When it’s time for a family vacation, there’s one member that often gets left behind – your pet. But when you plan a vacation in Estes Park, there’s no reason to leave that four-legged family member behind. With plenty of pet-friendly activities both in Estes Park’s downtown and in its surrounding nature areas, you can enjoy an Estes Park pet friendly journey!
Spend a few days in Estes Park relaxing and enjoying time spent with family and your pet when you engage in these pet-friendly Estes Park activities!
Day 1: Hike a Scenic Trail
While you can’t bring your dog on the trails within Rocky Mountain National Park boundaries, there are plenty of trails outside the park that are pet friendly and still offer amazing views. National Forest trails and Estes Park Trails System are two trail networks in the area that welcome you to explore with your pet by your side. On all trails, it is recommended that dogs be kept on a leash for everyone’s safety. Try the Kruger Rock Trail at Hermit Park for a two-mile trail that meanders through towering pines and ends at a lookout that boasts stunning views of Mt. Meeker, the Continental Divide, Mummy Range, and Dollar Lake. Just east of downtown Estes Park lies the scenic Lake Estes. Circling the lake is a 3.8-mile paved path that offers flat terrain and beautiful views of the water and surrounding mountains. The Lake Estes Trail is another great option for enjoying a pleasant walk with your pet!
For a longer, more rugged adventure, consider bringing your dog for a day of exploration on the Lily Mountain Trail. This 4-mile trail has an elevation gain of 1,180 feet, so everyone is sure to get in a good day of exercise here. The Lily Mountain Trail travels through the Roosevelt National Forest, offering scenic views throughout. At just over the half mile mark, the trail begins to ascend, becoming increasingly steep and rugged. While there is plenty of rock scrambling involved, the majority of the trail does not coincide with steep drop offs, keeping it relatively safe for both hikers and pets. From the well-earned summit, you’ll enjoy views over Rocky Mountain National Park and peaks such as Mount Meeker, Longs Peak, the mountains along the Continental Divide and in the Mummy Range, Estes Cone, and Twin Sisters Peak. With breathtaking 360-degree views and Fido by your side, it’s hard to find a better vacation destination to enjoy with your pet than Estes Park!
Day 2: Socialize at Estes Valley Dog Park
Meet knowledgeable locals and like-minded travelers when you bring your pet for some social time at the Estes Valley Dog Park. More than just an ordinary dog run, this park offers a safe place for your dog to run off some energy, socialize with other pets, and improve agility in the fun obstacle zone. And with the beautiful setting right on Lake Estes, it’s not a bad spot for humans either. At Estes Valley Dog Park, you can take your pick from two available zones, both of which are safely fenced in. One offers a large grassy area with obstacles for your dog to run through, while the other side allows your pet to take a dip in the lake! They will love these pet-friendly Estes Park locales!
Day 3: Window Shop & Dine in Estes Park’s Pet-Friendly Downtown
Take a stroll through charming downtown Estes Park, where you can window shop or stop into dog-friendly stores. Many stores that don’t allow dogs inside still offer bowls of water outside their shops to aid in your pet’s hydration. When you’re ready to refuel or relax with a drink, you can keep your pet by your side when you stop in Rock Cut Brewing Company, Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company, or The Barrel, all which have Estes Park pet-friendly patios. Relax with a beer at Rock Cut Brewing Company, which offers twelve taps to suit your tastes. With both a brewery and a tap room on site, Rock Cut Brewing Company offers a great opportunity to taste locally crafted brews. Food trucks are often onsite with the opportunity to turn the visit into a full meal. Try more great local brews on tap at Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company, where you’ll find more original beers on tap and Fido is welcome to join you on one of the dog friendly outdoor patios. Even with your pet by your side, heading out for drinks and a bite to eat is a breeze in Estes Park!
Day 4: Unwind with Drinks at The Barrel
The Barrel offers up the ultimate beer garden experience. The sprawling outdoor seating area is packed with picnic tables under twinkling lights strung overhead. Take a seat at the bar or under one of the umbrella-covered tables, where your pet is welcome to join you! This pet friendly establishment serves up drinks and snacks and is a great place to unwind after a day of adventuring around Estes Park.
Beer lovers will appreciate the large selection of choices, with 64 draught options available daily. To experience a variety of flavors, build your own flight, each of which are 5 ounces. Here you’ll find a good selection of local Estes Park beers, as well as brews from around Colorado and beyond. Spirits are also available, as well as wine by the glass or bottle. While The Barrel is not a full-service restaurant, they do offer snacks such as soft pretzels and snack mix, in addition to bringing in rotating food trucks. A rotating food truck schedule also keeps things fresh, offering up everything from Belgian-style waffles to fresh lobster. While most places would frown upon bringing in your own food, The Barrel actually welcomes patrons to bring their own picnics, takeout from a local restaurant, or even have food delivered right to The Barrel. Come just for drinks or enjoy a whole meal at The Barrel, and best of all, your pet can join you!
Day 5: Pick Up Items for Your Pet at Estes Park Pet Supply
If you forgot some of Fido’s favorite items at home, don’t fret. Estes Park Pet Supply offers up a range of items that will make it easy to find anything you need to make sure your pet has the best vacation possible. This family owned and operated store has a friendly, welcoming staff that is happy to help locals and visitors alike meet their pet’s needs. Treats, toys, beds, food, and more can be found lining this store’s shelves. To get your pet looking their best, Estes Park Pet Supply also offers dog wash and grooming services, with no appointment needed. Keep your dog fueled on your daily hikes around Estes Park by picking up some extra treats and have him all washed and groomed before you head back home after enjoying a week of outdoor adventures around Estes Park!
Book Your Vacation Rental in Estes Park
In search of accommodations for your vacation in Estes Park? It’s easy to enjoy a vacation with your pet by your side when you choose Estes Park as your destination! At Mountain Village at Lake Estes, we offer luxurious cabins situated along the shores of Lake Estes. These spacious private homes boast an open concept living area with soaring vaulted ceilings and a charming loft area. A full kitchen and living room offer all the comforts of home, while multiple fireplaces and a private outdoor hot tub add luxurious touches. With two master suites, there is plenty of space for families or friends traveling together in our Estes Park vacation cabins. Enjoy proximity to the activities of Lake Estes, downtown Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park when you book a stay in one of these vacation homes!