Pets in Rocky Mountain National Park

Due to the preservation of National Parks and in effort to protect wildlife and natural conditions some parks are not ideal to take your pet. While Rocky Mountain National Park is a must see it may not be a must tag along for your dog or cat.

We recently made a point to stop in the Rocky Mountain area while driving through Colorado to scope out the National Park for a day to get an idea of what we would want to plan for a longer visit, or a work camp position if we are lucky. I checked the National Park website to see if they do the Bark Ranger Program. I learned two things; Rocky Mountain does not do Bark Ranger and is not really dog friendly. Dogs are allowed around established roads, parking lots, established campgrounds, and picnic areas. We took the dogs with us since we were just going to the visitor center and drive the Trail Ridge Road a scenic drive within the park.

Pets are NOT allowed on any trails, tundra, or meadow inside the park. In the areas they are allowed they must be on a leash no longer then 6 ft, can not bark loud to disturb other visitors or wildlife, and you must pick up after your pet. The park lists 4 reasons dogs are not allowed on trails.

1) The park is home to coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, and great horned owls that could prey on your pet.

2) Dogs are predators that can leave behind a predators’ scent. This scent lingers and disrupts the movement of native animals in the park.

3) Even well-trained dogs can be scared and bite a human and some people fear dogs. All visitors should be able to enjoy the park without worrying about other people’s pets.

4) Pets may dig or trample fragile vegetation.

If you have a service animal, then your side kick is clear to be with you around the park. Emotional support animals are not protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Emotional support animals do not have the same access as service animals and must follow the same rules as all other pets.

Overall, we had a great day filled with lots of great views and smells for the dogs even with the restraints on what pets can do in the park. Just driving Trail Ridge Road was a day well spent. As you drive further up in elevation you can feel the weather change and see an assortment of landscapes. There are many places to park along the road to look out over the valleys and see untouched wilderness (Remember pets can be around established roads, parking lots, and picnic areas). If you are looking to drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road don’t visit during the winter as the road is closed mid-October to Memorial Day. We parked at the Hidden Valley picnic area with restrooms and walked the dogs. Some National Park Rangers were kind enough to give our youngest pup a Jr. Ranger Badge! We are still planning on returning, just next time the dogs will not join us for any hikes inside the National Park. There are trails around Rocky Mountain that do not have the same strict rules (listed below).

Dog Friendly Trails East of Rocky Mountain National Park: Buchanan Pass Trail, Crosier Mountain, Hermit Park, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Lake Estes Trail/Dog Park, Lily Mountain, and Lion Gulch/Homestead Meadows.

Dog Friendly Trails West of Rocky Mountain National Park: Cascade Mountain, Bowen Pass, Bowen Lake Loop, Grand Lake Recreation District’s Colorado River Trail by the Grand Lake Golf Course/Nordic Center and Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.