Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Erie
Your dogs love being outside just as much as you do, so take them on a hike over our Colliers Hills trail system, or at one of the many beautiful parks and open spaces around Erie. We are a dog-friendly community and like knowing about other dog-friendly people and places nearby! We’ve pulled together a list of favorite dog-friendly hikes near Boulder and Denver, so you can have fun with your favorite canine in the great outdoors!
Coal Creek Trail, 120th St., Lafayette
The Coal Creek Trail is 14 miles long and winds through the open spaces of Boulder County alongside Coal Creek. The mostly unpaved pathway goes past Erie, Lafayette, Louisville, and Superior and offers beautiful views of the Flatirons and the Indian Peaks mountain range. There are miles of trails with no road crossings so you can experience the natural areas of Boulder County without interruption!
Doudy Draw Trail, 3320-3458 S. Foothills Hwy, Boulder
Flatirons Vista and Doudy Draw Trail is a 3.7-mile hike that will take about three hours to complete with your four-legged companion. (Make a mental note for 2019 that in early spring, this is a particularly gorgeous hike when the mesa is in full bloom!) Right now, in summer, this makes for a stunning evening hike when you can watch the sunset behind the mountains.
It’s also a good hike for cool days and early mornings, since there isn’t much shade, but there is a pond sp canines to cool-off. It’s a clean trail with lots of pretty wild flowers and other dogs, hikers, bikers, joggers and even horses, but you’ll find lower traffic here compared to other Boulder trails.
Boulder Reservoir, 5100 51st St., Boulder
Leashed pets are welcome during the off season at this lovely Boulder area park, which includes swimming areas, fishing, and wildlife viewing. There are two parking lots for visitors to the Boulder Reservoir and the north shore is the free area, open to dogs year-round. The south shore is free and open to dogs in winter but requires an entry fee and is closed to dogs in summer. Dogs can be off-leash if they have a Boulder Voice and Sight tag.
A Little Further Away
White Ranch Open Space, 25303 Belcher Hill Rd., Golden
Just 38 miles from Erie is the White Ranch Open Space and Rawhide Trail in Golden which is a beautiful area with over 18 miles of varied trails. The park is accessible via Route 6/Route 93 and Golden Gate Canyon Rd. and is located about 15 miles from the center of Golden.
Rawhide Trail is a great dog-friendly loop with plenty of shade and beautiful views of Denver, Golden and the surrounding mountains. The trail is challenging, but not overly strenuous. It is rocky and steep at some points but fairly simple for both dogs and humans to navigate. Plus, you’ll find lots of flat and downhill terrain throughout the loop.
Sand Creek Regional Greenway, 7350 E. 29th Ave., Denver
The Sand Creek Regional Greenway is a multi-use trail that’s a great place to walk with fur babies in Denver! The 14-mile public greenway connects the High Line Canal in Aurora with the South Platte River Greenway in Commerce City. It is open every day until dusk, welcoming runners, walkers, nature viewers, horseback riders and leashed dogs. It’s a little taste of wilderness in the city.
For more dog-friendly day hikes, check out the Day Hikes Near Denver site.
No Canine Companion?
If you’re leaving your dog at home, there are scads of great trails to choose from close to Erie. Check out this Interactive Parks and Trails Map from the Town of Erie website for ideas and options.
The Trails of Colliers Hill
There are so many ways to walk, hike and run your way around the 15 miles of trails around Colliers Hill in Erie or a short drive from your front door. For anyone who loves the great outdoors, this master-planned community in north Denver is a prize – small town living with big life amenities! Check out the models from Meritage Homes, Shea Homes and Richmond American Homes for your choice of ranch or two-story designs, priced from the upper $300s to the $600s.
