English
Español
Français
Deutsch
Arabic
Hindi
简体中文
Pet-Friendly Attractions
in Colorado Springs & the Pikes Peak Region
Colorado Springs is going to the dogs — and everyone is totally thrilled, especially when they learn about all the pet-friendly attractions, restaurants and trails in Colorado Springs. While the Pikes Peak region has always been a pet-friendly locale for locals and visitors alike, each year seems to bring new opportunities for you four-legged family members to join in on the fun. We’ve compiled a pretty thorough list of some of the coolest attractions to bring along a well-behaved pupper or two, but first, let’s talk about some of the more … unexpected pro-dog places.
Our Favorite Pet-Friendly Attractions
We’ve made it quick and easy to find out if your next adventure is a pet-friendly attraction — just scroll down to our handy list. However, we thought we’d share some of our absolute favorites because they are not only unique, but authentically pet-friendly.
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Not does the train allow your dog to ride, the car ride to Cripple Creek is equally joyful for pups who like to stick their heads out the window. The train boasts a similar open-air feel and we think humans really start to get why dogs like it once the train starts traveling in that fresh pine air.
There are plenty of places to stop for a walk on your way to Cripple Creek — just refer to your favorite trail app and select for “dog-friendly” to narrow down your options.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
What — an educational exhibit that welcomes pets? As far as unexpected pet-friendly attractions go, we think the Cliff Dwellings have got to be the most unique. They’re already cool for letting families be hands-on while exploring. Adding dogs is just another bonus!
The dwelling staff allows well-behaved dogs to roam the dwellings on leashes, which makes it one of the best attractions around for those who love to include their pet in everything they do.
Garden of the Gods Trading Post
If you happen to be traipsing around Garden of the Gods for a hike, make sure you mosey on over to the Garden of the Gods Trading Post when you’re all finished. Their patio is cool and comfortable and very welcoming of your furry best friends. You can snag some water for the pup, a bite for you and relax after a long day of play in the Rocky Mountains. Kids love searching for gems in the sluice out back and there’s sweet, delicious ice cream and fudge inside.
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park offer a great adventure for families with dogs. The park allows dogs in the enclosed gondolas, on the bridge itself and in the park. We recommend spring and fall, to ensure the park stays cool enough for you and your pup to enjoy.
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Colorado Springs loves the shady canyon that shelters Seven Falls — and so do dogs! Dogs can ride the shuttles to the base of the falls and walk on leash in designated areas. There are unique trails with great views and places to rest and cool off while you enjoy the falls.
Colorado Springs obviously loves pets and their parents. When planning your next trip, check out all these pet-friendly locations and attractions to maximize the fun for both you and Fido. And don’t forget to check out the list below for more pet-friendly places!
Are Dogs Allowed? The Quick Reference Guide for Pet-Friendly Attractions in Colorado Springs
| Attraction | Accessibility |
|---|---|
| Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center | Sorry, no pets |
| Academy Riding Stables | Sorry, no pets |
| Adventures Out West | Call for information: 719-578-0935 |
| The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway | Service animals only. Please call for more info 719-685-5401 |
| Broadmoor Outfitters | Sorry, no pets |
| The Broadmoor Seven Falls | Very dog friendly |
| Cave of the Winds – Discovery Tour | Service dogs only |
| Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | Service dogs only. Some areas of the zoo are not open to any dogs, but staff members can assist guests wishing to visit without their service dog. |
| Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad | Very dog friendly |
| Echo Canyon River Expeditions | Very dog friendly on restaurant patio. No dogs allowed inside the restaurant or on rafts. |
| Flying W Ranch | Service dogs only |
| Garden of the Gods Trading Post | Very dog friendly |
| Ghost Town Museum | Service dogs and dogs that can be carried or placed in a stroller. |
| Historic Cripple Creek | Very dog friendly, but please check with each business before bringing your pet inside |
| Historic Manitou Springs | Very dog friendly, but please check with each business before bringing your pet inside |
| Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama | Service dogs only |
| Manitou Cliff Dwellings | Very dog friendly |
| May Natural History Museum | Service dogs only |
| Miramont Castle Museum | Very dog friendly |
| North Pole – Santa’s Workshop | Service dogs only |
| Old Colorado City | Very dog friendly, but please check with each business before bringing your pet inside |
| Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain | Very dog friendly, but are not permitted in buildings or near bodies of water, though service dogs are welcome. |
| Pikes Peak Tour by Gray Line | Service dogs only |
| Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame | Service dogs only |
| Royal Gorge Bridge and Park | Very dog friendly. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome walking around the park. Dogs are not permitted in the restaurants or on most rides. |
| Space Foundation Discovery Center | Service dogs only |
| Western Museum of Mining & Industry | Service dogs only |
Leash-free Dog Zones
Sometimes your dog needs to just run free! But, you also want to let them loose in a place where they are safe and they aren’t breaking any of the local leash laws. This is especially true for visitors to the Pikes Peak region who want to get their pets some extra exercise. Fortunately, we’ve got some great spots to let your pup play!
Local Dog Parks
Every city has at least one dog park, but not every city has parks as awesome as those here in Colorado Springs. We’re not just known for our pet-friendly attractions. We’re known for dog-friendly parks and trails, too. The fan favorite? Well that would be Bear Creek Dog Park. It’s a whopping 25 acres of pure dog fun, including creek access, hills, grass and trees. The city has ensure the park is completely fenced in, so you can truly unleash your pet worry-free. Most pup owners who have visited declare Bear Creek Dog park to be one of the best in the country. Let’s check out the highlights:
- Huge creek that flows through trees with safe places for dogs to play.
- Located next to miles of hiking, plus offers many easy trails in the dog area.
- Separate area for smaller dogs to play safely!
While Bear Creek Dog Park certainly stands out as the peak for dog-friendly, off-leash and loads of fun, we do have other parks in town that may not have a creek, but do still have room to roam!
- Downtown Colorado Springs — Antler’s Dog Park
- West — Bear Creek Dog Park
- Central/East — Palmer Park, Maizeland Entrance
- North — Rampart Dog Park
- South — Cheyenne Meadows Park
Leash-Free Hiking Trails
Speaking of leash-free, most of the trails here in Colorado Springs ask that you keep your dog on a leash when hiking. However, there are some leash-free trails and areas the city designates as “dog runs.”
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space has two different dog trails that allow your pup unfettered exploration: Upper and Lower Dog Loops. Get your hike in and then hit these two trails to allow your pup to run fast and free! It’s even fenced!
- Palmer Park has leash-free trails at the top of the park where dogs can roam. Trails are marked very clearly to ensure you can leash and unleash appropriately.
- Stratton Open Space has a lake just for dogs and off-leash areas.
- Garden of the Gods Park: Just south of Gateway Road and east of Rock Ledge Ranch. Shared space, watch for walkers and cyclists.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Colorado Springs
There are plenty of pet-friendly restaurants in Colorado Springs. In fact, most dining establishments in Colorado Springs that offer patio seating typically welcome well-behaved, leashed pets outside with their owners. Colorado has a pretty long outdoor dining season if you don’t mind a light sweater and hanging out under patio heaters. That means you and your dog can have a lot of meals together while enjoying that fresh Colorado air.
If you’re looking for indoor dining, there’s an option for that, too. Pub Dog restaurant allows dogs indoors and outdoors. The outdoor dining even has a small, fenced area with artificial turf so your dog can hang out and play while you enjoy your meal. Both human and dog menus offer tasty options and humans can get local beers, too. Learn more below!
Here’s another way to find indoor hangouts with your dog — check with your local brewery! Some breweries are allowed to welcome pets indoors because they don’t have food sanitation issues. Seven’s Gate Taproom between Downtown Colorado Springs and Old Colorado City is one example. It’s right next to some of the top pet-friendly attractions, too! You can still dine at many of these places by ordering in or visiting their daily food trucks. Call your favorite brewery and find out their policies!
Where to Drink & Dine with Dogs in the Pikes Peak Region
Pub Dog in Old Colorado City
Pub Dog is the only restaurant in the state of Colorado that allows dogs indoors while dining. Colorado Springs is certainly lucky that the restaurant’s brilliant, dog-loving owners chose this place to call home! Pub Dog has a diverse menu for humans with burgers, sandwiches, salads and snacks. They also have hot coffee and warm alcohol beverages if you’re trying to warm up on a cold day. Dogs love Pub Dog because it has a huge dog park.
Remember when you were a kid and your parents would give you quarters to go play video games while out to dinner? Now imagine your dog is you, the dog park is an arcade and you are your super cool parents munching on great food while your kid runs around having fun. That’s Pub Dog. They have a dog menu with a grain bowl, icy treats and a burger patty. Make sure you review the rules before you go. In order to allow pets indoors, Pub Dog has to follow strict safety and food handling guidelines, so it’s good to know before you go.
Cerberus Brewing Co. in Westside Colorado Springs
When your namesake is a mythical, three-headed hell dog, you should probably be at least a little welcoming to visiting pups, right? Cerberus Brewing certainly agrees! This much-loved local brewery has a sprawling outdoor beer garden and large covered patio that is open to dogs every day of the week. It is not at all surprising to find a dog at every table when walking up to the entrance.
In addition to being cool toward dogs and humans, Cerberus also has a spectacular menu. The chef creates seasonal entrees, weekend specials, holiday specials and much more. The fries are crisp potato spears (dip them in the aioli). The burgers are always worth your calories and they offer a puppy patty you can share with your dog. Summer weekends feature beer slushies in refreshing flavors and their popular IPAs and stouts are served year-round. Dogs are only allowed outside at this restaurant. Heaters and coverage are provided in some areas.
Front Range Barbeque in Old Colorado City
This popular barbeque joint has a huge, partially enclosed patio area that welcomes well-behaved dogs. A frequent winner of multiple local “Best of” awards, Front Range has a huge menu of tasty BBQ favorites. They also have all the sides you expect when ordering a rack of ribs or a pile of brisket. Think mashed potatoes, baked beans, green beans and coleslaw.
One of their cool newer options are the BBQ bowls. You get all the tastes you love in a warm and filling bowl of goodness. Who doesn’t love it when their food is easier to eat? Take a look at their event calendars for nights that offer live music (typically Wednesday evenings and some weekend evenings). If your dog is sensitive to loud noises and crowds, it might be best to avoid those events.
Lazy Dog in Northern Colorado Springs
Lazy Dog has a huge menu and a pro-dog patio where you and your pup can hang out and chill. All you have to do is ask for a table outside and mention you have a dog when you arrive. You can bring your pup in through a gate next to the parking area and sidewalk. They are known for huge servings of popular comfort foods like pot pie and pot roast, as well as barbeque, burgers and other smokey favorites.
One of the coolest things about Lazy Dog might just be their take-out options. If you’re not up for a night out, or if your dog isn’t exactly a fan of going out to eat, you can order up a stack of “TV dinners.” These easy-prep meals are packed with the same wholesome goodness served up at the table. They also include dessert. It’s like the TV dinners of old, except they taste amazing and use far better ingredients. (We can’t really claim healthier when there’s gravy involved.)
Pizzeria Rustica in Old Colorado City
It’s probably obvious by now that the Westside is for the dogs and everyone likes it that way. Pizzeria Rustica is another restaurant with a pet-friendly patio in Old Colorado City. The outdoor dining is super charming, with a view of the downtown and a very backyard garden ambience. The staff will happily provide you with water for your dog and the shady patio makes it easy to cool off when the summer weather gets testy.
Pizzeria Rustica offers, no surprise, pizza! Dine on wood-fired margherita for a familiar favorite, or branch out and sample the quattro verdure, a pizza loaded with vegetables and house-made mozzarella. The dough is created with flour imported from Italy to give it that extra bit of flair. Since pizza is a food that you can take home and still love the next day, we suggest you also take advantage of their antipasti (the burrata is cheese heaven) and their desserts.
The number of pet-friendly restaurants continues to expand in Colorado Springs, making it easier for dog owners to bring their bestie along for the ride. If you would like to find other places for dog-friendly dining in Colorado Springs, check out BringFido.com.
