, in courtrooms with children and on college campuses during finals week.
Take advantage of your dog’s innate ability and try dog yoga. Just like regular yoga, you can practice anywhere but we recommend hiking up Mount Sanitas, overlook the city and find balance.
Local tip: It is best to wear out your dog first. Nothing to ruin your zen like a lick to the face.
FAQs
What can I do with my dog in Boulder? ›
Boulder Reservoir is pet-friendly. Leashed pets are welcome during the off-season at this lovely Boulder area park, which includes swimming areas, fishing, and wildlife viewing. On the North Side of the lake, dogs can take the short hike from the Open Space parking lot down to the beach and then run for miles.
Where are dogs allowed in Boulder? ›- Foothills Community Dog Park. Boulder, CO. ...
- Twin Lakes Off-Leash Dog Swim. Boulder, CO. ...
- Flatirons Vista and Doudy Draw Trail. Boulder, CO. ...
- McGuckin Hardware. Boulder, CO. ...
- Front Range Mountain Adventure. Boulder, CO.
Remember: Dogs aren't allowed on Pearl Street Mall, downtown Boulder's main drag from 11th to 15th Street (pfft, must be cat people), but there are plenty of surrounding restos, shops, and trails to get your wag on.
Are dogs allowed in Pearl Street Boulder? ›Pearl Street Mall – Sorry, but no animals are allowed on Pearl Street between 11th and 15th Streets. This one's enforced pretty regularly, so spare yourself the ticket. Boulder Reservoir – Dogs are prohibited through the gates or anywhere along the south shoreline of the reservoir between May 15 and Labor Day.
Can you take dogs to Elephant Rocks? ›Policy Details. Pets are permitted in the park. Dogs must be on a leash and cleaned up after.
Can I bring my dog to Hoover Dam? ›Pets are not allowed anywhere on site. (Service animals are permitted.) No standing or sitting on the walls atop the dam, or climbing on canyon walls. Stay on walkways and in designated crosswalks; do NOT walk in vehicle lanes.
What dog is not allowed in Colorado? ›"Restricted breeds" include any American Bulldog (Old Country Bulldog), Dogo Argentino, Canary Dog (Canary Island Dog, Presa Canario, Perro De Presa Canario), Presa Mallorquin (Pero De Presa Mallorquin, Ca De Bou), Tosa Inu (Tosa Fighting Dog, Japanese Fighting Dog, Japanese Mastiff), Cane Corso (Cane Di Macellaio, ...
Are there grizzly bears in Boulder Colorado? ›Grizzly bears have been extinct in Colorado since about 1970. All bears in the Boulder area are American black bears, even though some may not have black fur. It's not unusual for black bears to possess brown, cinnamon-colored or even blond fur!
Are there cougars in Boulder? ›15, there have been a total of 18 reports of mountain lions in the city of Boulder.
Can I bring my dog to Great Mall? ›Estefania S. Mamajing S. Phil C. Pets are not allowed (except service animals), unless you are visiting one of our outdoor Premium Outlets centers.
Can you bring dogs to Ringing Rocks? ›
Dogs are allowed at Ringing Rocks Family Campground, but they must be kept on a leash when outside your vehicle. Pets must be cleaned up after and kept quiet. Pets are not permitted in any public buildings.
Can dogs walk around the mall? ›Most outdoor malls allow well-behaved dogs on a leash in the common areas, while some stores allow dogs on a leash or in a carrier to come inside. Before taking your pet to a shopping mall, make sure you know the rules of the individual mall. Simon Premium Outlets offers 65 pet friendly shopping malls nationwide.
Is dog poop compostable Boulder? ›Put your dog's poop in compostable bags and put them in compost receptacles -- available at some open space trailheads. If you're bringing dog poop home with you, it must go in the trash. Never put dog poop in your curbside compost bin!
Are dogs allowed at the Boulder Farmers Market? ›No pets at the market.
Can I bring my dog to Castle Rock? ›DOGS are prohibited throughout the park (except for service animals). Nearby Sanborn County Park allows dogs. HORSES are allowed on Saratoga Toll Road which extends from Saratoga Gap to Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Can you bring pets to Stone Mountain? ›Only dogs and cats are welcome to visit the Park. They must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and they are not allowed in many of the public areas including the Lasershow Lawn, the Walk Up Trail, or Special Events Areas. Pets also are not allowed within ticketed areas or on the attractions.
Can I walk my dog at Red Rocks? ›Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Plenty of hiking and biking trails, wonderful places for a picnic lunch, and a great visitor center make Red Rocks a great place for a day with your pet. Leashed pets are allowed on the hiking trails, but be sure to bring plenty of water for you and your pooch.
Dogs are allowed on White Rock's Waterfront Promenade from Oct. 1 until March 31. This page offers helpful links to information about having a dog in White Rock, including licencing, bylaws and where to find an off-leash dog park. We encourage dog owners to follow the rules to make sure we are all good neighbours.
Are dogs allowed Great Sand Dunes? ›Pets are permitted in the Preserve (including Mosca Pass Trail) and main use areas of the Park (including Piñon Flats Campground, Dunes Overlook Trail, and along the Medano Pass Primitive Road). Pets must be leashed at all times and owners must clean up after them. Please carry out all waste.
Can my dog go to the Grand Canyon? ›36 Hours at the Grand Canyon: Pet-Friendly National Park - YouTube
What happens if you bring a gun to Hoover Dam? ›
Can I bring a weapon across Hoover Dam? This is NOT a complete list. The inspecting officers at Hoover Dam may use their professional discretion in identifying weapons and deny the vehicle access to the dam.
Can I take my dog to Babinda Boulders? ›The small town of Babinda to the south of Cairns is perhaps best known for the Babinda Boulders. A series of huge granite boulder outcrops along Babinda Creek, along with an adjacent swimming hole, unfortunately pet dogs are not permitted.
Can you take dogs to Cheddar Gorge? ›Cheddar is dog friendly. All well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. With rocky paths, cliff edges and high vantage points, Cheddar Gorge can be dangerous so please ensure children, dogs and other vulnerable people are supervised at all times.
Are dogs allowed at Pictured Rocks? ›Pets can join you at these locations:
All Roads, Parking Lots, and Picnic Areas. Sand Point Beaches. Munising Falls Trail.
Dogs are only allowed on the south shore during the off-season, from Labor Day to May 14. Dogs are allowed outside the south shore area on established trails and roads year-round, but leash laws do apply. There is a city code in place that prohibits dogs from May 15 through Labor Day.
Can you take dogs to Thor's Cave? ›Thor's Cave walk
This short loop is only 2.5km and well suited to families and people with dogs. The walk takes you through sweeping fields through a gate into a small, wooded glade, before ascending a steep valley slope; made "easier" by the 198 steps up to Thor's cave.
Ash Cave is the perfect trail for a dog that is new to hiking. This handicap accessible trail is paved and short. If your dog loves it, then you can try something a little harder. But if your dog hates it, then you can easily get back to your car.
Can dogs go to Devil's Den? ›Devil's Den is not affiliated with any shop/private instructor. Do you allow pets on property? - Pets and emotional support animals are NOT allowed on property. We have our own pets here that are territorial by nature and we do not want any confrontation.
Are the caves free at Cheddar Gorge? ›Can you visit Cheddar Gorge for free? Yes! The Gorge is a public road with public footpaths from the village of Cheddar which are all free to access. Fee's only apply for Cheddar Gorge Tourist attractions like the Caves and Jacobs Ladder.
Is Granite gorge dog friendly? ›Please Note : Dogs are allowed in the camp site tied up with you however, Dogs are not allowed in the Gorge at all please we request this for the saftey of other tourists and the saftey of all animals.
How much does Cheddar Gorge caves cost? ›
| 0 – 4 | Free |
|---|---|
| 5 – 15 | £14.95 |
| Adults | £19.95 |
Wildlife in this varied landscape of wetland, sand dune, rocky shore, and northern forest includes white-tailed deer, black bear, gray wolves, and an occasional moose.
Are there waterfalls at Pictured Rocks? ›Spray Falls plunges about 70 feet over the Pictured Rocks cliffs directly into Lake Superior. To get this view of this waterfall, you will need to take a boat. The park's concessioner has boat tours that go to this waterfall. The 1856 shipwreck "Superior" lies at the base of the falls in 20 feet of water.
Are there bears at Pictured Rocks? ›While black bear sightings at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are infrequent, they are sighted from time to time throughout the park, usually when crossing a road. Although bears are naturally very wary and avoid people, human-bear contacts have become more frequent when the population increases.
Are there cougars in Boulder? ›15, there have been a total of 18 reports of mountain lions in the city of Boulder.
Is dog poop compostable Boulder? ›Put your dog's poop in compostable bags and put them in compost receptacles -- available at some open space trailheads. If you're bringing dog poop home with you, it must go in the trash. Never put dog poop in your curbside compost bin!
Are there bears in Boulder Mountain? ›All bears in the Boulder area are American black bears, even though some may not have black fur. It's not unusual for black bears to possess brown, cinnamon-colored or even blond fur! Today, increasing numbers of people routinely live and play in bear country.