Are you thinking of traveling with your dog this season? Here at Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, we love our pups! And like most Colorado residents, we neither like to leave them at home when we travel, but we also don’t have a lot of trusted accessible options to even consider leaving them behind while we go out on adventures. If we can bring our furry friends, we do! And if you’re thinking of planning a trip to visit us in the San Juan Mountains, know that you can, too!
One of the great things about exploring Mountain trails when you are traveling with your dog, is that they usually love it more than you do. The crisp alpine air, endless trails, and wide-open spaces feel tailor-made for active, four-legged companions with lots of stamina. And Colorado, one of the most dog-friendly states in the U.S., shows off a welcoming culture that embraces pets as part of the journey, not an afterthought.
We wanted to share a few tips and tricks for traveling with your dog this hiking season. We asked our staff and friends of Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, and locals of Telluride and Ridgway, and here’s what they told us.
#1 Book Dog-Friendly Lodging
Before you travel, make sure you’ve booked overnight lodging in a location that doesn’t just put up with dogs, but welcomes them. There is a difference between a hotel or motel that tolerates your pet, and one that truly rolls out the hospitality for them. Look for hotels with pet relief areas that provide designated spaces for your pet to go potty, as well as watering stations or enclosed play areas. Check for “Pet Packages” or special offers that may include dog treats, a dog bed, dog toys, or extra add-ons that keep your pet in mind.
Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa in Ridgway Welcomes Dogs
If you’re looking for a basecamp that blends comfort, scenery, and pup-friendly charm when traveling with your dog, Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa in Ridgway is a standout choice.
Located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Chipeta Lodge offers boutique accommodations surrounded by some of Colorado’s most breathtaking landscapes. The property features 35 uniquely styled rooms, a full-service spa, and on-site dining—all with easy access to outdoor adventures.
Ridgway itself sits along the scenic San Juan Skyway and is surrounded by towering peaks, including several 14ers, making it an ideal launching point for hiking, exploring, and relaxing with your dog.
While policies can vary, many lodges in this area—including Chipeta—embrace pet travelers, reflecting a broader regional trend toward dog-friendly hospitality.
Pro tip: Always check pet fees, size restrictions, and leash policies before booking when traveling with your dog—these vary widely even within dog-friendly properties.
Staff tip: If visiting national parks and monuments, check regulations for entry of pets and make sure dogs are allowed to enter the parks with you. If not allowed, be sure to find a safe, cool place for your dog to stay while you explore the parks and monuments. Do NOT leave your dog unattended inside a car during the day.
#2 Pick Dog-Friendly Destinations
One of the joys of roadtripping in Colorado is hopping between towns, each with its own personality. Below are some of our staff picks for best places for town-hopping.
1. Ridgway
A hidden gem in southwestern Colorado, Ridgway is quiet, scenic, and incredibly dog-friendly. With access to hiking trails, open spaces, and nearby towns like Ouray and Telluride, it’s perfect for a relaxed getaway.
2. Telluride
This iconic mountain town is not only beautiful—it’s also welcoming to dogs. Many shops, restaurants, and outdoor spaces allow pets, and the surrounding trails are spectacular. Set in a box canyon, the red sandstone walls offer spectacular and awe-inspiring scenery.
3. Crested Butte
Known for its wildflowers in summer and miles of scenic trails, Crested Butte offers dog-friendly lodging and an adorable historic downtown.
4. Ouray
Another classic western town established in the late 1880s, this was one of the larger towns of its era. Many historic buildings still remain and the picturesque main street and side streets offer lots of opportunity for shopping and stopping to linger. Several hot springs in the area plus a river running through the town make this a very popular destination in the San Juan region.
5. Glenwood Springs
Established in 1886, this historic western town is thriving along the Colorado River. With a walkable scenic downtown, shops, and a strip of comfortable restaurants and cafes, a trip to Glenwood Springs offers lots of fun things to do with your dog. Nearby hiking can be found on the Grizzly Creek trail offering views of Glenwood Canyon and the Colorado River below. The Doc Holliday trail is another fun one and dogs are allowed on leash.
#3 Plan Fun Mountain Activities with Your Dog
Spring and Summer are great seasons to explore the Rockies with your dog. Here are some of the top activities to enjoy together:
1. Hike Scenic Trails
The Rockies are famous for their trails, and many are dog-friendly (with leash rules depending on the area). Be sure to abide by trail leash laws and prevent your dog from chasing wildlife, especially larger deer, elk and moose.
- Alpine lake hikes
- Forested trails with shaded paths
- Open meadows full of wildflowers
Always bring water and be mindful of altitude—both you and your dog will need time to adjust.
2. Hike Near Lakes, Rivers and Streams
There is nothing more beautiful or rewarding than a hike to a high alpine lake, or a high altitude climb that follows along next to a mountain stream descending from a waterfall. These can be particularly rewarding hikes with a dog at your side.
- Reservoirs and high alpine lakes are perfect for splashing
- Look for quiet shallows along the edges of streams or waterfalls
- Prevent your dog from jumping headlong into rushing water or cascades, eddies or waterfalls
- The water is colder than it looks and dangerous rocks or snagging obstacles may be hidden just below the surface.
- Don’t jump in after your dog or endanger yourself to rescue your dog. Think before you act! High mountain rescues are difficult and costly, so be risk-aware and act with safety first in mind.
Just watch for strong currents and always keep an eye on your dog or keep your dog leashed.
3. Camp Under the Stars
Camping is one of the easiest ways to get “off grid” while still bringing all the comforts of home. Pack as much or as little as your vehicle will allow, including comfortable chairs, blankets, tents, food, a grill, a cooler full of beverages, and more. Colorado offers countless pet-friendly campgrounds near national parks and forests, with amenities ranging from basic bare camp sites, perfect for tents or hammocks, to RV hookups.
Camping near Ridgway, a certified Colorado dark sky community, affords you the chance to view the night skies in all their glory. More stars, more planets, and the Milky Way can be visible in the region around Ridgway due to the absence of light pollution.
We particularly enjoy car camping with pets. Dogs are often quite comfortable sleeping and nesting overnight in the car, treating it much like a comfortable, oversized crate. Many camp sites have pre-built fire circles, toilet facilities, or even washrooms with showers.
Your dog will love the freedom, new smells, and time spent outdoors. Be mindful of neighbors in campgrounds and keep your dog from wandering into neighboring camp sites.
4. Drive Scenic Byways and Take Road Trips
Not every adventure needs to be strenuous. Take a scenic drive along routes like:
- San Juan Skyway (near Ridgway)
- Trail Ridge Road
- Million Dollar Highway
These drives offer stunning views and plenty of stops for short walks and photo breaks.
5. Dog-Friendly Water Adventures
For more active pups, consider:
- Kayaking or paddleboarding
- Gentle rafting trips
- Lakeside picnics
Colorado even offers dog-friendly rafting experiences on certain rivers, making for a truly unique adventure.
#4 Pack Wisely For Your Furry Friend
Traveling with your dog in the mountains is rewarding—but it requires some planning. Below is a packing list of essentials, as well as some extras that are often forgotten
Pet-Wise Packing List:
- Travel water bowl that packs easily in your backpack, bag or pocket. A collapsible water bowl may be something to consider purchasing. Our favorite: the Wilderdog Backpacking Bowl.
- Extra, fresh, clean water – some hikers remember to pack water for themselves, but forget to pack extra for their pets. Maintain a reservoir of water that is enough for both you and your pet(s). We recommend the Mighty Paw Travel Water Bottle.
- Pet food – dogs may be hungrier than normal, with extra exercise and fresh air. Remember that small towns don’t always have pet stores or retailers that carry your brand of food, so pack enough food to last through your entire vacation.
- Treats – keeping a treat ready can help your pet behave better in a hotel, restaurant, or out in public on trails or in parks. Bring training treats that help your pet behave around strangers.
- Leash and harness – don’t forget your leash. Most wilderness trails require that dogs remain on leash, to protect other hikers, other pets, and most importantly to protect the wildlife. Please respect this leash law while on trails. Some retailers in small towns maintain very small shops and may prefer that you leave your dog outside. Having a leash that can be anchored to a bike rack or lamp post makes it easy to tie up your dog outside. One of our staff favorite picks is the Furb Multi-Position Brown Leather Dog Leash by Branni.
- Waste bags – leave nothing behind but footprints. Carry doggy waste bags and pack out all your trash. Review the Leave No Trace guidelines here. We like EcoSafe’s Compostable Doggie Bags and Dogs Naturally Compostable Doggie Bags.
- Dog booties – not always necessary and some breeds have feet that are built for rough terrain, but if your pet has soft feet or delicate pads, consider dog booties to protect your dog’s feet from injury. Be sure to check out the latest product reviews and get a bootie suited to your dog’s paw size and shape.
- Dog bed or blanket – your lodging may offer amenities that include a borrowed dog bed, but consider packing in your own and keeping your pet asleep in his own bed on the floor of your room, rather than on the furniture.
- Dog towel – keep an extra towel in the car or in your pack. It can come in handy if your dog decides to go for a quick swim, and happens to run through something that maybe is a little messier than you anticipated. The Colorado sun heats up cars that are left in the sun, so the extra towel can serve as a good seat cover when first jumping into the car after a long hike on a hot day. An extra towel is always useful in first aid emergencies.
- Camera – don’t forget your phone or camera so you can take plenty of fun selfies with your best friend!
Be Wildlife Aware
The Colorado mountain ranges are home to:
- Bears
- Moose
- Elk
- Mountain goats
- Big-horn sheep
- Rattlesnakes
- Mountain lions
Keep your dog close and under control, especially in early morning or evening hours. Be aware of adults with young, and do nothing to disturb or get between a mother and its offspring. Stay away and retreat from large animals such as moose and do not allow your dog to chase wildlife.
Respect Other Travelers
Even in dog-friendly areas, etiquette matters:
- Clean up after your dog
- Keep barking to a minimum
- Ask before entering dog-friendly businesses
#5 Plan A Dog-Friendly Itinerary
A sample 4 day getaway might look like this:
Day 1: Arrive in Ridgway, check into Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, hit the Orvis Hot Springs for a quick soak before dark, and come back to the Resort for Happiness Hour and dinner at White Buffalo Restaurant + Bar.
Day 2: Rise early and drive the relatively short distance to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for a hike on the Rim Rock Trail or Chasm View Nature Trail. Both of these trails allow leashed dogs. Stop at the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose on your way back to Ridgway. Enjoy sunset at the Resort on the rooftop at White Buffalo.
Day 3: Scenic drive to Telluride in the morning and hike the trails of the Telluride box canyon. Eat a late lunch or early dinner on a deck in downtown Telluride before driving back to Telluride for a sunset soak in your hot tub.
Day 4: Hike near Ouray, have lunch in downtown Ouray or Ridgway, and enjoy sunset at the Resort on the rooftop at White Buffalo before heading home.
Don’t Leave Fido Behind
Traveling with your dog in Colorado is a shared adventure that deepens your bond with your pet and creates lasting memories. You’ll also meet lots of other friendly dog-owners out on the trails and wandering the streams and canyons of our beautiful state.
We would love to welcome you to Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, where well-behaved dogs are as welcome as our two-legged guests. We have endless outdoor opportunities, from hiking, biking and climbing, to golf, flyfishing and hot springs. Whether you’re hiking up to alpine lakes, relaxing on a private terrace overlooking our pool, or soaking in one of our hot tubs, your pup is welcome to join you!
So leash up, hit the road, and discover just how incredible this state is, and don’t leave your best friend behind. Everything is better together when traveling with your dog.
