Red Rock Canyon Open Space – Greenlee/Mesa Loop and Dog Loops

Dog-friendly hike near Colorado Springs · Red Rock Canyon Open Space, 3550 W High St off Hwy 24, Colorado Springs

Illustration of Front Range foothills trail

Illustration of the region, not this trail.

Dogs on this trail

Dirt trails are open to leashed dogs; the Upper and Lower Dog Loops are designated off-leash dog areas.

Source: City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services · checked 2026-10-24. Rules change; confirm before you go.

  • Distance1.75 mi
  • Elevation gain575 ft
  • Leash ruleLeash required except in the designated Upper/Lower Dog Loop off-leash areas
  • Water on trailSeasonal pond near the dog loops; otherwise carry water
  • SeasonYear-round; hot and exposed in summer
  • ParkingTwo lots on W High St fill by mid-morning on weekends; neighborhood parking is restricted
  • FeeFree
  • RestroomsPortable toilets at both main parking lots
  • Managed byCity of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services

Red Rock Canyon is the Springs' most dog-centric open space: a network of sandstone canyons just south of Garden of the Gods with two short fenced-free off-leash loops (Upper and Lower Dog Loop) right off the main lot, plus miles of leash-required trail beyond. The Greenlee Trail climbs about 1.75 miles up the east ridge for views over the city; the Mesa and Contemplative trails are gentler. It is popular with mountain bikers and trail runners, so leash control matters on the multi-use routes. Little shade, lots of rattlesnake habitat in summer. Best for dogs that need a legal off-leash romp before a leashed hike.

Need a sitter while you summit?

Independent Colorado Springs boarders and daycares can send free quotes. One short form, no obligation.

Dog boarding in Colorado Springs Daycare in Colorado Springs

After the hike

Cerberus Brewing Company

702 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Cerberus calls itself a dog-friendly brewery; the patio, beer garden and dining tent are all dog-friendly seating areas, and the kitchen makes puppy patties.

  • patio
  • dog menu
  • water bowls

Colorado Springs · verified 2026-10-24

Goat Patch Brewing Company – Lincoln Center

2727 N Cascade Ave #123, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Well-behaved dogs are allowed inside the Lincoln Center taproom and in the outdoor areas; they must stay leashed and with their human at all times.

  • patio
  • indoor ok

Colorado Springs · verified 2026-10-24

More trails near Colorado Springs

All dog-friendly hikes near Colorado Springs → · Colorado Springs dog guide