If you’re looking for a dog-friendly town to visit, look no further than Boulder, Colorado. There are endless things to do in Boulder that are dog-centric, like hiking with dogs. Coloradoans, especially Boulderites, love their furry, four-legged friends, and their businesses and recreational culture reflect that affinity for all things dog related.
Being a Coloradoan and dog lover myself, I visit Boulder at least once a month, and often take my Goldendoodle, Alma, with me. We have personally vetted and doggo-ed all of these places (see what I did there?) to give you the perfect dog-friendly stay in Boulder.
Finding places to stay, eat and play abound. Read on to discover key things to do in Boulder and preparation tips for the trip of a lifetime in pet-friendly Colorado.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants
Boulder offers a host of pet-friendly restaurants.
- The Kitchen is a popular farm-to-table restaurant that allows dogs, but contact the restaurant ahead of time to make sure they have room in the outdoor area.
- If food trucks are your thing, then you are in luck—the Rayback Collective is a super cool collection of food trucks with a dog-friendly outdoor seating area, a fire pit and outdoor games.
- Half Fast Subs is a sandwich shop located in “the hill” neighborhood near Colorado University. They consistently win the best of Boulder and welcome dogs in their front outdoor seating area. I personally recommend “the shiz,” a sub with bacon and chicken tenders. They also have pitchers of margaritas! Ask for a side of roast beef to share with your pupper (a tip I learned from local dog lover Andy who brings his Labradoodle Bobby to Boulder for hiking and a snack!).
Trails for Hiking With Dogs
Boulder boasts many dog-friendly trails for you and your pup.
- Ever-popular Chautauqua Trailhead is your gateway to miles of trails and vistas west of Boulder. Dogs must be leashed in the trailhead areas, but once you get up into the foothills, dogs who are under voice control can be off leash on some trails.
- Gregory Canyon Trailhead and National Center for Atmospheric Research Trailhead also are great hiking options if crowds aren’t your thing.
Dog Parks
Boulder has amazing dog parks with space to run, lakes to swim in and lots of pups for your dog to meet.
- Foothills Dog Park is nestled right up against the foothills and offers beautiful views and two acres to run.
- More centrally located, Valmont Dog Park has separate areas for small dogs and large ones.
- For swimming fun, East Boulder Dog Park includes a dog-friendly lake.
Dog-Friendly Hotels
After all your fun, you will need a place to stay. Here are some dog-friendly hotels that might fit your bill.
- Best Western Plus Boulder Inn
If you do bring your pet, you are required to stay in a room on the first floor. The room prices range from $100 per night in low season to $249 pet night during high season. There is no pet fee, however, they do keep your card on file during your stay in case there are any incidentals. - Holiday Inn Express
Room prices range from $109 during low season and $399 during high season. There is an additional non-refundable pet fee of $25 to $50 per day depending on the size of your dog. - Millennium Harvest House
Room prices start at $109. There is a refundable deposit of $250 along with a non-refundable maximum pet fee of $25 per day depending on the size of your pet.
If none of those work for you, you can try checking out private rentals on vrbo.com and airbnb.com.
Dog-Centric Shopping
After a hike or a hard day’s play at the dog park, your pup could use a snack, right? Head over to P.C.’s Pantry, a boutique pet store in northeast Boulder. Along with the usual offerings of fun things to chew on and to play with, they also have a pet bakery and a deli.
Order Barkday cakes for any special occasion, in a multitude of flavors, ranging from beef to liver and everything delicious in between. P.C.’s Pantry’s friendly staff is sure to have yummy dog treats up their sleeves for your visiting pooch.
For more human-centric shopping experiences, try 29th Street outdoor mall. Dogs are allowed in all the common areas and in some shops.
Note: If you plan on visiting Pearl Street Mall, be advised that dogs are NOT allowed.
Boulder Breweries
While in the birthplace of microbrews and craft beer, one simply must visit a brewery. Boulder Beer is the one that started it all, and the dog-friendly patio has a separate canine entrance.
During the summer months, the brewery hosts live music (never a cover charge!) on the patio on Thursdays and Saturdays and encourages visitors to bring their furry friends for a relaxing evening of music under the Flatirons.
Upslope Brewing Company is another Boulder brewery classic, and one of the only places in Boulder where you can take your dog inside. This dog- and kid-friendly locale is passionate about its brews.
Now you’re ready to have a blast with your pup in Boulder!
Feature Image: iStock.com/shutter18
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