Durango, Colorado, is a charming mountain town nestled in the San Juan range. It is known for its rich history and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. It offers a picturesque blend of historic architecture, particularly in its well-preserved downtown area, and stunning natural landscapes, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, skiing, and river rafting. Durango is an excellent choice if you are looking for a vacation destination with your pup!
Is Durango, Colorado Dog-Friendly?
Durango, Colorado, is more than dog-friendly; it’s a community that embraces our four-legged companions warmly. While driving across the country, this was one of my favorite spots to explore with my pup, Puka. We felt a strong sense of belonging and acceptance everywhere we went.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Durango, Colorado
Basecamp Durango Cabin Airbnb is the property I stayed at in Durango. It’s owned by my travel physical therapist friends Ellen and Steve. The unit is set on an 11-acre property where your dogs can roam. They have two healers mix dogs on the property and welcome you to bring your pup as well. They also built a half-mile trail on the property, which is excellent for dog walking. My pup loved his stay on this beautiful mountain property, a 10-minute drive to downtown Durango. I loved being outside the city center and more secluded during my stay.
DoubleTree Durango: It allows up to 2 pets for an additional pet fee of $40 per night. On its website, it reports the maximum size as “medium.”
Holiday Inn Durango: At the time of writing, they offer a “pet vacation” special for 50% off pet fees. I highly recommend calling them to learn about their pet policy and specials. This hotel is also directly next to the Durango dog park. tr
Homewood Suites: Per their website: 4-night stay $50; 5+ night stay $75; 2 pets max; dog or cat only.
Top Activities to Do With Your Dog in Durango, Colorado
What should you do now that you’ve brought your dog to Durango? Luckily, there’s plenty to do with your dog in Durango. From hikes to restaurant patios, there’s lots for you to do.
Take a Stroll (or Swim) Through the Dog Park
The Durango Off Leash Dog Park runs alongside the Animas River. If you have a pup that loves to swim, they can play in the river. This is one of the most impressive dog parks I’ve encountered in the United States. It feels more like open wilderness than a city dog park.
Walk Through Historic Downtown Durango
Downtown historic Durango, Colorado, is a vibrant and picturesque area that feels like it was taken right out of an old Western movie. The streets are lined with well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, offering a glimpse into the past while housing modern boutiques, cozy cafes, and diverse dining establishments. Many of the stores, cafes, and restaurants are dog-friendly, and you can easily walk around with your pup.
Hike the Colorado Trail
There are thousands of miles of dog-friendly trails around Durango. My favorite is the Colorado Trail. I enjoyed this trail because it runs alongside the river, so your pup can pop in and out if needed to cool down. This trail does not require leashes but does require the dog to be under voice control. The Colorado trail also has a lot of shade, so it was a comfortable hike without exposure to the sun.
Hike Falls Creek
Falls Creek is another great hike for pups. It’s a reasonably shaded trail that loops down to a beautiful waterfall. You can’t beat the views at the falls, and dogs are allowed on leash.
Grab a Bite to Eat on a Patio
Durango has many pet-friendly patios with space for you and your pup. Here are some pet-friendly patios I recommend in Durango:
Dog-Friendly Durango Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Durango, Colorado, is a charming town in the San Juan mountains, perfect for those looking for adventure. If you’re looking for a vacation destination that you and your pup will love, Durango is a beautiful choice.
Remember to stock up on dog travel necessities before you go.