Cover Photo Credit: Madeleine Balestrier
Telluride is one of the best places in Colorado to explore the mountains with your four-legged friend. From alpine lakes and scenic hikes to pet-friendly patios and parks, our San Juan mountain town is full of adventure for you and your well-behaved pups.
Before you leash up and head out, stop by Jagged Edge Mountain Gear for trail essentials for the whole pack, including collapsible water bowls, PFDs, and first aid supplies. Need a few more doggo necessities? Swing by Dirt Dawg just down the street.
Here are the best dog-friendly adventures in Telluride this summer:
Hit the Trails
Photo Provided By: Madeleine Balestrier
Telluride River Trail
Distance: 6.6 miles (10.6 kilometers) out & back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 393 feet (120 meters)
Duration: 2 hours
Location: 37.935203, -107.812720
The Telluride River Trail is an easy starting point for you and your pup to get acclimated to Telluride. It meanders from the Pandora Mine near the Bridal Veil Falls trailhead on the east side of town all the way to Lawson Hill. It follows the San Miguel River, which has plenty of watering holes for you and your buddy to cool off.
Just a heads up: Dogs aren't allowed past the bridge near the Shell Station on the Valley Floor. You can turn around, head up Boomerang for a steep climb into Mountain Village, or swing right toward the bike path back into town, although the pavement can get hot on paws during the summer.
Jud Wiebe Trail
Distance: 3.1 mile (5 kilometers) loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,213 feet (375 meters)
Duration: 2 hours
Location: 37.9412, -107.8124
The Jud is one of Telluride's most beloved hikes, and for good reason. Just steps from downtown, this local favorite wastes no time climbing through beautiful aspen groves before rewarding you with sweeping views of Telluride, Bridal Veil Falls to the east, and the valley stretching west.
It's a Telluride must-do, but it's also one of the busiest trails in town, so be mindful of your pup around other hikers, bikers, runners, and dogs.
Bear Creek Trail
Photo Credit: Madeleine Balestrier
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,092 feet (333 meters)
Duration: 2 hours
Location: 37.9343, -107.8119
With easy access from town, Bear Creek Trail follows a rushing creek through a shady forest that pushes deeper and deeper into the canyon before ending at spectacular waterfalls. This is an ideal trail for warm summer days and for dogs who love to splash, romp, and cool off in the water along the way.
Photo Credit: Madeleine Balestrier
Wasatch Trail
Distance: 8.1 miles (13.0 kilometers) loop
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 1,686 feet (514 meters)
Duration: 6 hours
Location: 37°55'47.5"N 107°49'57.7"W
If you and your dog are up for a bigger adventure, the Wasatch Loop is worth every mile. Start by taking the free gondola to San Sophia Station, then follow See Forever Trail to the Wasatch Connector as it traverses beneath Lift 15 and through Revy Bowl.
The reward? Panoramic views of the San Juans, wildflowers, fewer crowds, and plenty of opportunities for your pup to cool off as you descend into Bear Creek and make your way back to Telluride.
Lap Up the Lake
Photo Credit: Shannon Farrell
Trout Lake
For a reprieve from the heat, head to Trout Lake with your romping buddy, pfds, and paddle board in tow.
Surrounded by dramatic peaks, this high alpine lake offers hiking and camping nearby, picturesque picnic spots, and the perfect backdrop for your doggo to cool off.
Photo Credit: Madeleine Balestrier
Local’s Tip: Drive further up Trout Lake Road until you hit the parking lot, and check out the historic trestle, while letting your four-pawed pal get their zoomies out.
This is also a great pet-friendly xc ski activity in the winter for well-behaved dogs as it can get pretty busy, especially when it’s a low snow year.
Other swimming spots:
- Alta Lakes
- Blue Lake
- Elk’s Pond
Ride the Gondola
One of Telluride's most unique experiences is completely free, and yes, dogs are welcome.
The free gondola that runs between Telluride and Mountain Village allows leashed dogs to ride alongside their humans while taking in incredible views of the San Juan Mountains. Ride up for dinner or grab a coffee in Mountain Village since there is ample outdoor seating, or wander around enjoying the scenery from the ski resort.
Play at Town Park
Although not an official dog park, Telluride Town Park might as well be. With open grassy fields and the San Miguel River nearby, it's the perfect place to relax and play. Locals and tourists alike bring their dogs here to socialize, play fetch, and get the zoom zooms out. There are actually few dog park options in the surrounding area.
Be mindful of your puppy because Town Park is also home to a popular children's playground, playing fields, and multiple community rec leagues.
Grab a Bite on a Dog-Friendly Patio
Many of Telluride's restaurants welcome dogs on their outdoor patios during the summer. Enjoy lunch or a post-hike bevvy while your pup relaxes beside you.
A few local favorites include:
- Brown Dog Pizza
- The Butcher & The Baker
- Stronghouse Brew Pub
- The Oak Fat Alley BBQ
Photo Credit: Shannon Farrell
Puppy Packing List
Photo Credit: Shannon Farrell
Mountain weather changes quickly, and high-altitude adventures require a little extra preparation for both humans and dogs.
Before heading out, be sure to pack:
-
Water
- Collapsible dog bowl
- Extra treats (and protein pouches for long days)
- Waste bags
- Leash
- Paw protection for rocky trails
- First aid kit
The sun is stronger at 9,000 feet, and dehydration can happen faster than you think. Plan for more water than you expect to need, take breaks often, and find less sun-exposed and technical trails for your furry friend.
Did you forget any of this at home? Snag your essentials at Dirt Dawg on the main drag in Telluride!
Practice Trail Etiquette
Photo Credit: Madeleine Balestrier
Help keep Telluride's trails welcoming for everyone by following a few simple guidelines:
- Keep your dog on leash where required.
- Yield to other trail users.
- Pack out all waste.
- Respect wildlife by keeping dogs under control.
- Know your dog's limits, especially at higher elevations.
A little trail etiquette goes a long way toward protecting this place we all love.
Happy trails, from our pack to yours!
Shop at Jagged Edge Mountain Gear, the only locally owned mountain gear store in Telluride, Colorado, and check out the brand's locally sewn and USA-made products online or in-store.
