Your dog has been itchin’ for a reason to escape the city and hit the open road! Wondering where to see fall leaves near Denver? We’ve planned a fabulous fall foliage road trip for you and your fren. So grab your leash, a water dish, some treats, and get ready for an adventure!
Morrison
Surely your dog’s exhausted after another tough week, so stop and get caffeinated at Morrison Joe’s Coffee and Takeout on the way to your adventure. Just 18 miles west of Denver, this coffee shop’s a perfect stop for the decadent dog (she’ll take a puppaccino and several dog treats, thanks).
Kenosha Pass
Featuring glowing golden aspens and panoramic vistas of the Rockies, Kenosha Pass is a mecca for hiking and leaf-peeping for a darn good reason. The trails are heavenly, but also busy as pup, so be sure to get there early to secure your parking spot at the Kenosha Pass trailhead off Forest Road 849. We know your buddies are very good boys and girls, but make sure to brush up on trail etiquette before you go.
Bailey
Hungry after hiking? Stop at Olga’s Eatery food cart in Bailey, a short 15-mile drive from Kenosha Pass. Olga’s features made-from-scratch fried chicken, catfish, and yummy sides like mac and cheese. There are picnic tables with plenty of seating for dogs and humans; behave in the car and maybe pup’ll give you a bite.
Conifer
Halfway home from Kenosha Pass to Denver, Conifer is an awesome mountain town for dogs to stretch their legs, explore, and grab a bite with their people. Doggies can go mutts and run off their leashes at Beaver Ranch Dog Park. There’s even a separate area for small dogs. If disc golfing is your thing, head over to the nearby dog-friendly Beaver Ranch Disc Park for a round on their scenic course (loser buys treatos).
If you’re in the mood for beer, wine, or hearty deli-style sandwiches, bop by Snowpack Taproom, which offers everything you could want after a doggone long hike. Both the covered patio and sand volleyball beach are dog-friendly.
Want to scope out hiking, camping, skiing, or snowboarding equipment? Dogs are welcome at Evergreen Mountain Sports. Say hi to their shop dog, a St. Bernard named Kodiak!
Leadville
For extra adventurous dogs, head 90 miles Southwest to the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad. Well-behaved puppers can ride on any of their trains, which run from the end of May through early October. Thrill-seeking dogs will enjoy the spectacular view of the Rockies from the highest city in the US (and their Instagram followers won’t be disappointed, either).
Where is your pup’s fave place for leaf peepin’? Woof at us in the comments, and be sure to tag @SidewalkDog in all your adventures so we can ruv ‘em.
Featured photo: Michaela Schmitt
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, then join our Dog-Friendly Denver Facebook Group.