Hiking is among the best fun activities to do with your dog. It provides an opportunity for the two of you to exercise, stretch your legs, and bond along the trail.

While there are lots of hiking trails in different locations, not all are dig friendly. However, the Arvada area has different hiking trails that let you walk with your furry friends. It makes it all the more fun for dog owners who love hiking near Arvada.

 

 

These trails are different in distance, elevation, and difficulty. Some have a lot of tree shade while others are bare, making hiking during the hot summer months a challenge. Some of the dog-friendly hiking trails require pooches to be leashed while walking the trail with their owners, while others allow dogs to hike off-leash.

If you’re interested in dog-friendly hiking trails around Arvada, you want to stick around as we’ll show you the places to go for an awesome hike.

 

1. Ralston Creek Trail

5848 Nolan St

Arvada, CO 80003

 

The Ralston Creek Trail is a 13.9-mile dog friendly hiking trail that is considered a moderate/easy route despite the time it takes to complete it being around 4 hours 30 minutes.

It is open all year round and welcomes dogs to the trail. Your pups can even be off-leash in some areas. The trail follows the Ralston Creek waterways, across different parks and neighborhoods in the Arvada area. Through the western trail, you’ll find the gentle hills that pass Tucker Lake and the Arvada Reservoir a sight to behold.

However, that’s not even the highlight as the 400 feet trek over the Spectacular Gold Strike Park Pedestrian Bridge which is supported by suspended cables brings more glamor to the hike.

The trail is kids, stroller, and wheelchair friendly. All these make it an awesome place to be with family. It features many amazing views and a comfortable trail as most of it is paved.

With trans cans on the trail, it is easy to keep the area clean for others. The Ralston Creek Trail also features many exit points into the neighborhoods in case you do not intend to finish the trail.

 

2. Chautauqua Park

900 Baseline Rd &, 9th St

Boulder, CO 80302

 

Chautauqua Park in Boulder is a 90-acre park and serves as the gateway to the beautiful Flatirons near Boulder. The hiking trail in this park is only 1.2 miles long, making it an easy hike to embark on with your furry friend.

The gentle trail features a visitors center at the bottom of the trail where you’ll find water for you and your dog. However, it’s best to come with your own water.

There is free parking during the week at Chautauqua Park. with a wide variety of trails available here and several others branching off from the main trail, you can choose the type you want to follow. Check the trail guide for details of all the trails at this park.

It is an out-and-back trail which means you can turn back at any point. Plus it only takes about 50 minutes to complete the full trail.

It is a popular trail so expect to see others on route. You can hike with your dog but it must be on leash at all times. Bear in mind that some parts of the trails are paved while others aren’t.

 

3. Tucker Lake Trail

Arvada, CO 80007

 

Encircling Tucker Lake in Arvada is this 1.3 mile long hiking trail that can be completed in under 30 minutes. It is classified as easy and it’s not difficult to see why.

Tucker Lake Trail features a mix of paved and gravel pathways with areas that let you get down to the water.

As a looped trail, you can decide to do even more laps without a detour or breaking the trail. With minimal elevation in this trail, it is a simple route to enjoy with your dog. Yes, dogs are welcome on the Tucker Lake Trail; however, they must be leashed at all times.

Bikers love the trail to show you’ll most likely be sharing the trail with them, so keep an eye out for them while hiking. It is best to start early as there are no shades along the Tucker Lake Trail.

Due to its proximity to the lake, some parts of the trail are muddy and challenging so make sure to bring your dog’s hiking and camping gear to ensure they stay comfortable and safe throughout the hike. However, the views from this trail make it a worthwhile hiking experience with your tail-wagging companion.

 

4. Eldorado Canyon Trail

9 Kneale Rd

Eldorado Springs, CO 80025

 

Here is a popular location in Eldorado Springs near Arvada for hiking and rock climbing. The Eldorado Canyon Trail is located within the Eldorado Canyon State Park that features many other trails.

This is a dog-friendly trail where owners can bring their furry friends to explore the picturesque paths.

The out-and-back trail is 6.5 miles long and is considered a moderate trail. It does take a while to complete at under 4 hours. But it is a beautiful trail with lots of steep climbs and rocky sections. You’ll typically share the trail with riders on horseback, so be mindful of them.

Your leashed dogs are allowed on the trail with you here. With a good number of up and down movements, the Eldorado Canyon Trail is perfect for many hikers.

Come with water for you and your pup as it can get exhausting moving up and down the trail.

 

Summary

Most of these dog-friendly hiking trails near Arvada see lots of other hikers walking the trail, some with their own pets or even on horseback. This means even more distraction for your doggo.

A poorly behaved pup will be pulling on your leash at every turn, barking at another hiker or even fighting with other pets. The experience can never be pleasant for you.

However, a well-trained dog knows how to remain calm, trust you, and follow your command despite the many distractions. This is what you need if you must enjoy hiking the beautiful trails near Arvada.

Thankfully Sit Means Sit, one of the best dog training services in the country, has a unique offer for dog owners within the Arvada area.

Take advantage of this offer and register your dog for Sit Means Sit’s dog training program and say farewell to behavioral issues that make it difficult to hike with your furry friend.