Traveling to Colorado with a Pet
Colorado is one of the easiest places to build a vacation around outdoor time with a dog, but a good plan needs to account for altitude, rapidly changing weather and wildlife. Use Denver or another Front Range city for an urban base, or choose a mountain town when trails and scenery are the priority.
Where to Stay
- Denver for a full city trip with parks, breweries and a major airport
- Boulder for a smaller walkable base near foothill trails
- Mountain towns such as Aspen, Vail and Breckenridge for resort-style stays and cooler summer weather
Pet-Friendly Hotel Starting Points
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver
Downtown Denver hotel with a detailed pet-friendly policy.
Check the current pet policy →Best Western pet-friendly hotels
Useful statewide starting point because participating properties vary by location.
Check the current pet policy →Tips for a Better Trip
- Increase activity gradually if your pet is not accustomed to altitude.
- Carry more water than you think you need and watch for hot, dry conditions even when the air feels cool.
- Wildlife encounters are a real concern; keep pets controlled and follow trail rules.
Before You Leave Home
Keep vaccination information, identification and your veterinarian's contact details easy to reach. For interstate travel, the USDA notes that individual states and territories can set animal-health requirements, so check the rules for your destination when planning a longer trip. USDA interstate pet travel information.
More Colorado Travel Planning
For general destination information, events and visitor planning, see the official or primary visitor resource for Colorado. You can also review our pet travel checklist, flying with pets guide and pet-friendly hotel chain guide.