Durango, Colorado, is a haven for dog lovers, offering a variety of pet-friendly activities and dining options. Here's how to explore dog-friendly Durango, find a dog sitter in Durango, or discover your own adventure house sitting in Durango.
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Dog parks in Durango
Durango Off-Leash Dog Park
This expansive area encompasses approximately six square miles of natural open space on the side of Smelter Mountain, right in downtown Durango. Dogs can play in the Animas River and explore various trails. Please note that the area is not fenced, so ensure your dog is under good voice control.
Location: US-160 & Hwy 550, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Dalla Mountain Park
Known for its well-marked trails and stunning views, this park allows dogs to be off-leash as long as they are under voice control. It's a popular spot among dog owners for hiking and exploring.
Location: Durango, CO 81301, United States
Oxbow Park and Preserve
Located north of downtown Durango, this riverside open space is ideal for leashed dog walks. It's a quiet, natural area great for bird-watching and mellow outings, with river access for your pup to enjoy.
Location: 500 Animas View Dr, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Rotary Park
A small riverside park with shaded picnic areas where leashed dogs are welcome. It's close to the Animas River Trail and often hosts events and live music, providing a lively atmosphere.
Location: 1580 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301, USA
Dog-friendly restaurants in Durango
11th Street Station
A food truck collective with extensive outdoor seating and beverage service, welcoming leashed dogs in the communal seating area. The venue often hosts live entertainment.
Location: 1101 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301, United States
HomeSlice Pizza
Combining New York and Chicago styles to create 'Durango Style' pizza. All three locations offer pet-friendly patios, allowing you to enjoy pizza and brews with your dog.
Location: 441 E College Dr, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Grassburger
A casual eatery with outdoor tables where dogs are welcome. Known for burgers made with grass-fed beef, including options like the Green Chile Jackburger and the Southwest Vegan Bowl.
Location: 726 1/2 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Nini's Taqueria
Serves casual Mexican dishes with outdoor seating where leashed dogs are welcome. The menu includes burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and more.
Location: 552 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen
Features a variety of dishes, including stone-fired pizzas, with pet-friendly outdoor tables. Offers options like salads, sandwiches, burgers, ribeye, and more.
Location: 862 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Fired Up Pizzeria
Specializing in wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. The seasonal rooftop patio is dog-friendly, providing a pleasant dining experience.
Location: 735 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301, United States
The Nugget Mountain Bar
Offers a dog-friendly outdoor patio with mountain views. Serves salads, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and draft beers, often featuring live music on the patio.
Fun dog-friendly activities in Durango
Paddle at Lake Nighthorse
During warmer months, Lake Nighthorse offers opportunities for paddleboarding, where your dog can join you on the water. It's a great way to cool off and enjoy the outdoors together.
Cost: Varies
Date and time: Every day: 9 am - 4 pm
Location: Durango, CO 81303, United States
Tour a Historic Durango Train Depot
Experience a guided tour of a privately-owned 1883 train depot. Leashed dogs are welcome to join the tour, offering a unique historical experience for both you and your pet.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: 24/7
Dog-friendly walking trails in Durango
Animas River Trail
A scenic seven-mile paved pathway that runs alongside the Animas River, providing an excellent route for leisurely walks with your dog. Dogs must be leashed on this trail.
Location: Colorado, USA
Length: 7 miles (11 km)
Horse Gulch Trail System
A popular spot among dog owners, this trail system offers expansive areas for your pet to explore. Dogs are allowed off-leash if under voice control.
Location: Horse Gulch Rd, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Length: 57.2 miles (92 km)
Dog-friendly cafes in Durango
Café Amor
Located within 11th Street Station, Café Amor welcomes leashed dogs at its outdoor tables. They serve organic, fair-trade coffee, premium teas, handcrafted espresso beverages, and breakfast items. Well-behaved, leashed pups are also allowed inside while you place your order.
Location: 1101 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Upper East Side Coffee Deli
This eatery offers eight outdoor tables where you can dine with your dog. Popular menu items include the chorizo breakfast burrito, biscuits & gravy, turkey & pesto sandwich, and house BLT. They provide a walk-up window and drive-thru for convenient ordering while your dog remains by your side.
Location: 28902 US-160 #6580, Durango, CO 81303, United States
Magpies Newsstand & Cafe
Magpies offers seven pet-friendly outdoor tables. Their menu features coffee drinks, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, bowls, salads, and vegetarian options. Note that table service isn't available, so you'll need to place your order inside while your dog waits outside.
Location: 707 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Jean Pierre Bakery, Cafe & Wine Bar
This establishment welcomes leashed dogs at its outdoor tables. They offer traditional French breads and pastries, crepes, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, coffee, and wine.
Annual dog events in Durango
Devo Days Mountain Bike Festival
Held at Purgatory Resort, this festival celebrates mountain biking with races, skills clinics, and family-friendly activities. The event typically features outdoor spaces where dogs are welcome. Head to their website for all the sign-up details.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: August 8–10, 2025
Location: Purgatory Resort, 1 Skier Pl, Durango, CO 81301, United States
Durango Oktoberfest
Celebrate Bavarian culture with beer, food, music, and games. The outdoor festival is typically welcoming to dogs, making it a great outing for pet owners.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: September 26, 2025
Location: Purgatory Resort, 1 Skier Pl, Durango, CO 81301, United States
The best dog-friendly bars in Durango
SKA Brewing Company
A dog-friendly brewery where leashed dogs are welcome in the Bier Garden. They offer a selection of seasonal and year-round brews like True Blonde Ale, along with food items including chips and queso dip, wings, fries, salads, tacos, sandwiches, and brick oven pizza.
Location: 225 Girard St, Durango, CO 81303, United States
Steamworks Brewing Company
Features a sidewalk seating area where dogs can join their owners. The menu includes a variety of craft brews, pizzas, spicy Southwestern-style dishes, burgers, and more.
Dog-friendly wineries in Durango
Four Leaves Winery
Four Leaves Winery is a boutique winery that sources grapes globally and crafts wines on-site. They offer a variety of wines for tasting and purchase. Dogs are welcome on their outdoor patio, providing a pleasant setting for you and your pet to relax.
Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Durango from dog owners and pet sitters
Tips for pet parents
Give clear instructions for emergencies
Having a plan in place can make all the difference in an emergency. If you’re leaving your pup with a pet sitter or family member, provide clear instructions on what to do if your dog gets sick or lost. Include important details such as their vet’s contact information, emergency clinics, and any medical history.
Introduce your pet gradually to new places
Durango has an abundance of dog-friendly hikes, restaurants, and patios, but not all dogs adjust to new environments at the same pace. Take short trips first, rewarding positive behavior with treats and praise. This gradual approach builds confidence and helps ensure your pup enjoys their new adventures stress-free.
Keep routines as normal as possible
Dogs thrive on routine, and sudden changes can cause stress, especially in a new environment. Whether you're traveling to Durango or adjusting to a new schedule, try to keep feeding times, walks, and play sessions as close to their usual schedule as possible. A familiar blanket or favorite toy can also provide comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.
Get your vacation pet care sorted
With a little preparation, being with your dog in Durango is a fantastic experience. Whether you're exploring new trails, visiting dog-friendly cafes in Durango, or relaxing at home, your furry friend will love this pet-friendly city as much as you do! Plus, if you find yourself a pet sitter in Durango, there'll be plenty for them to do, too. Click below to find out more about how to find yourself a sitter.
How to connect with pet sitters in Durango
Tips for pet sitters
Keep the dog’s routine in mind
Dogs thrive on consistency, so it’s important to follow their usual schedule while incorporating Durango’s dog-friendly activities. Plan outings that match their energy levels and keep to the dog’s routine to ensure a happy animal and a stress-free experience.
Get to know Durango’s dog-friendly spots
As a pet sitter, knowing where to take dogs for exercise and socialization is essential. Santa Fe is home to several dog-friendly trails, off-leash parks, and patios, making it easy to find the perfect place for any pup.
Be prepared for the dry mountain climate
Durango’s dry climate means hydration is key. Always carry extra water, as dogs can become dehydrated quickly. Pack a leash, treats, and paw balm to protect against cold pavement or rocky trails. Understanding whether your pup prefers quiet nature walks or bustling patios will make your time together enjoyable and comfortable.
Experience Durango through house sitting
With the right preparation, house sitting in Durango is a rewarding experience. Whether you’re strolling through the downtown plaza, grabbing a coffee at a dog-friendly cafe, or enjoying a sunset hike, you and your four-legged companion are sure to have a memorable time! Click the button below to learn more about how to find your own house-sitting adventure.
How to find house sits in Durango
