My 5 Favorite Dog Friendly Hikes in Colorado Springs
People who live here in Colorado Springs love to brag that we are closer to the mountains. While it’s up for debate whether that is true or whether we are just closer to Pikes Peak, it is undeniable that there is a wealth of good hiking here in the Springs. Below, find reviews of my favorite dog friendly trails in Colorado Springs.
Mount Cutler
Mount Cutler in North Cheyenne Cañon Park is my go-to hiking trail. It has a taste of all the best features of Colorado hiking: lovely rock formations, stunning views, and an interesting trail that’s challenging in parts but not too difficult for a beginner hiker or someone struggling with the high altitude in Colorado Springs. I have hiked many different trails in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, but I always keep coming back to this one. If you have visitors, this is a perfect trail to give them a taste of Colorado hiking!
Starsky enjoying the views from the summit of Mount Muscoco.
An important note for dog owners: North Cheyenne Cañon Park is a favorite for hiking with dogs. While the trails are technically on leash, off leash is the norm for this park. Regardless of your opinions on leash laws, this is important information to know, particularly for reactive dog owners, when hiking in North Cheyenne Cañon Park.
Mount Muscoco
Another classic in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Mount Muscoco is the big brother to Mount Cutler. In fact, the two trails share a trailhead and the first half mile or so is the same trail before Muscoco branches off to the right. This trail is tough: it’s more than twice as long as Cutler and definitely more technical. But the pay off is well worth it: not only will you feel accomplished at the summit of Mount Muscoco, but you will also take in some amazing views.
When Starsky and I first hiked this trail, we hit the summit just as the sun was setting. It was absolutely perfect, even if we did have to book it down to get back to the car before dark!
There isn’t much parking at the Cutler/Muscoco trailhead, so save this hike for an early morning or a weekday.
Mount Herman
Not technically in Colorado Springs, but the nearby town of Monument, Mount Herman is a short but tough hike that will leave you feeling tired but accomplished. The summit has beautiful 360° views. My favorite part of the hike is that it is very lightly trafficked since it is so tucked away and requires a somewhat precarious trip down a bumpy forest road. I’ve done the drive twice in a Honda Civic, but I wouldn’t exactly recommend that choice of car for this one!
Ginsburg in the Siamese Twins peek-a-boo. Leash removed for photo.
Siamese Twins
Siamese Twins in Garden of the Gods probably has the best effort to views ratio in all of Colorado Springs! The red rock formations are stunning, and there is a cute peek a boo in the rocks with a classic view of Pikes Peak. At just under a mile roundtrip and only a little over a hundred feet in elevation gain, this is the perfect trail if you are looking for something easy with great views.
Garden of the Gods is a popular tourist spot, so make sure to go early in the morning or during the week. Don’t forget that it is a protected area, so keep your dog on leash to avoid harming the sensitive vegetation!
Templeton & Mesa Trail Loop
Palmer Park is full of trails, some easy and some more difficult. The first third of the Templeton & Mesa Trail Loop is part of the off leash dog trails, so your pup can catch up with his friends before you head off to finish this quiet, rocky hike. While the elevation isn’t challenging, I found the terrain on this hike more difficult than expected, so be sure to wear good hiking boots!
