If your dog has already noticed the suitcase coming out, you’re not alone, late summer in Salida might be the best window of the whole year to bring your pup along. The crowds have thinned a little from July, the river is still cool enough for a swim, and the trails haven’t gone from “hot” to “snow” yet. It’s basically the sweet spot.
We happen to think Salida is one of the most genuinely pet-friendly mountain towns in Colorado, and not in a “we allow dogs on the patio if they behave” kind of way, more like a “half the town has a dog with them right now” kind of way. Here’s where to take yours this August and September.
Cool Off Together Along the Arkansas River
When it’s warm out, the river is where everyone ends up, leashed dogs included. The Arkansas River runs right through downtown Salida, and there are several easy access points where dogs are welcome to wade in and cool off after a day of exploring. Riverside Park is the easiest spot to find, with plenty of shallow, calm water for a dog who’s more interested in splashing than swimming laps.
If you want something a little quieter, Sands Lake is a favorite for a reason, it’s a mellow, mostly flat loop around the water, so it works just as well for a stroller-and-leash walk as it does for a longer hike. Watch for the waterfowl; your dog definitely will.
Trails That Won’t Roast Your Pup’s Paws
Salida has hiking for every kind of dog, the kind that wants a 20-minute sniff around, and the kind that wants six miles of singletrack. A few late-summer favorites:
- Waterdog Lakes Trail — a shaded, creek-side hike up toward the high alpine lakes near Monarch Pass. The name alone should tell you it’s a good one for dogs, and the water crossings mean plenty of chances to cool off along the way.
- Arkansas Hills Trail System — a network of well-marked trails in town, ranging from short and easy to longer loops with views back down over Salida.
- Monarch Spur Trail — a flat, easygoing rail-trail that’s ideal for older dogs or anyone who wants scenery without the climb.
One thing worth knowing before you head out: some of the drier trail systems, like the ones around S Mountain or Methodist Mountain, have little to no water access in late summer. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, and plan hikes for morning or evening when it’s cooler.
A Gondola Ride, If Your Dog Is Up For It
Not every dog wants a hike, and that’s fine, the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway is one of the more unexpected pet-friendly experiences in the area, taking you and your pup up to over 12,000 feet without a single step. Just double-check the day’s schedule before you go.
Dog-Friendly Patios Downtown
After a day outside, downtown Salida makes it easy to keep your dog with you instead of back at the car. According to the Salida Chamber of Commerce’s dog-friendly guide, local spots that welcome dogs on their patios include Elevation Beer Co., Soulcraft Brewery, Tres Litros Beer Company, Amica’s Pizza, and Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub, among several others downtown. Most will bring your dog a water bowl without you even asking, this is that kind of town.
Let Them Run at Loyal Duke’s Dog Park
Sometimes a dog just needs to run flat-out with other dogs for twenty minutes, no leash required. Loyal Duke’s Dog Park on Holman Avenue is fenced, spacious, and reliably busy with locals and visiting dogs alike. It’s a great way to burn off road-trip energy before settling in for the evening.
A Few Late-Summer Travel Tips for Pet Parents
- Morning and evening are your friends. Afternoons can get hot fast at altitude, plan hikes and river time for the cooler parts of the day.
- Watch for afternoon storms. Late summer in the Rockies means regular afternoon thunderstorms. Start early, and keep an eye on the sky.
- Bring more water than feels necessary. Both for you and for them, the dry air and elevation add up quicker than you’d expect.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife. Rattlesnakes are active on dry, sunny trails in late summer, so keep dogs leashed and on-trail.
Somewhere to Land at the End of the Day
However you spend the day, it helps to come back to a place that actually wants your dog there, not just tolerates them. At Creekside Chalets, pets are welcome in every chalet and every creekside campsite we have, no extra hoops to jump through. The property itself backs up to a creek, so there’s a good chance your dog will get one more swim in before bed.
If this is your first trip to Salida with your pup, we’ve also put together a couple of deeper dives worth a read: Fun Salida Activities to Do With Your Dog and Dog-Friendly Activities in Salida and Chaffee County.
Late summer doesn’t last forever around here, the aspens will be turning before you know it. If you and your dog are ready for one more warm-weather trip, we’d love to have you both.