How to Spend 2 Dog Friendly Days in Colorado Springs

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Are you planning a fantastic two-day getaway to Colorado Springs with your beloved canine companion? Look no further! In this carefully crafted itinerary, we’ll guide you through the best dog-friendly activities, ensuring that both you and your furry friend have an unforgettable experience. Colorado is renowned for its natural beauty, and while many attractions aren’t dog-friendly, we’ve curated a list of free (or cheap) and pet-friendly adventures that will make your visit truly special. We have visited Colorado Springs twice now, first in 2022 as our first big stop in our newly converted sprinter van and a second time in 2023 when we spent over a month in Colorado. It has been one of our favorite places to visit with our dog, Chloe!

Getting There

The closest major airport is Denver International Airport which is about an hour and a half drive to Colorado Springs and your best option is to rent a car to explore! If you’re lucky enough to find a flight to the Colorado Springs airport, obviously you will be there much quicker but will still want to rent a car (or better yet, a van) 🚐

Day 1: Exploring Pikes Peak and Red Rock Canyon

Morning: Drive (or Hike) to the Top of Pike’s Peak

Time: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Begin your adventure by driving or hiking to the summit of Pike’s Peak, standing majestically at over 14,000 feet. If you’re not up for a strenuous hike, don’t worry; you can drive to the top on a well-paved road. The road is open year-round, weather permitting, and costs $15 per adult (16 and over) and $5 for children (6 to 15). Discounts are available for larger groups. During the off season the rates are discounted so be sure to check out coloradosprings.gov for those rates and hours of operation because they do vary depending on the time of year. YOU WILL WANT TO BOOK ONLINE IN ADVANCE.

Helpful Tips for visiting Pike’s Peak:

Arrive as early as possible to enjoy the serenity of the summit before the crowds arrive via the Cog Railway and others driving up. When booking we chose the earliest time and shared the summit with very few people for 15-30 minutes!
The drive is approximately 38 miles round trip and takes at least 2 hours, so ensure your vehicle has at least 1/2 tank of gas
Be mindful of your brakes on the steep descent & use a low gear; there’s a brake check station about halfway down to ensure safety.
One way to save your brakes is to stop at the different view points on the way down as well!
It will be cold at the top – even in peak summer (we were there in mid July) – so bring a jacket and maybe even long pants if you’re easily chilled.
Dogs are welcome to walk around with you at the Summit, however, they are not allowed in the Summit Visitor Center.

Breakfast at Pike’s Peak Summit Visitor Center

At the summit, treat yourself to a delightful donut at the Pike’s Peak Summit Visitor Center. The Pikes Peak donuts are iconic and you should definitely stroll around the visitor center to learn more about the fascinating mountain history and see the interactive displays.

Book here to Drive Pike’s Peak Hwy

Afternoon: Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Head to the Red Rock Canyon Open Space for an afternoon of dog-friendly hiking. Choose the Mesa, GreenLee, and Red Rock Canyon Loop, a 1.8-mile round trip trail with an easy rating on AllTrails, taking an average of 49 minutes to complete. This trail offers picturesque views, including a small lake with stunning rock formations and plenty of shade for relaxation.

Alternatively, try the Contemplative Trail to Sand Canyon Loop, another dog-friendly option. This 1.8-mile round trip trail with an easy rating takes around 45 minutes to complete. Along the way, admire beautiful wildflowers and reach a viewpoint offering vistas of the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak.

Day 2: Garden of the Gods and Mt. Herman Camping

Morning: Explore Garden of the Gods

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Start your second day at the iconic Garden of the Gods. Discover the Cabin Canyon, Siamese Twins, Palmer, and Central Garden Loop, a 4.3-mile round trip hike with a moderate rating on AllTrails, typically taking about 2 hours. This trail showcases the park’s highlights, including the Kissing Camels, White Rocks, Sentinel Rock, Three Graces, and Cathedral Spires. You could spend a whole day here, but this trail shows the highlights!

If you’re short on time or not up for an extended hike, you can drive to different parts of the trailhead. Don’t miss the Central Garden Loop, a short and paved walk that offers excellent views of famous rock formations.

Lunch: Picnic at Garden of the Gods

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Enjoy a picnic with your pup amidst the stunning rock formations of Garden of the Gods. There are designated picnic areas where you can relax and refuel.

Afternoon: Camp on Mt. Herman

Time: 2:00 PM Onwards

Conclude your Colorado Springs adventure with an overnight camping trip to Mt. Herman. While the road to the campsite can be challenging, especially in wet conditions, it’s manageable if you take it slow. Even our 2WD Sprinter Van made it!

Camp on Mt. Herman and savor the higher elevation, which provides relief from the summer heat and offers mesmerizing views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains. You can stay here for up to 14 days, making it an ideal spot to immerse yourself in nature.

Pro Tip: Remember to Leave No Trace and maintain the campsite’s natural beauty for future visitors.

To wrap things up…

A two-day trip to Colorado Springs with your dog can be an incredible experience filled with adventure, natural beauty, and cherished moments. From the iconic Pike’s Peak and the pet-friendly trails of Red Rock Canyon to the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods and a tranquil camping experience on Mt. Herman, this itinerary ensures you make the most of your visit to dog-friendly Colorado Springs. So pack your bags, leash up your dog, and embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Colorado’s stunning landscapes, where both you and your loyal companion can relish the wonders of nature. And if you’d like some tips on how to keep your dog comfortable while traveling – check out this blog post!

If you have extra time or want some humans only activities to do…