Tag Archive for: Dog Trails

Best Loveland Dog Trails

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Now that the temperatures are starting to thaw and spring is on the way, the weather is thankfully getting nicer every day.  It’s a great time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, especially after being cooped up in the house all winter long. If you’re looking for some nice trails to explore with your dog, here are a few you should definitely try in Loveland and around Fort Collins!

The Foothills Trail

Perfect for a fun and easy afternoon jaunt, this trail is only a mile long and is an easy hike for all. If you haven’t been out for a hike in a while, this is definitely a great place to start.

The Summit Adventure Trail

This moderate hiking trail stems off the Foothill Trail and is longer and a bit more intense. It’s best suited for an experienced hiker and dog. The summit adventure trail is 4.5 miles long and takes most of the day, so prepare 6-8 hours and bring a picnic and water.

Cathy Fromme Prairie 

A beautiful natural area located just north of Loveland includes a 2.5 mile paved trail that is perfect for a nice stroll with your dog while you enjoy nature. Parking is free, but they don’t have any water fountains, so make sure to bring a few bottles of water with you.  

Arthurs Rock Trail

Located in the Lory State Park west of Ft. Collins, the Arthurs Rock Trail is perfect to bring you dog along. It’s a moderate hike of 1.7 miles that includes beautiful overlooks.  There are restrooms available but no water fountains, a collapsible water bowl and extra water is a must. The Lory State Park has a lot of trails, but this one is a must with your pup! 

There is nothing like enjoying a nice sunny day in nature with your four legged friend.  It’s a perfect way to spend a weekend. When taking your dog on a trail it’s important to bring along extra water and snacks. Also, make sure that you have plenty of time in the day and return to your car well before dusk. Comment below and let us know your favorite trails in the area!

 

What Are the Best Fort Collins Dog Trails?

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Fort Collins dog owners are very lucky to have many friendly dog trails to choose from. There are a variety of trails in city natural areas and parks, county parks, and state parks. Here are some of my favorite hikes with dogs.

Lory State Park- Well Gulch Nature Trail 

This trail is a beautiful 1.5 mile hike through a variety of terrains. The trails has some slow climbs and downhills. There are also many waterfalls along the way. I would recommend this trail because it is not steep or very technical, it is fairly short, and has great views.

Fort Collins Natural Areas- Maxwell Natural Area

The trail in Maxwell Natural Area leads to the A. Taking the foothills trail to the overlook trail will take you and your dog up to the A, with a great view of Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir. This hike is about 4 miles round trip but is lots of fun. It starts with a walk through rolling hills, then you begin climbing up the mountain. The climb is not too steep or technical. I recommend this trail because it has great views, has wide trails, and has few cacti along the trail.

Horsetooth Mountain Park- Horsetooth Falls

Horsetooth Mountain Park has many trails, but the Horsetooth Falls Trail is one of the easier trails. This trail is an out and back, with the whole trip being about 2.4 miles. There are many ups and downs on this trail but few steep climbs. At the end of the trail is a waterfall (sometimes a small trickle) with a water pool. This trail has some narrow portions so be aware of other trail users. I recommend this trail because it is a good workout, and ends in a very pretty waterfall.

These are my favorite trails for dogs in Fort Collins. Most trails in Fort Collins are dog friendly, but few like Bobcat Ridge and Soapstone Natural Areas are not. Always be aware of wildlife and other hikers. Check out our previous article on heat stress in dogs and have a great hike with your furry friend.