Telluride is one of the most dog-friendly mountain towns in the country. From scenic alpine hikes to dog-friendly patios and a free gondola, it’s easy to explore with your four-legged adventure partner.
If you’re visiting Telluride with a dog, here are a few tips to help keep the trails safe, enjoyable, and welcoming for everyone.
Leash Laws
Dogs must be leashed in certain areas, including:
Downtown Telluride
Town Park
The River Trail
Busy pedestrian areas
Telluride's surrounding San Juan mountains are mainly Forest Service land and therefore typically welcome dogs, provided they are leashed or under voice control. If your dog doesn’t have strong recall, keep them leashed.
Pack Out Dog Waste
Always carry waste bags and pack it out. There are numerous designated dog waste bins around town and the river trail-- just look for the green doggy bags!
Respect Wildlife
Elk herds are a peak attraction in Telluride-- and the perfect target for a hunting or herding dog. Keep your dog close, especially at dawn and dusk.
San Miguel River Trail
A local favorite running through town.
~6 miles round trip
Mostly flat and easy
Dogs must be leashed
Plenty of spots for dogs to splash in the river
Bear Creek Falls Trail
One of Telluride’s most scenic hikes, ending at a beautiful waterfall
Moderate difficulty (~5 miles round trip)
Dogs love the creek crossings and shaded forest sections along this trail.
San Miguel River Trail
A local favorite running through town.
~6 miles round trip
Mostly flat and easy
Dogs must be leashed
Plenty of spots for dogs to splash in the river
Bridal Veil Falls Trail
A very popular but rewarding hike to Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall at 365 feet.
If you choose to hike the road, take note that many cars drive up and down during peak tourist season (June - August)
If you hike the official trail, note that there will be many other hikers. Recommend to keep your dog on leash.
Brown Dog Pizza. A favorite among visitors and locals, Brown Dog Pizza often welcomes dogs on their patio during warmer months.
The Butcher & The Baker. A great breakfast and lunch stop with outdoor seating where dogs are commonly welcome.
The Coffee Cowboy General Store & Cart. Great patio seating if you opt for the cart (near the Gondola Station). The General Store is also dog friendly-- although always check before brining your dog inside.
The Hotel Telluride
Located just a short walk from downtown and the gondola, The Hotel Telluride offers a comfortable stay for both you and your dog.
Mountain Lodge Telluride
Situated in Mountain Village, Mountain Lodge is a great option for visitors traveling with dogs who want quick access to nature.
Madeline Hotel & Residences
This luxury hotel in Mountain Village welcomes dogs and places you right next to the gondola.
The Victorian Inn
A budget-friendly pet-friendly option in downtown Telluride.
Policies and fees vary by hotel, so always confirm pet rules before booking :)
Prepare for Altitude
Telluride sits at 8,750 feet above sea level, which can affect both people and dogs.
Tips:
Take shorter walks the first day
Bring extra water
Watch for signs of fatigue
Invest In Pre-Training
Hiking in the San Juans is strenuous for dogs and people alike, especially at our high altitude. Additionally, lengthy exercise and elevation gain can exacerbate dogs' health conditions. Investing in pre-training for your dog, similar to your own preparation, can prevent injuries, protect them from unexpected health complications, and enhance their experience.
Prepare For Weather
Telluride experiences a monsoon season from July through September, with thunderstorms often developing in the afternoon. Before heading out on the trails, pay attention to changing weather conditions. If your dog is afraid of thunder, carry a leash and be prepared to secure them quickly to prevent them from running off in fear.
Autumn Hunting Season
From September through November, elk and deer hunters will be present in the San Juan forests. Dressing dogs in blaze orange is crucial for safety to prevent them from being mistaken for game animals by hunters. Every responsible Telluride dog owner does it!
Whether you’re skiing, exploring town, or heading out on a long hike, our local dog walking services make sure your pup still gets the activity and attention they need.
Contact Sam to schedule an activity for your pup while you enjoy everything Telluride has to offer.
Yes, in some cases. Many trails around Telluride allow dogs off leash if they remain under reliable voice control, but this varies by location and trail conditions. Always check signs at the trailhead (see my trail recommendations above).
Even on off-leash trails, dogs should be leashed when:
Encountering mountain bikers or horses
Wildlife is present
Your dog does not have solid recall
Telluride has a strong trail culture, and responsible dog handling helps keep trails open to pets.
Yes. Dogs are welcome on the Telluride–Mountain Village gondola, which runs year-round and is free to ride.
Most dogs ride without issue, but keep these tips in mind:
Dogs should be leashed
Avoid busy times if your dog is nervous around crowds
Stand toward the back of the cabin if space is tight
Many visitors use the gondola to access hiking trails on both sides of the mountain.
Dogs can cool off in several natural areas around town, but among the most popular are access points along the San Miguel River Trail, Town Park, and Cornet Creek.
Water levels vary depending on snowmelt and season, so always keep an eye on fast currents during early summer runoff-- and equally as important, make sure you keep an eye on your pups around frozen water in the winter!
Yes. While Telluride is extremely dog-friendly, leashes are required in certain areas.
Notably, dogs should be leashed in Downtown Telluride, Town Park, and The San Miguel River Trail (i.e., Anywhere signage requires it).
On remote trails, dogs may be off leash if they remain under control.
Yes, like your human lungs, your dog's lungs will also be affected by the altitude. Telluride sits at 8,750 feet, which can impact dogs visiting from lower elevations. To help dogs adjust:
Keep activity light the first day
Offer plenty of water
Avoid long hikes immediately after arrival
The good news: most dogs adjust within a day or two.
Dogs are allowed in Town Park but must remain leashed. Because the park gets busy (often hosting festivals and recreational games in the summer months), keeping dogs leashed helps prevent conflicts with other visitors.
Ticks are much less common at higher elevations compared to lower areas of Colorado, but they can still appear on lower elevation trails and during warmer months. It’s still smart to use regular flea and tick prevention, and check your dog after hikes. Watch for burrs or foxtails in grassy areas-- if your dogs have long hair these can easily get tangeled and become a hassle to get out!
Animals you may encounter include:
Porcupines
Elk and deer
Marmots ( these are easy targets for hunting dogs but watch out-- they are often riddled with pests!)
Black bears (occasionally)
Elk herds are a peak attraction in Telluride-- and the perfect target for a hunting or herding dog. Keep your dog close when animals are present, especially at dawn and dusk.
Dogs regularly encounter porcupines in the San Juans are get quills embedded in their skin. It is best to not attempt to remove the quills yourself; instead, take your dog to a vet for proper removal to prevent further injury.
Autumn Hunting Season
From September through November, elk and deer hunters will be present in the San Juan forests. Dressing dogs in blaze orange is crucial for safety to prevent them from being mistaken for game animals by hunters. Every responsible Telluride dog owner does it!