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.
Tamara Susa photo.
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!
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!
Jeremy Swanson photo.
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.
Jeremy Swanson photo.
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.
Tamara Susa photo.
Shorter Summer Hikes:
Ditch Trail: Ditch Trail is a favorite among Snowmass dogs! There are many smells, sometimes the ditch has water in it to cool off, and they are almost guaranteed to make new furry friends along the trail.
Nature Trail: This trail is fantastic if it’s a hotter day, as it is mostly shaded and there are spots to stop along the creek to get water. If you want a longer walk, you can connect this trail as a loop, starting at Village Bound, connecting to Sleigh Ride, and then Nature Trail.
Please note: If you’re visiting Snowmass with your dog, we kindly ask that you be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your dog. There are dog bags at nearly every trash bin if you forget your own. Please clean up after your dog and dispose of waste at one of the many trashcans available so we can keep Snowmass beautiful and clean for everyone to enjoy!
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