Best Hikes for Dogs in Fort Collins, Colorado

Top Five Fort Collins Hiking Trails for Dogs in 2008

In 2008, we hiked a lot of the trails in the Fort Collins, Colorado area. Even though we do not own a dog, we observed each trail that we hiked to determine which are dog friendly. The following are Fort Collins hiking trails I found to be ideal for dog owners looking to spend some quality time with their pet(s). All of the selected trails offer free pet waste bags at the trailhead. Please read Leave No Trace - 3 Myths, Effects, and Tips for Outdoor Recreation to understand the importance picking up your dog's feces. Click the following links to view maps, pictures, videos, and more information about the trails.

1. Reservoir Ridge Natural Area - Reservoir Ridge has a 3.0 mile loop with a total elevation climb of 400 feet. I make it my number one Fort Collins trail for dogs because of its close proximity to downtown and, thus, it is ideal for frequent visits. The trailhead has free parking and is located 15 minutes northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado.2. Eagle's Nest Open Space - Eagle's Nest Open Space is a 827 acre park with 5 miles of hiking trails. Eagle's Nest Open Space is the place to go for an easy, quiet hike since elevation gains and human interaction are minimal. The trailhead has free parking and is located just outside Livermore, CO which is 30 minutes northwest of Fort Collins, CO via highway 287.3. Arthur's Rock Trail - The Arthur's Rock trail is a moderately difficult 1.7 mile hike with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet. In addition to being one of the best hikes in Fort Collins, it is an ideal hike for your dog because it is not extreme in any way (i.e., length, elevation, terrain). The trailhead is located in Lory State Park which is 20-25 minutes west of downtown Fort Collins, CO and requires a parking permit or day parking pass (~$7/day).4. Gateway Natural Area - Gateway Natural Area has three dog friendly trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Like Eagle's Nest Open Space, you are likely to have a quiet experience with limited human contact. In addition to hiking, there is trout fishing on site in the North Fork Cache la Poudre River. Gateway Natural Area is located 15 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado in the Poudre Canyon and requires a parking permit or day pass (~$5).5. Cathy Fromme Prairie - Fossil Creek trail is a 2.5 mile paved concreted path that is mostly flat and lies at about 5,500 feet in elevation. Cathy Fromme Praire is more of a walk than a hike but its easy access and wide trails make it an excellent place to walk your dog and experience nature. Both free parking lots are located in the southwest corner of Fort Collins, Colorado; with one on South Taft Hill Road and the other on South Shields Street.

Most of these trails have little shade so it is important to bring hiking hats, sun tan lotion, and lots of water. To help make these hikes safe and enjoyable for your dogs, I recommend that you bring pet waste bags and a collapsible pet water bowl. In addition, a dog pack can be a safe way to enlist your dog in carrying some of the gear needed for a hike. Finally, if you visit Boulder, CO, be sure to read about their Voice and Sight Dog Tag Program.