Bring Your Pet!
Hike, roam, play, swim and stay!
Durango, Colorado is a doggone friendly town! Durango and the surrounding area boast thousands of miles of beautiful Colorado trails, a river to swim in, a 5-acre dog park to play in, and many options for pet-welcoming Durango lodging!
When you’re dog-tired and ready to curl up, the Durango area offers a number of hotels, motels and inns that will extend a warm welcome to both you and your pet. Vallecito Lake, which is surrounded by literally millions of acres of the San Juan National Forest, also welcome pets at a number of lodges and cabins. Click here to view the pet friendly lodging!
Camping with your doggie in Durango
Most Durango campgrounds are quite accommodating to pet owners and their pets!
Hiking with your dog in Durango
Durango is an outdoorsy-dog’s paradise. There are thousands of miles of Colorado hiking trails surrounding Durango that are beckoning to be explored by you and your dog. Local dogs will tell you that the Horse Gulch Trail System, Vallecito Lake, and the famous Colorado Trail are a few of the popular places to hike, roam, and play.
Hiking and walking in town
In addition to over 2,000 miles of hiking trails surrounding Durango, there are a couple of spots right in Durango that are perfect for you and your pooch:
- The Animas River Trail is a paved trail that follows the Animas River for roughly 5 miles, winding in and out of parks and over several bridges. The northernmost entrance to the trail is located at the intersection of 32nd St. and East 3rd Ave., near the north City Market grocery store. This is also a popular “put in” for kayakers and rafters. The Animas River Trail’s southernmost entrance is currently located near the Durango Mall along south Camino del Rio. Durango leash laws apply (see below).
- The Durango Dog Park is a 5-acre off-leash area which offers river access for dogs and plenty of space for dogs to run, roam and play. Pedestrian access to the park is located along the Animas River Trail on the south side of Hwy 160 west, just .1 mile west of the intersection of Hwy 160 and Hwy 550. No on-site parking is available at the Durango Dog Park, with the exception of one accessible parking space located roughly 300 ft west of the entrance.
Durango area leash laws
Durango is a dog-friendly town for sure, but for the safety of your pet and of others, please be aware of these Durango area leash laws:
Within Durango city limits - The City of Durango requires that all dogs be on a leash and that they not be tethered along public streets.
In La Plata County, the Durango Dog Park, the San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness Area - Dogs are permitted to be off leash in these areas as long as they are within sight and under voice control.
Durango Pet Perks
Historic downtown Durango is not only a great place to stroll with your pooch but a few Durango businesses are offering well behaved dogs (and their owners) a treat! Make sure to visit Jitters’ Java drive-thru coffee kiosk on the corner of 8th St. and Main Ave. as well as Maria’s Bookshop and Southwest Sound for your pet perks. While health code doesn’t allow dogs inside restaurants, many of Durango’s outdoor cafes and picnic areas have tables where your well behaved dog is welcome. Lastly, when it’s time to clean up before heading home, Durango has a self-service dog wash as well as several spas and salons.
Durango Pet Services
With so many places for you and your dog to hike, roam, play, swim and stay, Durango is truly one for the dogs! If you’d like to enjoy a day without dog, however, make arrangements for Fido to stay with a local dog-sitter or at one of Durango’s doggie daycares for the day! Some Durango dog kennels even offer early drop-off and late pick-up times for dog owners riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or visiting Mesa Verde National Park.
Browse the listings below for more information on Durango’s dog-related services including doggie day care, veterinary hospitals, kennels, groomers, pet supply stores and pet friendly lodging.
