Paws-itive Vacation: A Pet-Friendly Glenwood Springs Itinerary
Traveling with your furry friend is a joy when your destination is Glenwood Springs.
The hot springs town in the Colorado mountains is surprisingly pet-friendly with a heap of things to do, as well as restaurants and lodging that invite both you and your four-legged companion to relax and explore. Check out this loosely planned itinerary for laid-back leisure time with your dog in Glenwood Springs.
A Fur Real Welcome
Start your journey by checking into pet-friendly Glenwood Springs accommodations. There are many from which to choose including historic options like Hotel Colorado and Hotel Denver, independent motels like Hotel Glenwood Springs, Red Mountain Inn, Starlight Lodge and Trailhead Hotel, vacation rentals, campgrounds, B&Bs and flagship properties such as Residence Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Best Western Antlers, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and La Quinta. Depending on where you stay, lodging establishments may allow one or two pets; some have pet fees, others don’t, so check with individual properties before booking.
After settling in, grab Fido’s leash and go for an exploratory walk along the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path, a scenic paved path that offers views of the canyon cliffs, the Colorado River and the Amtrak train chugging through the rough-hewn landscape. Because Glenwood Springs is a pet-friendly destination, you’ll find pet waste disposal bags at most trailheads. Be sure to pick up after your pooch and drop waste in a nearby trash can.
Dog Owner Dine & Dash
Glenwood Springs has a vibrant dining scene, and you’ll find that pets are greeted with enthusiasm by waitstaff and diners. In general, if there’s outdoor seating, your dog is welcome to join you for an alfresco meal. Some establishments also allow well-behaved pets and certified service animals indoors where they can cozy up quietly on the floor while you and your companions enjoy a delicious meal.
As a reward for good canine behavior, give your dog a chance to run wild. The Glenwood Springs Dog Park, located along the Rio Grande Trail south of Glenwood Springs High School, is the perfect place to let your pup off the leash to socialize and play with other dogs in a safe environment. For a tail-wagging good time, throw a ball or Frisbee until he or she is tuckered out. Designed exclusively for doggy entertainment, the park features playground equipment to keep dogs delighted until it’s time to go home.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Glenwood Springs is home to several headliner attractions including hot springs, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon. Unfortunately, these are among the few places where pets are not permitted, but don’t let that stop you from partaking in the town’s featured visitor destinations. Depending on the personality of your pet, you can leave him in your hotel guest room for a few hours or drop her off at a professional day-boarding facility like High Tails Dog and Cat Outfitters. While he’s napping on the bed in your room or playing with the other canine kids at camp, you can rest easy and relax with a dip at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool or Iron Mountain Hot Springs or a steam bath at Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park with its thrill rides and underground caves is conducive for the bipeds only, while Hanging Lake, one of the most popular hiking destinations in Colorado, is gorgeous but better suited to people rather than paws.
Tails Up Outdoor Adventures
Before you head out on any adventure, be sure you fuel up before you go. Like restaurants serving lunch and dinner, breakfast eateries embrace a dog-friendly attitude throughout the hot springs town. Some places you can go in tandem include Sweet Coloradough, Riverblend Coffee House, Daily Bread Bakery and Bluebird Cafe.
For an action-packed day, hit the trails around town. While Hanging Lake may be off limits, other trails in Glenwood Canyon are open to pets including Grizzly Creek Trail and Jess Weaver Trail at No Name. Alternatively, for a couple of in-town hiking options take a stroll on the Wulfsohn trails behind Glenwood Springs Community Center or choose Red Mountain for a more intensive hike. When hiking these trails, keep in mind that most of them don’t have a water source nearby, so bring plenty of hydration for both you and your pet. Please be sure to leash your dog on these trails to protect them and other animals from unwanted confrontations.
Glenwood Springs is also home to premier fishing opportunities. Two rivers—the Colorado and the Roaring Fork—are teeming with hefty trout. As long as your dog doesn’t want to fish as well or go for a swim, he can tag along as you cast from shore. With boat ramps, parks and a paved path along both waterways, anglers have access to a bevy of productive fishing holes.
Best Vacation Dog Days
A favorite Colorado vacation destination for humans, Glenwood Springs is also a tail-wagging paradise for dogs. To embark on your own pet-friendly vacation—one that promises relaxation, adventure and a barking good time for all—make plans to visit Glenwood Springs today.
