Are you planning a trip to Colorado and wondering if Rocky Mountain National Park is dog-friendly? You’re probably eager to bring your best friend along on your adventures, so let’s talk about your options in Rocky Mountain.
Rocky Mountain National Park does not have many dog-friendly spots. Pets can join you on established roads or in parking areas, but they are prohibited on all trails and in the tundra, in the meadows, and in any visitor center or other building.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. Rocky Mountain is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the National Park Service, and I can’t wait to help you plan your next trip here.
Let’s talk about the best places to take your dog in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Where Can I Go With My Dog in Rocky Mountain?
Dogs are allowed in the following areas:
Campgrounds and Picnic Areas
Rocky Mountain has five campgrounds, and all campgrounds allow dogs. If you want to camp with your dog, please be aware that:
- Pets are required to be on a 6-foot leash at all times
- Dogs cannot make excessive noise
- You must pick up after your dog
- Your dog can’t be left unattended or tied to an object while you’re out exploring the park
Learn more about your camping options here.
Leashed pets are also welcome at the park’s many picnic areas. This includes beautiful spots like Hidden Valley and Lake Irene, but here’s a full list of picnicking options in Rocky Mountain.
Established Roads and Parking Areas
You can walk with your leashed dog along park roads in Rocky Mountain. If you’re looking for a quieter road in the park to walk your dog, I suggest walking along the dirt road that leads to the Endovalley Picnic Area.
Dogs can also join you in parking areas, so you can stop and take in the views around Rocky Mountain with your furry friend. Some of my favorite parking areas with stunning views are Rainbow Curve, Many Parks Curve, and Medicine Bow Curve.
If you need to get out of the car and stretch your legs in the parking lot, your dog may join you. Please don’t leave your pet in the car while you hike.
Scenic Drives
If you plan to enjoy the scenery from your car, you can see some spectacular views in the park together along a scenic drive! Rocky Mountain has some gorgeous scenic drives that you can enjoy with your dog.
A few of my favorite scenic roads are:
Always clean up after your dog so that these areas continue to be dog-friendly!
Dogs are not allowed in the following areas:
Trails, Tundra, and Meadows
Dogs are prohibited on Rocky Mountain National Park trails, the fragile vegetation of the tundra, or in the meadows. You cannot carry your dog in your arms, push him in a stroller, carry a kennel, put her in a backpack, etc., to get around these rules. The rule is simply that no dogs are allowed on the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Please do not leave your dogs in a vehicle while you hike.
If you’re looking for traditional dog-friendly hikes, there are great options just outside of Rocky Mountain.
Check out the 3.8-mile Lake Estes Trail in the town of Estes Park (right outside of the Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrances to Rocky). This beautiful trail circles Lake Estes and is a perfect way to hike with your dog. The Estes Valley dog park is another great spot nearby.
The Kruger Rock Trail in Hermit Park is a short hike with beautiful mountain views. It is located about 6 miles east of Estes Park along Highway 36.
Public Buildings and Shuttles
Dogs are not allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park’s public buildings, such as visitor centers, museums, or gift shops. They also cannot be taken on any of the park’s shuttle buses.
Everywhere Else
If an area isn’t listed in the “Where Dogs Are Allowed” section above, then you should assume that your dog is not permitted.
Why Can’t I Take My Dog Hiking in Rocky Mountain?
The most important reason national parks are established is to preserve and protect the most beautiful places in America. An important part of fulfilling this charge is by keeping the native wildlife safe and healthy and avoiding altering their natural habitat and behaviors.
Pets can transmit diseases to the wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park, which can lead to sickness and death of the animals that live here naturally. And vice versa….your dog can also get sick from the wildlife in the park!
Also, Rocky Mountain is known for its large amounts of bears, elk, and moose, none of which like dogs! Moose and elk may get spooked and charge you or your dog. Bears sometimes follow dogs back to their pet owners because they see them as prey. For these safety reasons, dogs are limited in where they can go.
Please join with the NPS in their efforts to take better care of the outdoor spaces, including the local wildlife, by following the pet regulations.
Traffic and crowding at Rocky Mountain can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common to wait an hour or more to enter the park or to find parking?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this Rocky Mountain Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Where Can I Find the Best Kennel Near Rocky Mountain?
You can find a few great kennel options in the towns just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Estes Park — The town of Estes Park is the most popular place to stay when visiting Rocky…it’s only about 5 minutes from two of the park’s entrances! This is a great option for kenneling your dog. Elena’s Barking Lot, Inc. and Estes Pet Lodge are two fantastic possibilities.
Winter Park/Fraser — If you’ll be staying on the west side of the park near Grand Lake, you’ll need to drive down to the town of Fraser to find any boarding options. Mountain Dog CO is going to be your best option on this side of the park.
What Are Some Dog-Friendly Hotels In/Near Rocky Mountain?
You won’t find any hotels inside Rocky Mountain National Park. However, there are five established campgrounds, and they are all dog-friendly if you are hoping for an in-park option.
Just outside of the park, in Estes Park or Grand Lake, you will find several dog-friendly lodging options.
In Estes, check out Murphy’s River Lodge or The Silver Moon Inn.
In Grand Lake, look into The Grand Lake Lodge.
AirBnB and VRBO also have some options.
What Happens If I Take My Dog Somewhere He’s Not Allowed in Rocky Mountain?
You will receive a citation for no less than $75, but it could be more depending on the infraction.
Park rangers and park volunteers regularly patrol Rocky’s hiking trails, roads, and viewpoints.
What If I Bring My Service Dog to Rocky Mountain?
Service dogs that are recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act are allowed to accompany their owners throughout the entire park. A service dog must be specially trained to perform specific tasks related to the owner’s disability.
Emotional support, therapy, or comfort animals do not qualify as service animals in Rocky Mountain National Park and will be required to follow all pet policies.
Thanks for being here! I can’t wait for you to explore Rocky Mountain National Park with your furry companion!
More Rocky Mountain Trip Planning Information
Rocky Mountain Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Rocky Mountain — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Rocky? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
12 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Rocky — the top 12 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
Best Things to Do — activities for every type of adventurer.
The Ultimate Rocky Mountain Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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