If there’s one thing Colorado Springs does well (besides epic mountain views), it’s rolling out the welcome mat for dogs. Visiting, local, or considering house sitting in Colorado Springs? From sniff-worthy trails to pet-friendly patios, this guide to dog-friendly Colorado Springs has something for everyone, even Colorado pet sitters. After all, what could be better than exploring this beautiful city with a four-legged friend by your side?
Dog-friendly restaurants, Colorado Springs
When it comes to dog-friendly restaurants, Colorado Springs has some pretty woof-worthy contenders.
Pub Dog Colorado
As the only restaurant in the state of Colorado where you can dine indoors with your furry friend, Pub Dog Colorado is a must-visit for foodies with a pooch pal in tow. With indoor and outdoor seating, plus a dedicated 3000 sq ft play area for pups, this dog-friendly restaurant is the perfect place to grab a bite with your best bud.
Location: 2207 Bott Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Front Range Barbeque
Four-legged friends are welcome on the huge patio of this friendly southern BBQ joint, where local bands perform as you enjoy classics like smoked ribs, pulled pork plates, and beef brisket sandwiches, and your furry friend drools by your side.
Location: 2330 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
The Burrowing Owl
This popular vegan spot serves delicious plant-based dishes, and of course, furry friends are allowed on its dog-friendly patio. It also supports various nonprofits to help promote culture, animals, knowledge, justice, and more.
Location: 1791 S 8th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
True to its name, Lazy Dog welcomes canine companions on its patio. The menu is full of comfort food favorites, and there’s even a special menu made just for pups.
Location: 7605 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Shuga’s
Soups, salads, and sandwiches are washed down with cocktails, wine, and beer at Shuga’s, but it’s the furry friends that get the best service inside the pet-friendly yurt and on the patio.
Location: 702 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Basil & Barley Pizzeria Napoletana
Serving authentic Neapolitan pizzas, Basil & Barley has a shaded, enclosed patio that’s perfect for dining with your dog. Plus, you’ll both be treated to great views of Pikes Peak.
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Fun dog-friendly activities in Colorado Springs
There’s plenty to keep you and your pooch busy in dog-friendly Colorado Springs.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum
Marvel at ancient Puebloan architecture and learn the history of the dwellings as you explore the site with your four-legged friend.
Cost: Adults $12.75, children $8, seniors $10.
Date and time: Opening hours vary depending on the season, check the website for details.
Location: 10 Cliff Rd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Pikes Peak
Make your way up to the summit of Pikes Peak and enjoy the scenic views with your four-pawed pal, making stops along the way to explore hiking trails and picnic spots.
Cost: Toll fees apply for the Pikes Peak Highway.
Date and time: Open year-round; hours vary by season.
Location: 5069 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809
Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Take your furry friend along for a ride on a century-old steam train, where they can feel the wind in their ears while you both take in the mountain views and uncover the history of Cripple Creek and its mines!.
Cost: Adults $19, children $14, seniors $17 (first come first serve)
Date and time: Regular departures throughout the summer season.
Location: 520 E Carr Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813
Garden of the Gods
Keep Fido on the leash to explore the stunning trails winding through majestic red rock formations in this beautiful regional park.
Cost: Free
Date and time: Open daily from 5 am to 10 pm.
Location: 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Seven Falls
You and Fido can take the 185 steps up alongside a series of waterfalls or jump in the dog-friendly elevator right to the top.
Cost: Rates vary; adults $23, children $17, seniors $20.
Date and time: Open seasonally.
Location: 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Garden of the Gods
Dog-friendly hikes, Colorado Springs
Most of the dog-friendly walks Colorado Springs offers require furry friends to stay on a leash – unless noted otherwise.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Keep your furry friend on the leash to explore the beautiful trails as they loop through the stunning red rock formations, then let them loose in the designated dog park.
Location: 3550 W High St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Ute Valley Park
Relatively flat trails snake through this scenic park, making it popular among pet parents looking for a relaxing place to stroll with their pups.
Location: 1705 Vindicator Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Palmer Park
There are plenty of scenic loops to choose from in this 737-acre wildlife preserve – stretch your legs and enjoy panoramic views of the city before letting Fido off the leash in the enclosed dog park.
Location: 3344-3376 Paseo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Choose from various well-maintained trails through the peaceful scenery of this state park while your four-legged friend enjoys the sights and smells on the leash.
Location: 410 JL Ranch Heights Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80926
Pikes Peak over a lake
Dog-friendly beaches, Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs might not have your classic sandy beaches, but there are a few great spots for pups to splash around in the water.
Bear Creek Dog Park
A firm favorite among pooch pals and their parents, this 10-acre off-leash park has a creek, hills, trails, and plenty of open space for four-pawed pals to roam freely.
Location: 21st St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Stratton Open Space
Located just south of Colorado Springs, this area has trails and a fenced-in reservoir exclusively available for dog swimming.
Dog-friendly cafes, Colorado Springs
Pups don’t have to miss out on the cafe scene in Colorado Springs – there are plenty of spots where canine customers are more than welcome on the patio.
Switchback Coffee Roasters – Shooks Run
This dog-friendly cafe in Colorado Springs has a sunny patio where furry friends can lounge while their humans sip some of the best coffee in town.
Location: 330 N Institute St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Loyal Coffee
Pups are welcomed with a water bowl on the patio of this barista-owned coffee shop, where you can enjoy the simple pleasures in life – “really good coffee and toast”.
Location: 408 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Jives Coffee Lounge
This cozy spot in Old Colorado City has a dog-friendly patio and often puts on live music in the evening.
Location: 16 Colbrunn Ct, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Building Three Coffee
Serving up breakfast, bowls, and bagels, this coffee shop in the Lincoln Center has a big patio where pooch pals can relax.
Location: 2727 N Cascade Ave Suite 155, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
The best dog-friendly bars, Colorado Springs
Furry friends can join the pawty thanks to the many dog-friendly bars Colorado Springs has to offer.
Phantom Canyon Brewing Company
Located in downtown Colorado Springs, this three-story brewery has a dog-friendly patio where you can enjoy a variety of craft beers and classic American cuisine.
Location: 2 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Cerberus Brewing Company
Grab a water bowl for your furry friend and enjoy the house-made brews in this chilled-out beer garden.
Location: 702 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Metric Brewing
This brewery welcomes well-behaved pups both indoors and out, making it a cozy spot to enjoy a pint with your canine companion whatever the weather.
Annual dog events in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is home to several annual events that celebrate our favorite furries. Since details like cost, date, time, and location may change each year, be sure to check the organizer’s website before you go.
Pawtoberfest
Organized by the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, Pawtoberfest features a 5K run/walk followed by an outdoor festival with vendors, food trucks, and beer gardens.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Date and time: 14 September (2024)
Location: Printers Hill, 101 S Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Doggie Dash 5K
Bring your pup along for this fun run/walk, which raises money for local animal shelters.
Date and time: Estimated June 4th (2025)
Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs from dog owners and pet sitters
Has perusing dog-friendly places in Colorado Springs got you wanting more? We turned to the Community Forum to hear directly from the experts – local pet parents and sitters – about the best things to do in the city.
@1gypsygurl gives us some great recommendations:
“Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are gorgeous! Pikes Peak is another fav. Fall color will start in September.”
@Lassie tells us:
“Manitou Springs is great for hikers.”
If you’ve got time to explore further, check out the national parks @Lisa_and_Nancy love:
“Great Sand Dunes in Colorado, Rocky Mountain in Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado.”
And with all these amazing places to explore, @Maggie8K says it’s worth getting a car:
“Without one (a car), you’d miss so much beauty in Colorado. And with your own transport (or a borrowed car or rental), you could take your sit dogs to various places. Public transit in the U.S. often doesn’t allow pets unless they’re seeing eye dogs and such.”
@Lisa_and_Nancy recommend visiting the Great Sand Dunes, Colorado
Tips for pet parents in Colorado Springs
Bringing your furry sidekick to Colorado Springs? Here’s what you need to know:
Be prepared for the altitude
Colorado Springs sits over 6,000 feet above sea level, and just like humans, dogs need time to adjust. Start with shorter walks and pack plenty of water to keep your pup hydrated.
Watch out for wildlife
From deer to coyotes (and even the occasional bear), local wildlife can be curious about your four-legged friend. Keep your pup leashed on trails and stay alert, especially in wooded areas.
Paw protection is a must
In summer, sidewalks get hot, and in winter, ice and road salt can be rough on paws. Booties or paw balm can help keep those toe beans intact!
Not all trails are dog-friendly
While Colorado Springs has amazing hiking spots, some parks (like the Garden of the Gods) have strict leash rules, and others don’t allow dogs at all. Always check before you go!
Going on vacation? Your pup would rather stay home!
If you’re heading out of town, your furry family member will be happiest staying in familiar surroundings with a trusted in-home sitter, who’ll take care of belly rubs and walkies while you’re away.
Tips for pet sitters in Colorado Springs
Here are some things to bear in mind if you’re pet sitting in Colorado Springs.
Altitude adjustment is real!
If you’re new to the area, take it easy on those hikes with your furry pal – you may need time to adjust to the thinner air.
Be on nature watch
Colorado Springs is full of nature, which means plenty of distractions for pups with strong prey drives. Be extra mindful on hikes or near parks with wildlife (hello deer, rabbits, and squirrels, to name a few!).
Pack for the weather
Colorado Springs might be warm in the summer months, but it quickly drops to minus temperatures in the winter. Make sure you pack enough layers, especially when adventuring up high.
Try house and pet sitting in Colorado Springs
Sitting for a local pup means free accommodation and a built-in adventure buddy. Whether you’re exploring the city or enjoying the epic mountain views, house sitting in Colorado Springs is a win-win for pet lovers!
Dog-friendly Colorado Springs: Things to do with a dog in Colorado Springs – FAQs
Colorado Springs is an extremely dog-friendly city with plenty of parks, trails, and pet-friendly places. Popular spots include Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and dog-friendly patios at local breweries.
Unfortunately, the Colorado Springs Flea Market no longer allows dogs. While it doesn’t mention this on its website, numerous reviewers with dogs have been turned away.
Yes, The Broadmoor is a pet-friendly luxury hotel. It offers pet-friendly rooms, special dog amenities, and scenic walking areas for guests with pets.
