3 Minute Read
Colorado, with its spectacular mountain scenery, endless views, and miles of hiking trails, is the perfect place to spend a day out in nature, and Grand Junction, Colorado, is no exception. And what better way to enjoy a day out in the great outdoors than by sharing it with your furry friend?
Many of Grand Junction’s hiking trails allow dogs and are perfectly safe, so you can bring your companions with you as you explore this beautiful part of the world. Here are some of the best dog-friendly hikes in Grand Junction. Quick tip: Don’t forget to pack poop bags – pack it out please!
Lunch Loops Trail System
The Lunch Loops Trail System has over 35 trails for you and your furry friend to explore. However, dogs must remain on a leash. The trails range from beginner to advanced. Nor'easter Trail connects with Yes N Dee Dee to create a 2-mile moderate loop for a tranquil saunter. Curt’s Lane Trail offers a shorter, but harder path of 1.2 miles. Depending on what kind of hike you and your pup are up for, there’s sure to be a trail (or a few) that will lead to an unforgettable adventure.
Mica Mine Trail
This trail is sure to enchant you and your dog! Mica Mine Trail, a 2.7-mile out-and-back, is rated as Easy. It meanders through a canyon to where mica and quartz mining used to occur! Mica, a shimmering mineral, blankets the path, particularly as you approach the closed off mine entrance. The trail crosses through wooded areas and even a few streams depending on the season, so your pup will have a blast exploring the area with you, as long as it remains on a leash.
Riverfront Trail
The Riverfront Trail is 28 miles of dog-friendly paved paths. Though this stretch is broken up into sections, each section offers stunning views of the Colorado River and allows you to hear the trickle of rushing water. The Audubon Section and the Watson Island Section are local favorites for dog adventures. The Audubon section is 5.7 miles and is considered to be an easy trail. You and your furry friend can travel through tree canopies and spot some wildlife along the way. The Watson Island Section is an easy route that can be as short as 0.9 miles or as long as 4 miles. You and your pal will be up close with the Colorado River and even have the chance to walk over it on a bridge and spot some disc golfers along the way.
Crag Crest National Recreation Trail
The Crag Crest National Recreation Trail offers over 10 miles of hiking through varied terrain, with the opportunity to see big game such as elk and deer and a wide range of smaller animals like porcupines, chipmunks, red foxes, and pine squirrels. The hike is located on the Grand Mesa between two lakes, Island Lake and Eggleston Lake, and is a great way to spend a day out with your canine. Dogs may need to be leashed in some areas, but as long as they remain under voice control, they can frolic along the trail with you.
Big Dominguez Canyon
Big Dominguez Canyon offers a moderate 8-12-mile trek and is found near Whitewater, Colorado, only 30 minutes from Grand Junction. It’s a good choice for anyone, regardless of their hiking ability and features rock formations and a waterfall. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Pups will enjoy their adventures in red sand while you can enjoy the soothing sounds of nature from the Gunnison River and try to spot petroglyphs on the boulders around the trail.
Devils Canyon Loop Trail
The Devils Canyon Loop Trail, only 20 minutes from Grand Junction, is a moderately difficult hike in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This trail is open for four-legged friends as long as they’re kept on a leash. Hikers here can experience a rich natural landscape and pleasant views of the rocky scenery, while pups trot along and enjoy fresh air and all the good smells!
Plan Your Hike with Your Dog
Hiking with your furry friend is always a fun, adventurous, and rewarding experience. Combine that with the staggering scenery, good weather, and varied terrain of Grand Junction, and you have the recipe for a perfect summer’s day out.
Always make sure to check the latest regulations when you start a new hike with your pup to make sure you’re complying with leash laws and other local guidelines. Grand Junction, Colorado is an accommodating and dog-friendly destination from lodging, to dining, and endless adventures.
Learn more about where to dine and affordable lodging with your dog in Grand Junction with the Official Grand Junction Adventure Guide!