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Dog-Friendly Snowmass: Your Pups Are Welcome Here

This multi-season blog outlines the best places to go and what to do in Snowmass with a dog. The article lists dog-friendly hotels, leash-mandatory and leash-optional zones for hiking, dogs and uphilling, and dog-friendly dining options.
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Brown and white dog rides the Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass Ski Area

All Things for a Dog-Friendly Snowmass Trip

Something all visitors should know about Snowmass is that it is dog-friendly. We don’t just tolerate dogs, but we love them: they are welcome on the trails, on many patios, and even in some hotels and lodging. When we say that everyone belongs in Snowmass, we really mean it, because there’s always room for the pups! Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about traveling with your furry friends.

Every Dog’s Dream Vacation

In the summer, the trails are uncrowded with many options featuring running water so doggies can cool down. In the winter, you'll be hard-pressed to find an unhappy dog running in the snow, because who doesn't love snow?! And with Base Village and the Mall both being pedestrian-friendly, car-free zones, you can walk around without worry.

two women hiking under aspen trees in dog-friendly Snowmass

Dog-Friendly Hotels

Limelight Snowmass and Viceroy Snowmass are two fantastic lodging options if you are bringing your dogs with you. You may even find a dog or two at the valet stand, greeting you and your pup with a wagging tail!

Viceroy Snowmass
Limelight Snowmass

Best Dog-Friendly Trails: Leashes, Leave No Trace, etc.

In Snowmass, there are over 80 miles of trails to explore, both in the summer and the winter. Whether you are heading out to ski for the day and want to get your dog’s energy out or looking for a long hike in the summer, dog-friendly Snowmass has what you need!

Patrol dog on Snowmass Ski Area in the winter

Winter Walks: The most magical time of the day to walk your dog in Snowmass is while the snow is falling. Not to mention, your pups will be overjoyed to roll around in the fresh powder!Here are some of our favorite winter trails to tackle with the dogs.

Labrador Lane at the Golf Course: A classic spot that local dogs love like their own backyard! The trail is open and wide, so off-leash dogs can enjoy lots of space. Enjoy just under 3 miles of dog-friendly fun.


Know Before You Go: Various trails on the Snowmass Golf Course are strictly designated for cross-country skiing, please be sure to keep dogs away from skiers & off the groomed terrain. Find trail conditions & information here.

Rim Trail South/Spiral Point: When the snow is deep, this is a great trail to take the pups to get their zoomies out while also squeezing in your own workout. Trail conditions can be variable in the wintertime, so check the weather to plan ahead with micro spikes, snowshoes, warm layers, etc. If you’re aiming to reach the iconic photo-opp, Spiral Point, expect to walk approximately 2 miles up.

dog-friendly sledding hill with dog and toddler in the snow

Winter Uphilling: If you don’t want to leave your pup at home while you get to enjoy skiing, you can take them with you for uphilling at select hours of the day before the ski resort opens for the day. Visit AspenSnowmass.com for rules and routes.

Two Creeks: This low-grade ski run is great for the dogs especially for their hips on the downhill.From the bottom of the Two Creeks Lift to the top of Elk Camp Gondola you will ascend 1,500 ft in approximately 2 miles.
Fanny Hill: This is another great spot to get the dogs on the ski hill with you for some morning exercise!

Longer Summer Hikes:

Tom Blake Trail: A well-shaded trail is always welcome in the summertime! About 2 miles into the trail, the dogs can stop for a water break at the creek before continuing on or turning back down the trail.


East Snowmass Creek: This is great to do as an out-and-back for as long as you’d like to go. It is steep and long, but the wildflowers along this trail are unrivaled.


Government Trail: Snowmass is known for its many trails, but perhaps the Government Trail is one of the best known. You can follow the trail all the way to Buttermilk Mountain, or take it in the opposite direction across Snowmass Ski Area. Most notably, this trail can be connected with many others in the area for any type or distance of adventure you’re looking for.

A couple hikes with their small dog in Snowmass, Colorado

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John Smith

John Smith

Guest Author

John Smith is the mountain-loving voice behind High-Country Haven, a lifestyle blog based out of a cozy cabin in Snowmass, Colorado. A former Denver architect turned writer and powder-hound, he spends his days chasing first tracks on Burnt Mountain, testing warm seasonal recipes, and sharing eco-conscious tips for alpine living.

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