Traveling to Durango, Colorado is always fun when you’re heading out alongside family and friends, but nothing quite tops time away with your favorite canine companion in tow. In Durango, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy, including your furry, four-legged friends who are along for the experience. When you’re excited to head this way and you’re looking for a place to stay that keeps everyone feeling right at home, Durango Colorado Vacations has you covered. Planning a stay in one of our Durango pet-friendly rentals means you’ll always be close to the fun and places you can’t wait to explore while enjoying the elevated standards of luxury, comfort, and style you deserve every single day you’re here.
What to Pack for Your Exciting Getaway
Taking some time to plan out what you’ll need to have with you when you’re taking time to unwind in Durango is a good way to ensure your trip is smooth, safe, and successful. When you know you’ll be traveling with your dog at your side, a little extra planning can go a long way towards a stress-free stay in Durango. To that end, it’s always a good idea to take your pet to the vet before you make your way to Durango. Your vet can make sure your pet is in great health, fully fit for travel, and in the best shape possible for the many outdoor adventures ahead. When it’s time to pack for your trip, don’t forget essential items like a leash, a collar with ID tags, waste bags, bedding, toys, extra water and food for the journey.
A collection of treats is always a good addition to your packing list and if you know you’re going to be spending ample time on the trails, packing some paw balm can be a useful extra as well. Don’t overlook the value of a collapsible water bowl for days of hiking fun as well when you want to make sure people and pets stay hydrated in nature.
Outdoor Adventures You and Your Pet Will Love
No matter what season you arrive in Durango, Colorado or how long you end up staying in the name of vacation fun, spending time outdoors is bound to be a highlight of your getaway. It’s fair to say that Durango is an adventure seeker’s dream come true, and the options to explore beyond the front door of your inviting pet-friendly rental are vast and varied!
If you’re looking for a great place to stroll with your pet in the warm weather months of the year, the Animas River Trail is always a fan-favorite destination in town. This paved pathway runs right along the beautiful Animas River making it easy to wander along at your own preferred pace and even enjoy a refreshing moment in and around the water if you’d like to. In total, the Animals River Trail spans 7 miles of terrain, giving you plenty of options to enjoy the entire route, or slow things down and just hike a portion alongside your pet.
Over at Dalla Mountain Park, pets are more than welcome to come and explore the maze of local and scenic trails alongside their humans and if you’re hoping to pair fresh air with spectacular views, this is a stop you won’t want to miss. The Horse Gulch Trail System is yet another terrific option for a sunny day hike or run with your dog at your side, but you won’t want to overlook the Vallecito Lake Trail either.
If you’re in the mood for something much more challenging, you’ll love that you can add time on the iconic Colorado Trail to your must-explore list alongside your canine companion. Head over to the Colorado Trail Junction Creek Trailhead while you’re in town to enjoy a portion of this massive trail that spans 485 miles in total as it runs from Durango all the way to Denver. As long as your dog is leashed, you can make the most of time on this route together, relishing amazing scenery and savoring the fresh air.
Seasonal Favorite Activities
The beauty of spending time in Durango, Colorado in the name of vacation is that no matter what season you arrive, you’ll find there’s a long list of options to help you customize your adventures. Making those experiences even more meaningful for many visitors is the fact that so many of those activities can be enjoyed right alongside their pet.
If you come this way in the fall, you’ll find you’re right on time to explore the San Juan Skyway. Whether you walk or drive, you’re in for a scenic treat that showcases the changing autumn colors at their finest. Pack up your crew, including your pet, and make the most of the journey together in good company.
Winter travelers will find that the ski fun in Durango is best enjoyed by people exclusively, but there’s no reason pets can’t accompany you on the snowshoe trails this time of year! Bundle up and trek through fresh powder at a pace that works for you, capturing beautiful seasonal moments on camera along the way.
A spring journey to Durango with your pet is best enjoyed on the newly thawed out mountain trails, taking in the warming weather and the newly blooming wildflowers.
By summer, places like Haviland Lake are open for business and dogs are more than welcome to come splash alongside their owners. Lake Nighthorse is another pet-friendly place to cool off in the summer with your pet at your side when temperatures are on the rise, but it’s hard to top a puppy and me paddleboarding experience on the Animas while you’re here as well.
Durango Pet-Friendly Dining Opportunities
When cravings come calling, there are plenty of places in Durango that have pet-friendly patios to enjoy so you can share your dining experiences with those you love most. However, a central hub to check out for a plethora of options right at your fingertips is downtown. This area is packed with eateries that showcase pet-friendly patios as well as cafes for those moments when you and your four-legged friend just want to sit back, relax, and refuel in peace. Be sure to stop by Steamworks Brewing Company while you’re in town when you could go for an ice cold brew enjoyed on the patio next to your pup. The Hermosa Creek Grill is a great place to grab a bite and enjoy a meal outdoors on the dog-friendly patio, while The Office Spiritorium is pet-friendly as well and typically hosts live music on the patio in the summer. Homeslice Pizza on Main Avenue is another casual, inviting, and delicious place to dine alongside your pet in Durango while Grassburger is worth adding your list as well. Beyond Main Avenue, another terrific option to consider includes Gazpacho Restaurant on E. 2nd Avenue where the culinary team is more than happy to welcome people and pets alike.
Veterinary Locations to Keep in Mind in the Area
While you want to stay positive and assume that everything will be smooth when you travel to Durango with pets, it’s always a good idea to know where to go in town in the event that something goes awry. This gives you the peace of mind you deserve on vacation and ensures your pet can be at their best from start to finish. Pet owners heading this way to enjoy a stay in Durango will want to take note of Riverview Animal Hospital in Durango which is located at 670 S Camino Del Rio. They’re open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am until 10:00 pm as well as Saturday from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm and Sundays from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm. The Durango Animal Hospital in town is another place you can go if your pet falls ill on vacation or requires a medication refill, a quick lookover after a hike, or just about anything in between. You’ll find the Durango Animal Hospital at 140 Rock Point Drive, and they’re open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:30 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am until noon.
Shops to Explore Alongside Your Pet
If a little retail therapy would go a long way toward the fun of your stay in Durango, and you’re looking for a place where you and your pet can browse with ease, April’s Garden is a must-visit destination. You’ll find this charming dog-friendly shop at 1259 Main Avenue, and you can feel great knowing your visit supports a locally owned small business. April’s Garden hosts everything from seasonal plants on-site to souvenirs, gifts, handcrafted jewelry and beyond. Make sure your pet is on a leash and take time to browse and enjoy your surroundings here!
Dog Parks to Check Out While You’re in Town
Durango is a delightful place to hike with your pet, explore shops, dine on restaurant patios, and make the most of sightseeing together. However, sometimes, your dog simply needs to stretch their legs and run free. That’s where time at the Durango Dog Park comes in. You’ll find the Durango Off Leash Dog Park at the intersection of Highway 550 and US-160 in Durango. The park is beloved among dog owners in town for its terrific nearby trails, beautiful river views, and gorgeous spaces for dogs to roam and run free. In total, the dog park spans five acres of terrain and if your pooch is up for a swim in the water, that’s accessible as well! You can easily walk to the Durango Off Leash Dog Park from downtown, making it an easy addition to your day of shopping and exploring fun.
Book Accommodations That Keep Your Entire Traveling Crew Feeling Comfortable and Welcome in Durango
When you’re not out and about exploring the best Durango has to offer alongside your pet, it’s essential that you and your entire traveling crew have pet-friendly accommodations in place that make you feel right at home starting on day one of your journey. That’s exactly what you can expect to find when you partner with Durango Colorado Vacations when it’s time to book your home-away-from-home. Our collection of pet-friendly rental options is vast and varied, giving our guests easy access to the choices they deserve while traveling. Whether you’re looking for a cozy pet-friendly rental cottage in Durango that’s suitable for two guests, or you’re excited to settle into a sprawling multi-level retreat with room for 12, we have what you’re searching for and so much more. The vast majority of our pet-friendly cabins in Durango, CO are designed to include open concept layouts, giving you, your traveling crew, and your pet plenty of room to relax, unwind, and stretch out with ease. In rental options with large windows throughout, you can count on a bright and welcoming stay filled with natural light and a firm focus on a great view too.
Pick a Pet-Friendly Property with Dining Options You Deserve
While heading out to enjoy the fantastic flavors served up by Durango’s impressive culinary scene alongside your pet is always a treat, there are bound to be times during your getaway when staying in and serving up a home-cooked meal is what would hit the spot. When this is the case, we’re proud to be able to offer our guests access to pet-friendly rentals with fully equipped kitchens on-site. Enjoy time in a home that has a kitchen featuring everything from spacious counters and custom cabinetry to cooking essentials and high-end appliances too. Whether you’re serving up breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll enjoying knowing you can do so with ease in a space where your pet can dine at their own pace and you can make the most of a savory moment indoors around a table, or out on a private patio with fresh air, sunshine, and a view.
Reach Out Today to Learn More
From pet-friendly rentals with stunning mountain views to those that feature BBQ grills for guests to use, high-end furnishings throughout, impressive entertainment setups, and luxurious fireplaces as well, the details that make all the difference in your stay are in place upon arrival when you book through Durango Colorado Vacations this year. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning your next trip!
