Ready for your vacation in the mountains with your four-legged friend? If you need help finding dog-friendly activities to do, places to eat, and places to stay around Ouray, CO, read on to learn more.
Activities
Dogs deserve fun on vacation, too! Here are some dog-friendly activities to do with your furry friend.
Hiking
If you’re not taking at least one hike with your dog in the San Juan Mountains, are you even really taking a vacation here? Hiking is an ideal activity to do with your pup because there are plenty of trails to choose from, it’s beautiful, and best of all: free! If you need some trail recommendations, check these ones out:
- San Miguel River Trail – this 6.8-mile out-and-back trail near Telluride is perfect for those looking for something a little easier. It follows the San Miguel River through the length of the town and offers up some nice swimming holes for your pup along the way. The best conditions to hike this trail are from March to October, but the trail is open throughout the year. Do note, your pup must be on a leash for this hike.
- Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail – this 2.7-mile round-trip trail offers up some beautiful views of Telluride. While this hike is shorter, make sure your dog is ready for slopes with a steep incline at high altitudes. Novice four-legged hikers might want to sit this one out.
- Blaine Basin – this dog-friendly 4.5-mile trail is located between Ouray and Ridgway and features spectacular views of Mount Sneffels, Kismet, and Cirque Mountain. This trail is perfect if you’re looking for fantastic views and plentiful wildflowers.
Ghost Towns
If you and your dog are looking to do ghost town exploring, you’re in luck. Ouray has plenty of ghost towns to visit.
One of the easiest to reach (with several buildings to see) is Ironton. Located between Silverton and Ouray, this ghost town is a fun visit for history buffs and nature lovers. Ironton was part of the Red Mountain Mining District, which included several towns on both sides of Red Mountain Pass. It became an important transportation hub between Ouray and the mining camps of Red Mountain District, but as time passed and mining slowed, the town became abandoned. Today the town receives plenty of visitors from curious travelers (and their four-legged friends).
Jeeping
Not into hiking to explore the high country? That’s alright – explore without effort by going jeeping! This is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the region, and if you bring your own jeep, you can get up and go with your pup whenever you like. Many of the best trails start right out your front door in Ouray.
No jeep, no problem – there are plenty of jeep rentals in the area, including Switzerland of America and Colorado West. Your furry friend can go with you, just make sure you call and let them know when booking your jeep, as you’ll usually have to pay a small pet fee.
Take a Swim
Bring your pet to cool off in the river at the Ridgway Off-Leash Dog Swim Area in Ridgway. This is perfect for those hot summer days when it’s just too hot to do anything else. You can find this open space for you and your pup just north of the library off of North Railroad Street. Note that it’s not fenced, so dogs must be under voice control at all times. Bring a leash, waste bags, and some treats (for you and your pet), and enjoy a nice day along the Uncompahgre River!
Restaurants
When visiting the Ouray area, you need places to eat that also welcome your dog. Here are a few dog-friendly restaurants to visit in the area.
- Brickhouse 737 – this is a great stop if you’re looking for farm-fresh ingredients, hospitality, and travel-inspired dishes. The dog-friendly patio means you get to have delicious food alongside your pup while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. Whether you’re in the mood for classic steak and fries or elk Bolognese, this is a stop you don’t want to miss.
- Full Tilt Saloon – this classic mountain town bar is set in a historic building and offers great food, cold drinks, and outstanding service. Enjoy this spot with your dog on their patio that includes water bowls, umbrellas, patio lights, and heaters (when needed).
- Lazy Dog Saloon – just as the name implies, this place is perfect for lazy dogs to sit and enjoy the outdoor patio with their owners! Okay, kidding, any dog will enjoy the outdoor patio here. Owners will especially enjoy this place for their great burgers and sandwiches.
Where to Stay
After long days of adventuring, you need a comfy place to stay with your pup. At the MTN Lodge Ridgway, pets are family, and we’d love to be your home away from home while you’re both on vacation.
We offer pet-friendly rooms where your dog will love to stretch out on super soft blankets and a pet-friendly patio to enjoy a grab-and-go option from our Basecamp Market. Just declare your pup upon arrival, pay a $25 pet fee per night, and enjoy your stay!
Let’s Get Booking
It’s time to book your stay for your vacation with your pup! We’re located in Ridgway, Colorado, and are the perfect base camp for all your mountain adventures. We have comfortable rooms and incredible mountain views. Let’s make your stay a memorable one.