3 Minute Read
Because life is ruff, your dog deserves a vacation too! With an array of dog-friendly hotels and plentiful outdoor activities, the paws-ibilities are endless for a pet-friendly weekend getaway in Grand Junction. As one of Colorado’s most welcoming destinations for pets, Grand Junction has a plethora of lodging options and outdoor dining patios that provide you and your four-legged companion a comfortable place to relax after your adventure-filled days.
Pet-Friendly Vacation Activities
Hiking:
Dogs are not allowed on the trails in Colorado National Monument; however, they are welcome for a quick stop on paved roads and parking lots, as long as they remain leashed. They are also allowed in the camping areas of Colorado National Monument. Thankfully, Grand Junction is surrounded by more than 1.5 million acres of public land, so there are plenty of other places for you and your pup to explore. Consider the Grand Mesa, a majestic place to experience high-alpine hiking. With its higher elevation, cool temperatures, and ample shade, it makes for a perfect pup playground. Bursting with over 300 lakes, the Mesa also provides scenic places to enjoy the water and surrounding alpine landscape. Aside from the Grand Mesa, check out some of our other favorite dog-friendly hikes in Colorado in this guide.
If your pup enjoys shady forest trails, head to Turkey Flats Loop in the Glade Park area. Winding through towering aspens, evergreen forests, and open meadows, this peaceful 9.1-mile trail offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The moderate hike rewards visitors with mountain scenery, seasonal wildflowers and plenty of room to stretch four legs while exploring Colorado's high country together.
Little Park Road in Glade Park winds through the Bangs Canyon area and offers numerous scenic pullouts where leashed dogs can join you while taking in sweeping canyon and mountain views. For a somewhat difficult hike, Rough Canyon Trail is scenic and somewhat extreme, but you can always turn around. It is a 4.4-mile-long loop, and has some terrain that requires a bit of scrambling around rocky sections. Be sure to bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as much of the trail is exposed to the sun.
Mica Mine is a popular dog hike, if you are looking for other friendly furry friends to sniff out along the trail. This 2.8-mile out-and-back hike winds through piñon-juniper woodlands, rugged canyon terrain, and colorful rock formations before reaching the remnants of a historic mica mine. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding mesas and canyons, making it a memorable outing for both you and your pup. As you approach the mine, the trail glimmers in the sunlight, offering a glimpse of the mineral that was once mined here.
Sculpture Tour:
There are more than 115 outdoor murals and sculptures on display in Downtown Grand Junction as part of Art on the Corner. Take a self-guided walking tour—or should we say “dog-guided”—and enjoy the art at your pup’s pace. While the artistic styles and subject matters differ greatly, each piece adds its own personality to Downtown’s creative landscape. Considering Downtown Grand Junction is a designated park, your dog will relish taking a stroll under the trees, and along the wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks framed by landscaping, public art, locally owned shops and restaurants.
Rivers:
The two rivers that flow through Grand Junction (the Colorado River and the Gunnison River), offer plenty of opportunities for rafting, standup paddle boarding, fishing and other water sports that are close to town. If your dog isn’t the type to jump aboard, take a leashed stroll along the water at Connected Lakes or explore the riverfront at Las Colonias Park. The park also features walking paths around Butterfly Pond, open space and easy access to the Colorado Riverfront Trail, making it a great place to stretch your legs together. Grand Junction Adventures is located near Butterfly Pond and offers equipment rentals for exploring the ponds, River Park and Colorado River.
Dog Parks:
While your dog can tag along on many of the outdoor activities you already have planned for your pet-friendly weekend getaway, it’s nice to have a place designed just for them. Visit the Las Colonias Dog Park and Canyon View Dog Park, where your dog can cavort off-leash within the fenced areas. Both parks include separate areas designed for different sizes and activity levels, giving pups room to run, play and make a few new friends. There are also paved bike trails, a bike park and picnic facilities nearby.
After some fun in the parks, stop by the Ale House which has a large outdoor dining area. Enjoy a cold drink and a hearty meal while relaxing outside after a day of exploring. There are 35 cold brews on tap and a monstrous menu complete with burgers, barbecue, tacos, pizza and amazing wings! Bonus: They have a variety of non-alcoholic beers as well including lagers, IPA’s, sours and pale ales. The Ale House often organizes “pints with purpose” and donates to area dog adoption shelters. Cheers to that!
Dog-friendly Restaurants and Breweries:
Kick off your morning with a cup of java and a treat for your furry friend. Main Street Bagels adores pets, so it's the perfect spot to start your day! Grab a table on the dog-friendly patio and fuel up before heading out for another adventure. After an afternoon of outdoor fun, enjoy a cold drink or a satisfying dinner at one of the many patio dining establishments. These popular restaurants welcome four-legged buddies, so take him along! Blue Moon Bar & Grille has an excellent Monte Cristo and Spoons Bistro and Bakery's macadamia crusted fresh Halibut with lime beurre blanc sauce is divine.
Trail Life Brewing has a Porch Pounder Mexican Lager and The Patagonia ciabatta sandwich, packed with thick roasted turkey, fresh mozzarella, avocado, apple bourbon bacon jam, and smokey tomato aioli. Check out the original brewery in Grand Junction, The Rockslide Brew Pub for a relaxed Grand Junction atmosphere. The salmon fish & chips are a local favorite, and on Tuesdays, it's all you can eat salmon fish & chips and mac & cheese.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Grand Junction
Now that you’ve got your dog-friendly activities figured out, where can you stay with your dog in Grand Junction and put your paws up? Being the pet-friendly destination that it is, most Grand Junction lodging allows dogs, including Grand Junction RV Parks. Here is a list of over 50 options including vacation homes, or check out pet-friendly lodging options in the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide. If you are looking for a place to pick up a chew toy or a new bone for your furry friend, stop by Chow Down Pet Supplies in Grand Junction. The friendly staff will be more than happy to help your pup sniff out their next treat.