Dog-Friendly Hikes near Fort Collins, CO
Larimer County is leash-only everywhere, charges an entrance permit, and means it when it says loose dogs may be impounded.
Three managers, one answer: leash. Larimer County Natural Resources runs Horsetooth Mountain and Devil's Backbone, requires dogs on leash at all times, warns that loose dogs may be impounded, fines up to $300 and asks for a daily or annual entrance permit. Lory State Park next door is Colorado Parks & Wildlife, so the six-foot rule applies on Arthur's Rock. Fort Collins Natural Areas allow leashed dogs at most sites and have no off-leash areas.
The Horsetooth Mountain lot is the crux for the Horsetooth Rock Loop and the gentler Falls Loop: it reaches capacity every weekend, so the county says before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. in summer and posts a webcam. Devil's Backbone's small lot is easiest before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.; a full lot means the trails are at capacity.
Dogs are banned at Red Mountain Open Space and on the Rimrock Trail at Devil's Backbone, and at the city natural areas of Bobcat Ridge, Cottonwood Hollow, Coyote Ridge, Fossil Creek Reservoir, Running Deer and Soapstone Prairie, even inside a vehicle. The county says not to bring pets to Devil's Backbone in hot weather; Lory closes trails when muddy.
- Horsetooth Rock LoopFort CollinsLeash required · 5 mi
- Horsetooth Falls LoopFort CollinsLeash required · 3.1 mi
- Arthur's Rock Trail – Lory State ParkFort CollinsLeash required · 3.6 mi
- Devil's Backbone Wild LoopFort CollinsLeash required; no dogs on the Rimrock Trail · 2.4 mi
Leash rules come from each land manager's published regulations on the date shown on the trail page. Rules change seasonally; check before you go.
Hiking with dogs near Fort Collins: FAQ
Do I need a permit to hike Horsetooth Rock with my dog?
Yes. Larimer County requires a daily or annual entrance permit at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, bought at the kiosk or online, and a separate permit system applies at Devil's Backbone. Lory State Park, where Arthur's Rock starts, charges the Colorado Parks & Wildlife daily vehicle pass or accepts the Keep Colorado Wild pass.
Which Fort Collins natural areas ban dogs?
Bobcat Ridge, Cottonwood Hollow, Coyote Ridge, Fossil Creek Reservoir, Running Deer and Soapstone Prairie do not allow dogs, even in a vehicle. At every other city natural area dogs must be leashed; the city has no off-leash natural areas, and rangers enforce the leash law.
Is Devil's Backbone a good summer dog hike?
No. Larimer County's own guidance says not to bring pets on the Devil's Backbone trails in hot weather; the Wild Loop has no shade and no water and heats up by 10 a.m. It is a fall-through-spring hike for dogs. Dogs are also not allowed on the Rimrock Trail higher on the ridge.