Is Colorado Springs Dog-Friendly?

Over the years, Colorado Springs has been recognized by numerous publications and websites for being a super dog-friendly city. Forbes, for example, named it "America's Most Pet-Friendly City," and Men's Health included it on its list of "Best Cities for Dogs". So, what makes Colorado Springs such a great place for dogs? The city boasts a lot of the things dogs love best: open spaces to run in, dog parks to frolic at, as well as restaurants and bars that welcome furry little faces. The following are just a few of the dog-friendly places you can visit in Colorado Springs.

Dog-Friendly Activities in Colorado Springs

The canines of Colorado Springs are truly fortunate, as they can enjoy these amazing dog-friendly spots:

• Palmer Park Dog Park (3650 Maizeland Road). This park offers both a fenced-in dog park and also an area on a mesa where well-trained canines can run free.
• Garden of the Gods (1805 N. 30th Street). Owners and their leashed dogs can explore more than 21 miles of trails that weave through this stunning park.
• Red Rock Canyon Open Space (3550 W. High Street). Most of the trails in this large multi-use park are open to leashed canines; plus, the Upper and Lower Dog Loops are off-leash areas.
• Manitou Cliff Dwellings (10 Cliff Dwellings). Leashed canines are allowed to explore these incredible Anasazi ruins in Manitou Springs with their owners.
• Bear Creek Dog Park (1704 S. 21st Street). This popular 25-acre, off-leash park features a creek, an agility course, and a fenced-in area for big dogs as well as a separate one for senior and small dogs.
• Broadmoor Seven Falls (parking at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road). Pet owners can hike with their leashed dogs to see the stunning 181-foot Seven Falls.
• Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area (entrance is located 4.2 miles east of Woodland Park on Rampart Range Road). Leashed dogs are welcome to explore this reservoir's trails and even splash and play in the water.
• Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (4218 County Road 3A, Canon City). This park welcomes dogs on leashes and has five free sanitized kennels for owners who want to go on a ride or enter one of the site's buildings.

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Colorado Springs

Finding a place to stay in Colorado Springs for pet owners with dogs is not difficult. Numerous hotels and other accommodations not only allow pets, but practically spoil them.

The Broadmoor

Address: The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

The Broadmoor is a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort that welcomes dogs. Each furry guest is given special bedding and food bowls to use during their stay. Canines also receive a special welcome treat. Owners of dogs that are staying in the resort's main campus can order them meals from a special pet menu. The Broadmoor does charge $75 a night per pet, and there is a maximum of two pets per room.

Cheyenne Mountain Springs Resort

Address: Cheyenne Mountain Springs Resort, 3225 Broadmoor Valley Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Dogs under 80 pounds can stay at the Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs Resort. Furry guests receive a special welcome package. There is a limit of two pets per room, and the resort charges $35 for each dog per night. The hotel requires that pets be registered at check-in.

SCP Hotel

Address: SCP Hotel, 2850 S Circle Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

The SCP Hotel, which stands for soul, community, and planet, is another hotel in Colorado Springs that welcomes dogs. This "holistic hotel" does not charge an extra fee for canines, which means pet owners can purchase more treats to give to their fur babies.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Colorado Springs

Well-mannered pups are welcome to eat with their owners at a number of establishments in Colorado Springs, including the following:

Pub Dog Colorado

Address: Pub Dog Colorado, 2207 Bott Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

With a name like Pub Dog Colorado, it's not surprising that it's a very pet-friendly restaurant. Featuring a 3,000-square-foot, fenced-in dog park for fun-loving fur babies, the food is typical pub fare and also includes entries for pups, including bacon and puppy patties (hamburgers).

Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar

Address: Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, 7605 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

This pup-friendly establishment welcomes well-mannered pups to dine on the patio with their owners. There is a small menu for canines that includes hamburger and chicken patties accompanied by brown rice and veggies. For humans, the Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar serves traditional American fare, sometimes with a little twist. For example, the menu includes fried chicken and a BBQ bison meatloaf.

The Burrowing Owl

Address: Cheyenne Plaza, 1791 S 8th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Vegan pet owners in Colorado Springs rejoice. The Burrowing Owl offers a 100 percent vegan bar food menu. Dogs are allowed on the patio, so owners can enjoy the establishment's large and extensive menu alongside their leashed, well-mannered dogs.

N3 Taphouse

Address: N3 Taphouse, 817 Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Located in the Limit District near downtown Colorado Springs, NC Taphouse prides itself on serving local craft beers and dishes that have international influences but highlight local ingredients. The dinner menu includes a little of everything, from Bulgogi lettuce wraps to New York steak sandwiches to a pepperoni and jalapeño pizza. Dogs are welcome on the patio of this converted firehouse.

Dog-Friendly Shopping

Although many stores do not allow pets, there are a growing number of establishments that allow canines. Home Depot stores, for example, allow leashed dogs to roam the aisles with their owners. The following are other retail stores in Colorado Springs that welcome dogs on leashes into their establishments.

The Promenade Shops at Briargate

Address: The Promenade Shops at Briargate, 1605-1925 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

This open-air center is pet-friendly. Dogs are allowed to stroll this mall's sidewalks and also enter any establishments that display a "Pet Welcome" decal in their window. The Promenade Shops at Briargate includes a number of well-known retail outlets, including Eddie Bauer, Athleta, Williams-Sonoma, and Talbots.

Bon Pet Supply

Address: Bon Pet Supply, 2312 N Wahsatch Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Well-mannered, vaccinated dogs are welcome in Bon Pet Supply, as long as they are leashed.

Republic of Paws

Address: Republic of Paws, 2411 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Owners Jason and Molly have opened three of their Republic of Paws pet boutiques in Colorado Springs. All locations welcome pets to peruse the shelves for toys and treats.

Mountain High Sportswear

Address: Mountain High Sportswear, 958 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Visitors with dogs in Manitou will want to check out Mountain High Sportswear. This pet-friendly store offers an interesting mix of outdoor and travel gear, apparel, and souvenirs. The store also carries Manitou Incline hiking trail apparel. Hungry shoppers can also pick up some delicious treats, including fudge and ice cream.

Explore Colorado Springs With Your Dog Today

Colorado Springs is definitely dog-friendly, and canines are welcome in a surprising number of places around the town. However, it is important for people to call ahead before heading to any of these attractions or establishments, as policies can change. Dog owners should also be courteous and follow any rules or guidelines established by pet-friendly venues to ensure that dogs will always be welcome in these places. As you search for dog-friendly housing, don't forget to check whether the Colorado Springs townhome or new construction you're researching has a yard for your pup or other amenities nearby.

If you're inspired by the opportunities in Colorado Springs, contact The Military Home Search Team of eXp Realty at (719) 338-7294 to get in touch with a local real estate agent and find the ideal Colorado Springs home for you today.