Pet Friendly Attractions
in colorado springs & the pikes peak region
Colorado Springs is going to the dogs — and everyone is totally thrilled. 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.
Dining with doggos in Colorado Springs
Believe it or not, there are plenty of places you can bring your dog when it’s time to head out for breakfast lunch or dinner. Most places in Colorado Springs offer patio seating for those with pets. If you’re looking for indoor dining, there’s an option for that, too. First, of course, is Colorado Springs own Pub Dog restaurant, which allows dogs indoors and outdoors, has a dog play area and has a full human menu too. Cerberus Brewery and N3 are two of our personal favorites, where the humans can get some yummy eats, explore great beer menus, and the puppy patties are beyond reproach. Another option that many pet parents don’t know about is the horde of local breweries here in the Pikes Peak region. Because many of them only serve beer and offer food via local food trucks, your dogs can dine indoors. Of course, we always, always recommend you call ahead to find out each location’s individual rules.
Leash-free dog zones
Every city has at least one dog park, but not every city has parks as awesome as those here in Colorado Springs. The fan favorite? Bear Creek Dog Park is a whopping 25 acres of pure pup fun, including creek access, hills, grass, and trees. It’s 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. Speaking of leash-free, most of the trails here in Colorado Springs ask that you keep your dog on a leash when hiking. However, 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! Conveniently enough, these two locations also happen to be near the same dog-friendly restaurants and breweries mentioned above. That means everyone can refuel post-romp.
Dog-friendly attractions
You can see below that we’ve built quite a list of pet-friendly attractions, but we thought we’d highlight a few of our absolute favorites right here. First on the list is the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. Not only is your dog allowed to ride in the train, the ride to Cripple Creek is equally joyful for pups who like to stick their heads out the window, with plenty of places to stop for a walk. Another option that is educational, family-friendly and oh-so-cool is the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Well-behaved dogs are allowed 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. And 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.
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!
Attraction | Accessibility |
---|---|
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 |
Challenge Unlimited – Pikes Peak by Bike | Sorry, no pets |
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 |
Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine | Sorry, no pets |
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 |
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum | Service dogs only |
Western Museum of Mining & Industry | Service dogs only |