Summer in Colorado is the perfect time to hit the road with your furry friend—and if you’re based in Littleton, you’re already in a great spot to start your pet-friendly adventures! Whether you’re heading west to the mountains or planning a staycation close to home, keeping your pet safe, cool, and comfortable is key to a successful trip.
1. Know Before You Go
Colorado’s terrain and weather can vary wildly, especially in summer. It might be 90°F in Denver and 60°F in Estes Park. Make sure you research pet-friendly lodging, trails, restaurants, and emergency veterinary clinics along your route.
Check the rules for national and state parks—many limit where pets are allowed. For example, dogs aren’t permitted on most trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, but nearby Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests offer fantastic, dog-friendly hikes.
2. Beat the Heat
Even in the mountains, summer temperatures can soar—and pets can overheat faster than you might expect, especially at higher elevations where the air is thinner and the sun is more intense. Keep your furry travel buddy safe and comfortable with these essentials:
- Plenty of fresh water and a collapsible bowl for on-the-go hydration
- A cooling mat or vest to help regulate body temperature during rest stops
- Protective booties to guard against hot pavement or rough terrain
Make time for shade and regular breaks—especially during hikes or road trips—to help your pet cool down and avoid overheating.
And never leave your pet alone in a parked car, even for a short time. At Colorado’s higher elevations, the sun is stronger and cars heat up much faster than you might expect. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside can become dangerous within minutes.
3. Altitude Awareness
Just like people, pets can experience altitude sickness. Watch for signs such as vomiting, lethargy, or excessive panting. Ease your pet into higher elevations gradually, and plan for shorter hikes as they adjust. Puppies, senior pets, and flat-faced breeds (like pugs or bulldogs) are especially sensitive to altitude and heat.
4. Road Trip Tips for Pet Owners
If you’re planning a longer road trip with your pet—whether you’re heading to the Western Slope, down to New Mexico, or all the way to the coast—here are some must-know tips to keep everyone happy on the highway:
- Secure your pet: Use a crash-tested harness, travel crate, or barrier to keep your pet safely restrained while the vehicle is in motion. It’s safer for them—and you.
- Plan pet-friendly stops: Use apps like BringFido or AllTrails to find parks, rest stops, and hotels that welcome pets.
- Stick to a routine: Feed your pet at their regular mealtimes and maintain their walk and bathroom break schedule as closely as possible.
- Don’t feed right before driving: Give your pet a couple of hours after meals before hitting the road to help prevent motion sickness.
- Keep pets inside the car: As tempting as it may be, don’t let your dog hang their head out the window—debris and bugs can cause injuries.
- Pack a pet travel bag: Include water, food, bowls, waste bags, leash/harness, medications, vaccination records, a first aid kit, and a comfort item from home.
And if your pet has anxiety in the car, let us know so we can discuss calming options or safe anti-nausea medications before your trip.
5. Pack Their Bags Too
Here’s a quick checklist for your pet’s travel gear:
- Food and treats
- Medications
- Waste bags/litter supplies
- Leash and harness
- Vaccination records (especially for hotels or campgrounds)
- Pet first aid kit
- Toys or comfort items
6. Explore Pet-Friendly Colorado
Some favorite pet-friendly destinations include:
- Colorado Springs: Garden of the Gods offers leashed, dog-friendly paved paths with iconic red rock views, and Bear Creek Dog Park is a 25-acre off-leash paradise.
- Boulder: The town is full of dog-friendly patios, and the Flatirons offer scenic trails nearby.
- Grand Lake: A great base for pup-friendly kayaking and exploring dog-welcoming forest trails. Note that dogs are not allowed on most national park trails, but they’re welcome in Grand Lake and nearby forest land.
- Chatfield State Park – Miles of trails, off-leash dog area, and a reservoir for water-loving pups
- Staunton State Park – Just under an hour from Littleton, with leashed dog-friendly hiking
- Breckenridge – About 2 hours away, full of dog-friendly trails, shops, and patios
- Leadville and Twin Lakes – High-elevation fun for well-acclimated dogs
7. Leave No Pawprint
Be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Always clean up after your pet, stay on marked trails, and keep them leashed unless in a designated off-leash area.
Final Woof
With a little planning, road tripping through Colorado with your pet can be a rewarding adventure full of memories, mountain air, and wagging tails. Whether you’re cruising scenic byways, hiking through alpine meadows, sipping coffee on a dog-friendly patio, or camping under the stars, the Centennial State is packed with pet-friendly experiences waiting to be explored.
Here’s to happy trails, open roads, and four-pawed co-pilots!
