Yes, Estes Park is a dog-friendly town that allows dogs on many hiking trails, restaurants, outdoor seating areas, and even hotels. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to keep your furry friend on a leash and adhere to all posted rules and regulations.
Estes Park is a gorgeous spot in northern Colorado, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
With the stunning natural surroundings, it isn’t surprising that many people want to bring their furry friends along for the trip!
In this article, we’ll be going over:
- Dog-friendly hotels to stay in Estes Park
- Dog-friendly things to do in Estes Park
- Tips for traveling with your dog to Estes Park
- Important things to know and FAQs.
Let’s go ahead and jump right into it!
Dog-Friendly Hotels To Stay In Estes Park
Are you on the hunt for a hotel in Estes Park that is going to accommodate both you and your pooch?
Look no further! Estes Park has a wide range of dog-friendly hotels – here are our top five picks:
Murphy’s Resort
The stunning Murphy’s Resort has dog-friendly rooms! With a spacious outdoor area, this is the perfect place for your pooch.
Dog-friendly rooms are only available upon request and cost an additional $20 per night.
Coyote Mountain Lodge
Not only is Coyote Mountain Lodge gorgeous, but they’re also proudly dog-friendly! With a ton of outdoor activities, this lodge is great for a dog-friendly getaway.
For an extra $20 per night, you can bring your pup along on your next adventure.
Murphy’s River Lodge
Murphy’s River Lodge has dog-friendly rooms available upon request for an additional $20 per night.
This lodge is great if you’re wanting something closer to town, with this spot being just 5 minutes away from all the action.
There is plenty of outdoor space, as well as a designated pet area with doggie bags and trash cans.
Discovery Lodge
The stunning Discovery Lodge welcomes dogs throughout the lodge as a dog-friendly property in every room and lobby area!
Hiking trails are accessible directly from the property, so you can take your furry friend for a walk right from the moment you wake up. You can bring up to 3 canine pals with you for just $20 per night.
Hotel Estes
Providing gorgeous mountain views, Hotel Estes is another great pooch-friendly hotel.
This spot is close to several hiking trails, meaning your pup will never get bored. Pet rooms are limited at this hotel, so you’ll have to get in quick! Keep in mind that an additional $25 fee per night applies.
Dog-Friendly Things To Do In Estes Park
If you’re looking for activities that both you and your pup will enjoy during your visit to Estes Park, the good news is that there are many dog-friendly hikes, restaurants, parks, and other exciting pursuits in the area!
Dog-Friendly Hikes In Estes Park
In this section, we’ll go over five dog-friendly hiking trails in Estes Park. While dogs are welcome, keep in mind that they must be on a leash at all times:
- Kruger Rock Trail – A relatively easy hike with a few steep areas throughout. You’ll enjoy stunning views when you reach the top!
- Lion Gulch Trail – A cool and shady walk along a beautiful river. Trek through a gradual incline for most of this hike, with a few steeper moments sprinkled in between.
- Lake Estes Trail – A simple hike that is great for the whole family, providing gorgeous valley views throughout. Dogs are allowed but are restricted in one section of the trail, so keep an eye out for signs!
- Bible Point Loop – An extremely popular hiking trail, so expect to see a few friendly faces on your journey. Gorgeous views abound, and a moderate incline in some areas.
- Pole Hill Loop – Another popular trail in the area, with moderate difficulty. You can enjoy some breathtaking views of the valley during this hike!
You may also want to check out our article on hikes in and around Estes Park that are dog-friendly.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants In Estes Park
If you’re wanting to grab a bite to eat and bring your pooch along, the good news is there are a range of dog-friendly restaurants in Estes Park. Here are our top five picks:
That’s just to name a few – there are many dog-friendly restaurants to choose from in Estes Park!
Dog-friendly Parks in Estes Park
There are many dog-friendly parks in Estes Park where you can take your pooch to run around and stretch their legs.
If you’re wanting an off-leash park, then Estes Valley Dog Park is the way to go!
Dogs are also allowed in select areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, provided they are on a leash.
Dog-friendly Activities in Estes Park
Estes Park is well known for being dog-friendly, so aside from hiking and enjoying nature, you can also bring your dog for a walk around the town.
Leashed dogs are also welcome on The Estes Park Riverwalk and the surrounding area of Lake Estes!
Tips For Traveling With Your Dog To Estes Park
- Bring a leash – Most parts of Estes Park will require your dog to be on a leash. Be sure to pack a leash or two when planning your trip.
- Reserve a spot at the dog boarding place in town Estes Park Pet Lodge – As we’ve mentioned in the post the National Park is not dog friendly but the pet lodge will have will likely have room. We send our dog, Molly there and our friends drop off their golden retriever Eddie too. We know your pup is bound to have a good time while you voyage into the park. If it’s for the day or overnight, Estes Park Pet Lodge has you covered.
- Call dog-friendly hotels ahead of time – While there are plenty of dog-friendly hotels in Estes Park, many of the ‘pet rooms’ are limited. Be sure to call ahead and request a pet-friendly room to secure your stay!
- Pack a water bowl – While many of the dog-friendly restaurants and hiking trails in Estes Park provide water dishes for thirsty dogs, some of them don’t. It’s a good idea to have a portable water bowl on hand at all times.
Things To Know
Here are some essential resources to have on hand if you are planning to visit Estes Park with your doggo:
- Estes Park Pet Supply 970-586-8442
- Estes Park Animal Medical Center (970) 586-6898
- Mutt Hutt Grooming Salon +1 970-586-6606
- Elena’s Barking Lot – Canine daycare and boarding center (970)-586-0340
FAQs
Why aren’t dogs allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Dogs aren’t allowed in many areas of Rocky Mountain National Park because the park is home to coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions that can pose a risk to your dog. Dogs can also trample plants and leave a ‘predator’ scent which can disrupt that native wildlife.
However, dogs are allowed on the paved roads of the national park. Think parking lots and campgrounds. So long as your dog stays on a leash and you pick up after your pup you’ll be fine bringing your dog to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Is downtown Estes Park dog-friendly?
Yes, downtown Estes Park is very dog-friendly. You’ll be able to find many activities and restaurants that accommodate your pet, and dogs are welcome on the streets as long as they are on a leash.
Are dogs allowed at Estes Park Campground?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Estes Park Campground. This is one of the few areas of the park where they are allowed, so it is encouraged that you keep them in the confines of the campground.
