It’s pretty great to be a dog in Boulder. Colorado canines enjoy everything that life could possibly offer — access to fun dog parks, the very best hiking, great swimming spots, as well as relaxing activities like hanging with their human pals at the local brewery. Looking for a dog pal? Check out our list of places to adopt a dog in Boulder! For National Dog Day, I put together a list of dog-friendly Boulder spots to take your furry friend.
#1 Hike One of Boulder’s Beautiful Trails
Photo Courtesy Boulder Doggie Adventures and Pet Sitting
Dogs are at their happiest outside, exploring the world. Boulder has a ton of amazing options for hikes — here are two of my favorites. The Tenderfoot Trail, a meandering, easy Boulder hike, perfect for enjoying some time outdoors with your dog of any age or ability. Totaling just a little under 2 miles there and back, this trail gains only 345 feet of elevation, and boasts amazing mountain views, as well as beautiful wildflowers. If your dog craves more of a challenge, Kohler Mesa Trail is a 4.1 mile loop trail located near Boulder, Colorado. A moderately difficult hike, this trail starts with a steep elevation climb, then backs off with an easier trail. With any hiking, be sure to bring plenty of water and a bowl to keep your pup hydrated and happy! Don’t have time this week to take your pal for a hike? Boulder Doggie Adventures and Pet Sitting has you covered! Choose from a 2-hour town adventure or a 4 hour mountain adventure! Follow Boulder Doggie Adventures on IG to fill your feed with adorable, happy doggos.
#2 Take Your Best Friend to the Park
Boulder offers four dog parks around town, there is sure to be one near you! East Boulder Dog Park, Foothills Dog Park & Valmont Dog Park all have separate areas for small and large breed dogs to meet up, play and have a fantastic time! There is also a fourth park, Howard Heuston Dog Park that is available to dogs with voice and sight control tags. For more information on the dog parks, click here. For information regarding voice and sight control tags, click here.
#3 Dog-Friendly Boulder Breweries
Photo Courtesy Boulder Beer Company
Many breweries in and around Boulder are dog-friendly! Avery Brewing is known for it’s dog-friendly patio seating, great service (wait staff will bring your dog a bowl of water!), as well as world-class craft brews. Boulder Beer offers outdoor seating for patrons with furry friends as well as a “dog door” to access the outdoor area. They are known for taking care of furry customers with a nice bowl of water, as well as offering their human friends delicious food and fresh beer. Outside of Boulder, 4 Noses Brewing in Broomfield is known for it’s dog-friendly tasting room. Since no food is served at the brewery, dogs are allowed inside! Not to worry, if you get hungry, there is almost always a food truck available (food truck schedule here). The brewery also offers incredible craft brews, spacious outdoor seating and close proximity to a public indoor dog pool, pet spa, pet supply shop and animal hospital.
#4 Take Your Dog Swimming
Boulder Dog at CU South, Photo Courtesy Boulder Doggie Adventures and Pet Sitting
My dog hates the water, but for some dogs — water is absolute heaven! There are a handful of places to take your pup for a swim in and around Boulder. At the East Boulder Dog Park, there is a small pond where dogs are permitted to take a dip. Check out dog and human favorite, CU South, featuring acres and acres of beautiful meandering trails as well as ponds for pups to cool off. West Lake at Twin Lakes in Gunbarrel (right across the street from Avery Brewing!) is a local favorite, a nice spot for both a hike and a swim. After Labor Day during the off season, Boulder Reservoir allows dogs to swim at the South Shore. Until then, check out nearby Coot Lake, which always allows dogs.
I’ll end with a picture of my very best friend – my dog Tekka! Happy National Dog Day!!
Tekka
