The 5 Best Pet-Friendly Hikes Around Summit County

A good trail can turn an ordinary dog walk into an outing worth planning around. Fresh air, changing scenery and room to explore make hiking rewarding for both pets and their people, but choosing the right route requires attention to distance, terrain, weather and leash regulations. Best of Summit readers have access to lakeside paths, forest trails and scenic overlooks where dogs can join the adventure. Bringing water, packing out waste and respecting wildlife help keep these shared spaces enjoyable for everyone.

Rainbow Lake Trail

Rainbow Lake Trail offers a forested escape close to downtown Frisco, making it a popular choice for hikers accompanied by dogs. The route begins near the end of Second Avenue and follows a gradual climb through stands of aspen and evergreen trees toward Rainbow Lake. Along the way, hikers encounter wooden boardwalks, small streams and sections of shaded trail before reaching the lake beneath the surrounding peaks. The roughly 1.5-mile round trip provides a manageable outing for many dogs, although muddy stretches and seasonal snow can affect conditions. Dogs must remain under control, and owners should follow posted leash requirements while protecting the sensitive shoreline.

Frisco Peninsula Recreation Area

The Frisco Peninsula Recreation Area offers an extensive network of trails winding through forests and open terrain beside Dillon Reservoir. Rather than following a single route, visitors can choose from interconnected paths that accommodate different distances and activity levels. The peninsula's mix of wooded sections, shoreline views and relatively accessible terrain makes it appealing for outings with dogs. Trails also serve mountain bikers and other recreation users, so owners should remain alert at intersections and keep their pets under control. The area provides an opportunity to explore a substantial trail network without traveling far from Frisco.

Lower Cataract Falls

Lower Cataract Falls rewards hikers with a waterfall reached through a scenic stretch of forest near Green Mountain Reservoir, north of Silverthorne. The trail passes through aspen groves and evergreen woodland, with seasonal wildflowers adding color during warmer months. Lower Cataract Lake provides another scenic feature along the route, while the waterfall becomes particularly impressive during spring and early summer runoff. The loop is approximately 2.3 miles, although route choices can affect the total distance. Dogs can accompany hikers, but owners should keep them controlled near water, slippery rocks and other trail users.

Old Dillon Reservoir

Old Dillon Reservoir provides a relatively short hike with expansive views of Dillon Reservoir, the Tenmile Range and the surrounding landscape. Accessed from a trailhead near Dillon Dam Road, the route climbs gradually toward a small reservoir above the town of Dillon. The approximately 1.7-mile round trip includes exposed sections where hikers can enjoy broad views across the valley. Its modest distance makes it a practical choice for owners seeking a scenic walk without committing to a lengthy excursion. Because portions of the trail receive substantial sun and wind, carrying water for dogs and checking weather conditions can make the experience more comfortable.

Burro Trail

Burro Trail begins near the base of Peak 9 in Breckenridge and follows a wooded corridor alongside a creek. The route passes through dense evergreen forest, crosses small bridges and gradually climbs away from the activity of the ski area. Its shaded surroundings and flowing water create an inviting setting for dogs and their owners, particularly during warmer weather. Hikers can choose a shorter out-and-back walk or continue farther along the trail for a more demanding outing. Roots, wet ground and changing elevations add variety to the terrain, while shared use with other recreationists makes attentive pet handling important.

– Created or enhanced with ChatGPT