Crested Butte dog-friendly hikes

Bring your pup on vacation and take them on a Crested Butte dog-friendly hike! With more than 150 trails and two million acres of public lands to explore, Crested Butte, Colorado is a great destination for adventure-loving dogs and their humans. The town itself is also very dog-friendly—there might even be more dogs than people in Crested Butte! We’ve collected some favorite trail recommendations in this guide to Crested Butte dog-friendly hikes. If you’re looking for even more canine-focused vacation tips, check out our dog-friendly activities guide.

If you do bring your dog, please abide by all regulations, such as leash laws and waste disposal. Read on to learn more about Crested Butte dog-friendly hikes and vacationing with your pup in Crested Butte.

Tips for hiking with dogs in Crested Butte

Crested Butte dog-friendly hikes provide good exercise and lots of fun for you and your pup. There are some things to keep in mind when hiking with your dog, though. Not all trails in Crested Butte allow pets. Dogs might not be allowed on a trail because the environment is fragile, large animals like bears or moose are in the area, the trail receives heavy visitation, or to protect wildlife from disease. Taking dogs on trails they’re not permitted on could result in a ticket and damage to the environment. Research area rules before you go, and read all trailhead signage before hitting the trail.

Does my dog need to be on a leash when hiking in Crested Butte?

Some trails allow off-leash dogs. Dogs in off-leash areas must be under voice control at all times. When in doubt, call the public lands office that manages the trail. Trailhead signs are another good resource for leash requirements. Many trailheads will have them posted along with other information such as maps.

Dogs should be leashed on trails that cross private property, such as Meridian Lake trail. Leash up on busy trails, parking lots and trailheads, too.

Below are general rules for dogs on the public lands in and near the Gunnison Valley. The rules vary by trail, so it’s best to research a specific trail before taking your dog out.

• Gunnison National Forest: Dogs must be leashed in all developed recreation areas. On the trail, they must be under control, on a leash or responsive to verbal command.
• White River National Forest: Dogs are not allowed in the Conundrum Creek Valley, including Conundrum Hot Springs.
• West Elk Wilderness: Dogs are allowed on some trails, but must be leashed or under verbal control.
• Hartman Rocks Recreation Area: Dogs must be leashed or under verbal control.
• Raggeds Wilderness: Dogs must be leashed or under voice control at all times. Dogs must be leashed at all times in the Oh-Be-Joyful Valley.
• Fossil Ridge Wilderness: Dogs allowed on leash.
• Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness: Dogs allowed on leash. No dogs allowed on the Scenic Loop Trail near Aspen.
• Collegiate Peaks Wilderness: Dogs allowed on leash.
• Curecanti National Recreation Area: Dogs allowed on leash.

How do I handle dog waste in Crested Butte?

Always pack out dog poop or dispose of it in a trash receptacle. Never leave bags of dog poop on the trail.

Easy Crested Butte dog-friendly hikes

Beaver Ponds via Ohio Pass

Easy
1.1 miles roundtrip
Dogs allowed on leash

This Crested Butte dog-friendly hike is beautiful in summer and fall. Flowers and ferns are abundant in the summer, and the dense aspens change colors in the fall. The drive to the trailhead is part of Ohio Pass, a Crested Butte scenic drive. From Crested Butte, take Whiterock Avenue to Kebler Pass. Drive 6.5 miles and bear left onto Ohio Pass Road. The trailhead is on the right in 4.12 miles.

Follow the dirt trail as it gently snakes up through the aspen grove. Enjoy the shade from the trees and the short distance to the beaver pond. The still water of the pond reflects the Anthracite Range towering above it. There are trails to explore that go all the way around the pond.

Teddy’s Trail

Easy
1.8 miles round trip
Dogs allowed on leash

This trail begins at the Snodgrass trailhead, two miles north of Crested Butte Mountain Resort on Gothic Road. At the start of the trail, keep left of the fenced-in pond to take Teddy’s Trail. Follow the signs to take the hike/bike trail. This trail meanders through hillsides covered in wildflowers. The flowers can be waist-high during their peak in mid-July.

There are also amazing views of the Gothic Valley from this trail. The first section of the trail is narrow singletrack. Pay attention to other users, which could include hikers, bikers, children and other dogs. Eventually, the trail widens and continues into an aspen grove. There is a fork that leads to a steep trail if you hang right or a more mellow grade to the left.

Both trails lead back to Snodgrass Mountain trail and the parking area.

Intermediate Crested Butte dog-friendly hikes

Upper Upper Loop

Intermediate
2.7 miles round trip
Dogs allowed on leash

From downtown Crested Butte, take Highway 135 south for two miles and turn left onto Brush Creek Road. The trailhead is a mile down the road on the left. The trail begins with a steady ascent through a dense aspen grove. Cross the private road and continue for a mile to the junction of the Upper and Upper Upper trails. Go right as the trail continues to ascend.

An overlook for Whetstone Mountain lies 20 yards to the right at the high point of the trail. Head back on the moderately steep descent to Brush Creek Road. The wildflowers here are spectacular in the summer. Take a right at the road and walk 0.8 miles to the trailhead. There are other Crested Butte dog-friendly hikes in Brush Creek to explore as well, such as Brush Creek trail and Deer Creek trail. No dogs are allowed on the McCormick Ranch property in Brush Creek.

West Maroon to Hasley Pass Loop

Moderate
5.5 miles round trip
Dogs allowed on leash

This high-altitude hike pays off with stunning views of the peaks of the West Elk Mountains.

Take Gothic Road north for 14 miles over Schofield Pass from Crested Butte. The trailhead is on the right. This trail is located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This is a popular area for backpacking and one of the Crested Butte to Aspen hiking routes.

Wind through the forest next to Crystal River to a fork. Bear right into a field of dense wildflowers. Look for a wooden sign indicating the next junction in about two miles. Go left as the trail climbs into an alpine basin. Go left to the top of Hasley Pass at the next basin. You can head back down the way you came for an easier route or make it a loop. Traverse the base of the peaks across the basin to a well-defined trail. The trail descends steeply and then flattens out. Go left at a shallow gully before the trail continues onto the other side of the ridge. This links up with the main trail back to the trailhead.

Challenging Crested Butte dog-friendly hikes

Caves Trail

Strenuous
1.66 miles round trip
Dogs allowed on leash

This Crested Butte dog-friendly hike is located up the Cement Creek drainage near Crested Butte South. Go south on Highway 135 for 6.6 miles from Crested Butte. Turn left on Cement Creek Road and follow it for 1.8 miles to the trailhead and parking area. This trail might be short, but it is very steep and has many switchbacks to climb. Follow the well-defined trail to the rock formations at the top of the ridge. The path levels out as you reach the caves at the top. The last hundred feet of the main trail offer expansive views of Red Mountain and Cement Mountain.

Oh-be-Joyful Trail

Hard
13 miles round-trip
Dogs allowed on leash

This trail begins at the Oh-Be-Joyful campground. Head north on Gothic Road from Crested Butte for 0.9 miles to Slate River Road. Turn left and travel for 4.6 miles to the Oh-Be-Joyful campground. This trail begins with a creek crossing and a steep incline. After the first mile, you enter the Raggeds Wilderness.

The trail parallels Oh-Be-Joyful Creek for the whole route. Two miles in the trail enters a dense spruce and fir forest. This opens into a large meadow dotted with wildflowers. You can see Schuylkill Mountain and Oh-Be-Joyful Peak from here. You can take this trail all the way to Daisy Pass, or turn back at any time.

This is one of several areas where cattle graze in Crested Butte. Colorado has an “Open Range Law,” which means livestock owners are not required to fence their animals. Because of this, livestock graze on trails like Oh-Be-Joyful and Snodgrass during certain times of the year. It is your responsibility to keep your dog safe and prevent them from harassing livestock.

Dog-friendly hikes in Crested Butte with water

Let your pup cool off after hiking in the river or a lake. Check out these Crested Butte dog-friendly hikes that feature lakes.

Blue Mesa Reservoir

Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest lake in Colorado. It’s located in Curecanti National Recreation Area west of Gunnison. The lake has 96 miles of shoreline and plenty of recreation opportunities. Hike, fish, paddleboard and go boating at Blue Mesa. Your dog can enjoy a hike or playing in the water.

The National Park Service manages Blue Mesa and tests its water for toxic algae blooms. Other waters in Colorado are also infected with blue-green algae. Check water for algae blooms before you or your pet enter the water.

Emerald Lake

Easy
.75 miles round trip
Dogs allowed on leash

Emerald Lake is along the road up to Schofield Pass. Head north on Gothic Road from Crested Butte for 12.6 miles. There is a turn-off just before the lake that descends into a small parking area. The road is very narrow with steep drop-offs near the lake. High clearance and 4X4 is recommended.

The walk from the parking area to the lake is less than half a mile. This is a popular destination for stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and pack rafting. The trail continues on the other side of the lake for a higher vantage point of the water.

Copley Lake

Moderate
3.5 miles round trip
Dogs allowed on leash

Take Whiterock Avenue to Kebler Pass from Crested Butte. Park on the left in 4.2 miles. Take the trail that is further up the road on the right. This trail begins with a steep ascent. The pitch is moderate the rest of the way to the lake. Over the next two miles, the trail weaves in and out of spruce forests. Wildflowers grow on the hillsides in summer. Go left at the junction. Copley Lake is a quarter mile up the trail.

Crested Butte dog-friendly lodging

Many Crested Butte lodging properties allow dogs, but it is always a good idea to call ahead and check before booking a room. Some properties charge an extra fee for dogs and have rules about not leaving the dog alone in the room.

Crested Butte dog-friendly restaurants

Many restaurants in Crested Butte and Gunnison have dog-friendly patios. Odds are high there is even a water bowl your dog can get a drink from. Contact the restaurant ahead of time to confirm whether dogs are allowed.

Walking your dog in town in Crested Butte

All dogs must be on a leash in the town of Crested Butte. Unleashed dogs can result in a fine. Pick up all dog poop and dispose of it in a public trash can.

Can I take my dog on public transportation in Crested Butte?

Dogs registered with the town of Crested Butte are allowed on the Mountain Express Shuttle. Proof of registration is required to board the bus with your dog. Dogs must also be leashed and muzzled to ride the bus. Learn more about dogs on the bus on the Mountain Express website.

Dogs are not allowed on the valley-wide RTA bus.

Emergency vets in Gunnison and Crested Butte

Mountain Legacy Veterinary Center in Gunnison offers 24/7 emergency vet services. Gunnison Valley Veterinary Clinic, also in Gunnison, offers emergency services as well. There are no emergency veterinary services in Crested Butte.

Cross-country skiing with your dog

Dogs are allowed on groomed public roads, including Cement Creek, Slate River, Washington Gulch and Spring Creek. Dogs are allowed on a select few Crested Butte Nordic trails with a pass. Refer to their website for their dog policy and a list of dog-friendly routes.

Planning your trip to Colorado

Start planning adventures for you and your furry best friend! Find a dog-friendly hotel, cabin or vacation rental by selecting “Pets Allowed” under amenities on our direct booking tool. Plan other things to do. See if any dog-friendly events are happening on your visit. Visiting in the winter instead? Dogs can have fun in every season in Crested Butte!