Durango, Colorado is a popular vacation destination for travelers from near and far for good reasons. It’s a beautiful and welcoming place to explore but making it even more exciting is the fact that it’s a wonderfully dog-friendly destination too! If you’re the type of traveler that just can’t imagine a trip this way without the company of a canine companion, you’re in luck. This city welcomes four-legged friends and provides plenty of options and activities that humans and their pets can enjoy together. The following is a great place to start when you have three days to spare and you’re looking to make the most of a dog friendly journey to Durango that you won’t soon forget. Get ready to pack your suitcase and grab the leash because this promises to be an adventure that’s built for you and your favorite pet too!
Day 1
Heading to Durango with your four-legged friend in tow should start with a lovely walk along the Animas River Trail. This inviting route spans seven miles and provides humans and their dogs alike with a convenient paved pathway to wander that offers up scenic sights along the way! This is a popular trail that you’ll love exploring with your furry friend, especially if you’re both the type to savor as much time as possible in the great outdoors. Follow up this walk with a stroll along the Horse Gulch Trail System while you’re out exploring today as well. This is a great place for dog owners and their pets to explore. Dalla Mountain Park is also a popular place for canines and their people to take to the trails which are not only well-marked but allow for off-leash adventures too.
If after all that walking your pooch still wants to run, make your way to the Durango Dog Park. This is a five-acre space where dogs are invited to run off excess energy, mix and mingle with other canines and even take a dip in the nearby river if they want. From the Durango Dog Park, you can easily walk to the downtown area and follow up your park adventures with a drink on the patio of one of the many cafes that grace this area too.
Make sure to swing by Pet Haus at 1444 Main Avenue while you’re in the area. This pet specialty shop is packed with everything from food and toys to supplies that are perfect for pets that will be accompanying you on grander adventures into the wilderness. Whatever you’re looking for that’s dog-specific, you’re sure to find it here.
Day 2
Day two of your Durango adventure with your dog deserves to include paddle boarding on the Animas River! Yes, it’s entirely possible and tons of fun, especially if your dog is the brave and adventuring type. Paddleboard rentals are easily accessible in Durango. If you’re looking to follow this up with something more off-the-beaten-path, make your way toward Vallecito lake which is just 18 miles east of the city and rent a pontoon. Doc’s Marina is a great place to pick up your rental and get your dog settled into this pet-friendly boating excursion with ease.
After so much fun on the water, you and your pet will likely have worked up quite an appetite. Fortunately, downtown Durango is filled with restaurants that have pet-friendly outdoor patios. Order a drink and take a seat in the fresh air. Don’t hesitate to ask on-site staff for a dog treat or water bowl as many have them readily available. It’s good to note that downtown destinations like Maria’s Bookshop are also pet-friendly if you’re in the mood for taking a browse through after a delicious meal.
Day 3
Your last day of your dog friendly journey to Durango deserves to be hiking focused. With thousands of miles of hiking trails in this area, it’s easy to find time to explore at your very own pace. The trails that surround Vallecito Lake are enticing and scenic, making for great dog-friendly exercise as well as wildlife spotting opportunities.
After you’ve made the most of the great outdoors, feel free to head over to Dirty Paws Dog Wash located at 695 Camino Del Rio. This self-serve dog wash is a convenient place to get your dog looking their best before you spend time at the local Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Here you can order up chocolate-free dog treats your canine companion is sure to love. Don’t hesitate to get the real chocolate selections for yourself. You’ve earned it!
Book Your Stay Today for a Dog-Friendly Journey to Durango
Enjoy your Durango, Colorado adventure to the fullest by letting the team at Durango Colorado Vacations handle your accommodations from start to finish. We’ll make sure you’re settled in a rental that fits your needs and exceeds expectations too. Reach out today to learn more about our many property options in the area and to start planning your next trip! Check out our Purgatory vacation homes with great amenities and views!
