Vail is an excellent place to visit, even if you’re not interested in skiing, and it’s filled with fun things to do with your pet. If bringing your dog along isn’t practical due to the altitude, here are some activities you can enjoy together.

 

Playing at Vail: The Dog Run

This is one of the most popular places for dogs and their owners in town (though many dogs favor the nearby Ruby Mountain). It offers four different exercise areas where dogs can romp freely without hassle from bemused pedestrians. Each area is fenced, so there’s no chance for Rover to get too far away. It’s an excellent place for dog owners and their pets—especially those new to the area.

 

Pet friendly Vail also has several terrific hiking trails perfect for pets and guardians. Both the Ute Creek trailhead and the Red Earth trailhead provide scenic routes along the valley floor (for those with dogs, there is also a good off-leash park nearby). All of the trails are excellent, but hikers beware you might encounter mountain bikers here as well…so be on guard!

 

For more high-altitude hikes, try one of the peaks in Vail Pass. The views from the top are incredible: on a clear day, you can see wisps of snow on neighboring peaks for miles and miles. There are several trails to choose from here, so we recommend packing lunch and enjoying a picnic at the top.

 

So many people love visiting Vail that they need to remember to come back. But if you ever find yourself in the area once again, you’re sure to find some fun things to do with your pet. When you’re not skiing or hiking, there are several pet-friendly stores where you can shop until your wallet runs dry.

 

If you love the outdoors and want to do more than go hiking and skiing, it’s hard to beat the scenery along Colorado’s Front Range. You can find plenty of great places to hike, fish, raft, and … walk your dog. And that’s why we’ve put together a list of five fun pet friendly activities in Colorado’s Front Range.

 

This is an easy 4-mile round-trip hike for the whole family (even babies in packs), with both a creek crossing and lots of shade from pine trees. Hikers are rewarded with a view of the historic Vail Valley, open meadows, and the Continental Divide.

 

This is an excellent trail for backpacking or day hiking. The trail is well-marked, well-maintained, and easy to follow to the top of the mountain. Enjoy views of mountains and streams. For a longer hike, be prepared for challenging terrain along Beaver Creek Gap. Bring plenty of water and be prepared if you get caught in high winds or heavy rains, as this is an exposure area!