Boulder's Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails – Paws and Enjoy the Great Outdoors!

Woof-Woof and Hello to all of our Boulder-bound, tail-wagging adventurers and their human companions! Ready for some quality outdoor time with your furry best friend? Boulder, Colorado, is a pup's paradise when it comes to hiking options. So, leash up (or not, we'll get to that!), pack some treats, and let's dive into the top trails where your dog can sniff, roam, and feel the mountain breeze ruffle their fur!

Understanding the Leash Laws and Programs

Before you and your four-legged trekking partner hit the trails, it’s crucial to understand Boulder's leash laws. On Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) lands, about 89 percent of trails are open to leashed dogs. However, for those pups who've mastered the "come" command and would rather not feel the leash tug, Boulder offers a Voice and Sight Control Tag Program (bouldercolorado.gov) where, after attending a training class, you can let Fido roam free under close voice and sight command.

Regardless of your tail-wagger's leash status, remember to always, and we mean always, scoop the poop. We don't want to stumble upon any “trail surprises,” and neither do our fellow hikers. It's estimated that a whopping 80,000 pounds of pet waste are left behind on OSMP properties each year, so be part of the clean squad (bouldercolorado.gov).

Top Trails Where Dogs Can Trot

Here are some of the best trail hot spots where dogs can soak up Boulder's natural beauty:

Chautauqua Park

Get those paws moving on the Chautauqua Trail or the Bluebell-Baird Trail. If you and your pooch are feeling extra athletic, take on the striking Royal Arch Trail (aboutboulder.com).

Mount Sanitas

For stellar city views and a workout that will have both human and canine tongues lolling, hit the Mount Sanitas Trail. Remember, you and your pup need to be on leach at parking lots and at lower parts of the trail (aboutboulder.com).

Wonderland Lake Park

Enjoy the peace and eye candy of a 1.5-mile stroll around Wonderland Lake. For some extra miles, explore the Foothills, Old Kiln, or Four Mile Creek trails (manypets.com).

Twin Lakes Off-Leash Dog Swim

Is your dog a water lover? Let them plunge into the lake at Twin Lakes Open Space. Just make sure to keep them leashed near the east lake (manypets.com).

Safety is the number one priority, so keep your dog hydrated, watch for signs of overheating, and in the winter, please, oh please, keep your furball off the icy lakes (bouldercolorado.gov).

Where to Unleash the Fun: Dog Parks in Boulder

If your dog is more social butterfly than lone wolf, Boulder has several off-leash dog parks where they can mingle, wrestle, and sniff to their heart's content. Just make sure they're part of the Voice and Sight program:

Valmont Dog Park – Open areas with designated spaces for small and big dogs (manypets.com).
Foothills Dog Park – Multiple sections for dogs of all sizes, and…wait for it...nearby hiking trails for post-play walkies (manypets.com)!

Boulder's attitude toward our four-legged sidekicks is as sunny as the Colorado sky. With pet accidents unpredictable as mountain weather, ManyPets health insurance can be a wise choice to ensure that if Rover roves too rough, you won't be buried in vet bills (manypets.com).

So, let's get those tails wagging and hit the trails! Happy hiking, Boulder buddies – may your adventures be many and your doggy bags heavy!