I'm a big believer that vacations are better with the whole family, four-legged members included. That's why Bluebell Mountain House is pet-friendly. Estes Park is a wonderful place to visit with a dog, as long as you know one key thing up front: pets are not allowed on trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Don't worry, though. There's still plenty for you and your pup to enjoy around town.
Where pets can (and can't) go in Rocky Mountain National Park
According to the National Park Service, pets are prohibited on all RMNP trails, tundra and meadows. Leashed pets (6-foot leash maximum) are allowed only:
Dogs in Rocky Mountain National Park: the rules at a glance
- No dogs on trails, meadows or tundra. That's anywhere in the park, including short, easy walks like Bear Lake.
- Developed areas only: along established roads, in parking lots, and in established campgrounds and picnic areas.
- Leash of 6 feet or less, at all times.
- Never leave your dog unattended, and don't tie it to vehicles, trees or other objects. Don't leave pets in a car if it puts them at risk.
- Pick up and dispose of waste in trash receptacles.
- No pets in visitor centers. Trained service animals are allowed; emotional support animals follow the pet rules. Violations can bring a citation or fine.
Why the rules? The park says pets can become prey for coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats and great horned owls. Dogs can also chase and stress wildlife, spread disease, and leave a lingering “predator” scent that disrupts the animals the park protects, and they can trample fragile plants.
Source: National Park Service, Rocky Mountain National Park: Pets. Before you go, read my guide on how to safely enjoy wildlife: Estes Park Wildlife Safety Guide
- Along established roads and in parking areas
- In established campgrounds and picnic areas
Pets can't go in park visitor centers, and you can't leave them tied up or unattended in a car if it puts them at risk. Cars heat up fast, even on mild mountain days. The park suggests Endovalley Road as a nice place to walk your dog. Off-season, Old Fall River Road is open to walkers and leashed pets on the road itself (not side trails) once it closes to cars; check the park's road status page.
The Estes Valley Dog Park
The Estes Valley Dog Park at 200 Community Drive is a local favorite. It has fenced areas for small and large dogs, agility equipment, and water access, including Lake Estes swimming access in summer. It's a great way to let your dog burn off energy before a relaxing evening.
Play Bluebell I Spy!: the dog park is even on our Bluebell I Spy! Estes Park & RMNP card, which guests get at the house: "Best views from a dog park, EVER."
Walk the Lake Estes Trail
The paved Lake Estes Trail is about 3.75 miles around the lake and is dog-friendly on leash. It connects to downtown and Stanley Park. Keep your eyes open, though, because elk love this area. Give them plenty of room and keep your dog close.
Dog-friendly patios
Visit Estes Park lists several spots with dog-friendly patios, including Rock Cut Brewing, The Barrel, Inkwell & Brew, Lumpy Ridge Brewing and Avant Garde Aleworks. Patio policies can change with the seasons and weather, so call ahead.
Hiking with your dog
Since RMNP trails are off-limits, head to the surrounding national forest and open space trails. Lily Mountain, Lion Gulch, Crosier Mountain and Hermit Park Open Space are all close by. I cover them in my dog-friendly hikes guide.
Dog-friendly hikes near Estes Park (our three favorites first: Lion Gulch, Kruger Rock and Homer Rouse):
- Lion Gulch to Homestead Meadows (Roosevelt National Forest): one of our three favorite dog hikes. The trailhead is about 8 miles east of Estes Park on Hwy 36, and it's about 3.4 miles one way through a pretty creek drainage to historic homesteads. The Forest Service requires dogs on a hand-held leash.
- Kruger Rock Trail (Hermit Park Open Space): a Hermit Park favorite. Visit Estes Park describes it as an intermediate hike of about 4 miles through ponderosa pines, with a short scramble to a 9,335-foot summit and views of Mt. Meeker, the Continental Divide and the Mummy Range. Dogs must be leashed (Larimer County allows up to 10 feet) and never left unattended. A daily entrance permit is required, and Hermit Park closes for the season from about Dec. 20 to March 1.
- Homer Rouse Trail: an easy 3.8-mile out-and-back with about 308 feet of gain, just east of Lily Lake, managed by the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District. Leashed dogs are welcome. Park in the gravel lot at the Cheley Camp entrance on Fish Creek Road; the trail crosses camp property, so stay on it. No restrooms or water.
- Lake Estes Trail: the paved loop around Lake Estes (about 4 miles), leashed dogs welcome, with the dog park nearby.
- Roosevelt National Forest: Lily Mountain (trailhead on Hwy 7, about 6 miles south of town), Crosier Mountain (near Glen Haven) and, farther south, the Buchanan Pass Trail, a summer wildflower favorite.
- YMCA of the Rockies: a 5+ mile loop that follows the YMCA property boundary along the edge of the park. It's open to YMCA guests and day-pass holders.
Leash rules vary by trail and land manager, and some Forest Service areas require a leash of 6 feet or less, so check the trailhead signs. Honestly, we keep our pup leashed everywhere because of the wildlife.
Host tip from Jeff & René: bringing your pup to Bluebell? Up to two dogs are welcome with host pre-approval and a flat $150 pet fee per stay (total, not per dog), so please message us before booking. If you want a park-trail day without your dog, Rover.com is a good place to find a local pet sitter.
Safety tips for pets in the mountains
- Wildlife: Elk, moose, deer and coyotes can see dogs as threats or prey. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says moose react to dogs as they would to a wolf, and cow moose with calves are especially protective. Keep your dog leashed.
- Altitude and water: Dogs feel the altitude too. Bring plenty of water.
- Pick up after your pet and pack it out.
- Never leave pets in a hot car.
Before you go, read my guide on how to safely enjoy wildlife: Estes Park Wildlife Safety Guide
FAQ
Are dogs allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park? Leashed dogs are allowed only on roads, in parking areas, and in campgrounds and picnic areas. They're not allowed on any trails, tundra or meadows.
Is there a dog park in Estes Park? Yes. The Estes Valley Dog Park is at 200 Community Drive, with separate small- and large-dog areas and water access.
Can I walk my dog around Lake Estes? Yes. The paved Lake Estes Trail (about 3.75 miles) allows leashed dogs.
Which Estes Park restaurants allow dogs on the patio? Visit Estes Park lists Rock Cut Brewing, The Barrel, Inkwell & Brew, Lumpy Ridge Brewing and Avant Garde Aleworks. Call ahead to confirm.
Related guides: Hiking with your pup? My Summer Hikes and Winter Hikes & Snowshoeing guides include dog-friendly options outside the park.
Good news: Bluebell Mountain House is pet-friendly! It's in a prime location, very close to the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance and just minutes from the dog park and Lake Estes. Up to two dogs are welcome with pre-approval ($150 per stay total, not per dog). If you're planning a trip with your furry companion, I'd love to host you both.