Complete Dog Friendly Guide to Ouray, Colorado
Ouray, Colorado, nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and that includes our four-legged friends. Whether you’re planning a visit to this picturesque mountain town or you’re a local pet owner, there are plenty of opportunities for you and your canine companion to enjoy the great outdoors and more. In this Complete Dog Friendly Guide to Ouray, Colorado, I’ll guide you through the best pup-friendly activities, dining options, accomodations, pet care services, and more in Ouray.
Dog Friendly Restaurants in Ouray, Colorado
Here are some dog-friendly restaurants in Ouray that were known for accommodating dogs:
- Ouray Brewery: A brewery offering a variety of craft beers, burgers, sandwiches, and more
- Maggie’s Kitchen: Serving American comfort food with a cozy outdoor patio. Great spot for breakfast or lunch.
- The Bon Ton Restaurant: A historic restaurant in Ouray that has been serving classic American cuisine since 1882.
- Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee: Café offering coffee, chocolates, and baked goods
- Brickhouse 737: Known for its diverse menu, they offer a mix of American and international cuisine.
- Colorado Boy Southwest Pub: Serving Southwestern flavors
- Full Tilt Saloon: Known for a vibrant nightlife scene – offering a range of beverages, from cocktails to local craft beers
- Goldbelt Bar & Grill: a local favorite for hearty American fare – burgers, steaks, or comfort food
- KJ Wood Distillers: They craft artisanal spirits. You can take a tour to learn about the distillation process and savor their unique creations.
- MineShaft Restaurant & Tiki Bar: Offers a diverse menu in a relaxed setting. Enjoy a variety of dishes, including seafood, steaks, and tropical-inspired cocktails.
- Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewery: A local craft brewery known for its innovative brews and friendly atmosphere.
- Ouray Café & Steakhouse: A classic dining establishment where you can relish mouthwatering steaks and other American favorites in a comfortable setting.
- The Outlaw: Known for its warm ambiance and excellent cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a special dinner, they have you covered.
- Timberline Deli: Timberline Deli is your go-to place for delicious deli sandwiches and quick bites. It’s perfect for grabbing a meal to enjoy on the go or during a hike.
Dog Friendly Activites in Ouray, Colorado
- Hiking Trails: Ouray and the surrounding areas offer over 300 miles of dog friendly trails! You’ll find a more detailed list of hiking trails below.
- Jeeping and Off-Roading: Many Jeep rental companies in Ouray allow dogs to join the adventure. You can also go off-roading without a rental, as long as your vehicle has 4WD. A more detailed list of trails is found below.
- Cross-country skiing / snowshoeing: During the winter season, Ouray transforms into a snowy wonderland. The river trail and the historic Ironton Townsite are perfect for these winter activities & are dog friendly.
- Ice Park Viewing: During the winter months, Ouray’s Ice Park is a popular attraction for ice climbers. You and your dog can watch the climbers from designated viewing areas for a unique experience. Visit the ice park website for updates.
- Shop at Pet-Friendly Stores: Explore some of the shops in Ouray that welcome dogs. Some stores may even have treats for your four-legged friend. As you’re wandering through downtown, most stores have signs in the windows to tell you whether your pup is allowed or not.
- Drive the Million Dollar Highway: Take a scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway (US Route 550), which offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. There are pull-off areas where you can stop and enjoy the scenery with your dog. You can make this activity into a full day by stopping to explore Silverton & Durango. Click here for my Guide to the Million Dollar Highway!
- Attend Pet-Friendly Events: Depending on the time of year, Ouray may host pet-friendly events. Check the local event calendar or Eventbrite for upcoming events in the area!
Best Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Ouray, Colorado
Ouray is a fantastic destination for scenic hiking with dogs in the San Juan Mountains. All hiking trails in Ouray are dog friendly!
- Perimeter Trail: This is a popular 5.5-mile loop that encircles the town of Ouray & offers beautiful views of the town, surrounding mountains, and Box Canyon Falls. It’s a great introduction to hiking in the area. You can take various trails down into Ouray from this trail to stop for coffee, lunch, etc, so this is a fun trail!
- We brought our dog on part of this trail & really liked it! The Baby Bathtubs Trail portion of the Perimeter Trail is great! Our dog loved getting to swim.
- Blue Lakes Trail: Located near Ridgway, a short drive from Ouray, the Blue Lakes Trail is a beautiful option for a longer day hike. The trail is dog-friendly, but it can be steep and challenging in places, so be prepared.
- We did this trail with our dog and LOVED it. This trail was my favorite part of our entire trip. My husband & I struggled with the elevation, but our pup had no issues. If you have a dog that loves swimming like ours, this trail is perfect. You’ll encounter tons of water crossings, as well as multiple alpine lakes. Click here to read more about our experience on this trail! Spoiler: it’s insanely beautiful!
- Ice Lakes Trail: A challenging hike, the Ice Lakes Trail takes you to the stunning Ice Lake Basin. The turquoise-colored alpine lakes and wildflowers make it one of the most scenic hikes in the region. It’s about 7 miles roundtrip.
- Cascade Falls Trail: A short, relatively easy hike, the Cascade Falls Trail is about 1 mile round trip and leads to a picturesque waterfall.
Dog Friendly Backpacking Trails in Ouray, Colorado
Backpacking with dogs in and around Ouray, Colorado, offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the stunning San Juan Mountains and experience the great outdoors. Here are a few backpacking trails in and around Ouray where dogs are typically allowed:
- Blue Lakes Trail: Located near Ridgway, Colorado, this trail offers backpacking opportunities with your dog. The trail leads to the beautiful Blue Lakes, known for their vibrant blue color.
- Ice Lakes Basin: The Ice Lakes Basin near Silverton, Colorado, offers stunning alpine scenery and backpacking opportunities. Dogs are generally allowed, but it’s essential to be aware of the steep terrain and elevation gain. Ensure your dog is well-prepared for high-altitude hiking.
- Wetterhorn Basin: Wetterhorn Basin, near Lake City, Colorado, is another backpacking destination that may allow dogs. As with other alpine areas, be prepared for challenging terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions.
- Uncompahgre Wilderness: The Uncompahgre Wilderness, encompassing a vast area around Ouray, offers numerous backpacking trails where dogs are generally allowed.
- Thistledown Campground: Located in the Uncompahgre National Forest, this campground provides a good base for backpacking trips. Be sure to check the forest’s regulations regarding dogs and camping.
Remember that dogs are not allowed in some wilderness areas, and regulations may change. Always check the most current information before planning your backpacking trip with your dog, and prioritize safety and responsible outdoor practices.
Dog Friendly Off Roading Trails in Ouray, Colorado
Ouray, Colorado, is a fantastic destination for off-roading enthusiasts, and there are several dog-friendly off-roading trails in the area where you can explore the stunning landscapes with your four-legged friend. Here are some dog-friendly off-roading trails in and around Ouray:
- Alpine Loop: The Alpine Loop is one of the most famous off-roading routes in the Ouray area. While dogs are generally allowed, be aware that some sections of the loop may have steep terrain and rough conditions, so ensure your dog is comfortable with off-roading.
- Imogene Pass: This challenging high-elevation trail connects Ouray to Telluride and offers breathtaking views. Dogs are allowed but should be prepared for the elevation and weather changes.
- Yankee Boy Basin: Yankee Boy Basin is known for its wildflowers and stunning vistas.
- We LOVED this drive. It’s a great trail if you’ve never been off-roading before as it’s simple, but still gorgeous.
- Governor Basin: Governor Basin is another scenic area where you can off-road with your dog. Enjoy views of rugged mountains and colorful wildflowers.
- Mineral Creek Trail: This is a moderate off-roading trail that allows dogs. Enjoy views of mineral-streaked mountains and water crossings.
- Picayune Gulch: This trail is typically dog-friendly and offers opportunities for exploration in a beautiful alpine setting.
Always check trail conditions and regulations before heading out, as off-roading rules and dog-friendly policies can change. It’s essential to prioritize safety and comfort for both you and your furry companion while exploring the off-roading trails around Ouray.
Dog Friendly Accommodations in Ouray, Colorado
When it comes to finding pet-friendly accommodations in Ouray, you have several options:
Pet Friendly Hotels
Several hotels in Ouray are pet-friendly. Check with the hotel in advance for their pet policy, any additional fees, and whether there are any restrictions on dog size or breed.
- Ouray Inn:
- Comfortable and affordable accommodations in the heart of Ouray. With its convenient location, you’ll have easy access to the town’s attractions and activities.
- Pet Policy: Their policy is not clearly listed on their website at this time. Please call for more info.
- Ouray Main Street Inn:
- Cozy lodging with a charming mountain-town ambiance. Enjoy the convenience of being directly on Main Street.
- Pet Policy: per night pet fee, 2 dogs allowed per room. Read more here.
- Ouray Riverside Resort:
- Offers a range of accommodation options, including a riverside inn and cabins. It’s an ideal choice if you want to explore the beautiful surroundings and perhaps rent a jeep for an adventure.
- Pet Policy: Select pet-friendly cabins. Dogs are also allowed in RV sites. Find more info, including pet fees, here.
- Quality Inn:
- Modern amenities and comfortable rooms for travelers. It’s conveniently located to explore Ouray’s attractions.
- Pet Policy: Pets are allowed in certain rooms with a per night fee. Read more here.
- Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs:
- Lodge with an on-site hot springs pool & stunning mountain views.
- Pet Policy: They have specific pet-friendly rooms with a per night pet fee & only allow two dogs per room. Read more here.
- Bear Paw Lodge: Located in Ouray County, the Bear Paw Lodge offers cabin rentals, and some of their cabins are pet-friendly.
Please note that pet policies and fees may vary by room type and availability, so it’s advisable to contact each accommodation directly to confirm their current policies and ensure a pet-friendly stay that meets your needs. Enjoy your stay in dog-friendly Ouray!
Vacation Rentals
Consider renting a pet-friendly vacation home or cabin. This can provide a more homey and spacious environment for both you and your dog. Here are my favorite sites to look for vacation rentals! **Please be sure to read reviews when booking to ensure the accomodation is up to your standards. Also be sure to read the pet policy, as each vacation rental is different.
- Booking.com – This site allows you to earn rewards by booking stays, rental cars, flights, and activities through them. You can then use those rewards to cover costs for a future trip in some way!
- VRBO
- AIRBNB
Campgrounds
Camping with your dogs in the Ouray, Colorado, area can be a memorable experience, as long as you follow campground rules and regulations regarding pets. Here are some campgrounds near Ouray where you can camp with your furry companions:
- Ouray KOA: The Ouray KOA campground welcomes pets. This is a family-friendly campground with amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and a dog park.
- This is where we stayed with our dog & liked it! They had a special walking trail for pets & lots of amenities – including a restaurant, coffee shop, and hot tub. It was in a great location to town as well.
- Amphitheatre Campground: Located just outside of Ouray, this U.S. Forest Service campground offers tent and RV sites. Dogs are generally allowed, but they must be kept on a leash or under control at all times.
- Angel Creek Campground: Situated in Uncompahgre National Forest, Angel Creek Campground is another pet-friendly option. You can enjoy camping in a beautiful mountain setting with your dogs.
- Ridgway State Park: While not in Ouray itself, Ridgway State Park is nearby and offers camping opportunities. The Dakota Terraces and Elk Ridge campgrounds are known to be pet-friendly.
- Dispersed Camping: If you’re looking for a more rugged camping experience, consider dispersed camping in the Uncompahgre National Forest or BLM lands near Ouray.
Dog Services (Daycare, Grooming, Supplies)
Unfortunately, with Ouray being a smaller town, your options for pet supply stores or daycares are limited. Venturing to further, bigger towns such as Telluride or Durango does give you more options.
- Ouray Dog Company: This company is a one stop shop for dog services! They provide daycare & overnight boarding, as well as grooming. They also have a small store with dog food, treats, collars, toys, and more.
- Ouray Hardware & Mercantile: While this is a hardware store, they do have a small variety of pet supplies.
- Rocky Mountain Hound: While this pet store is technically in Ridgway, it’s only a 15 min drive or so from Ouray. They sell dog food, treats, collars, and more.
- Dirt Dawg Co: Here you’ll find grooming, self dog wash stations, and a full pet supply store. This is in telluride, approximately one hour from Ouray.
- Dog Parks – One is at the intersection of 1st Street and 8th Avenue. Another is Fellin Park, adjacent to the Ouray hot springs.
Veterinary Services
Same as with services listed in the previous section of this post, vet options in Ouray are limited. Traveling to bigger towns such as Durango or Telluride do provide more options. While I hope you don’t have a need for veterinary services while traveling, it’s always good to have the info on hand incase!
- Ouray County Veterinary Services: They provide routine, urgent, and emergency visits.
- Ridgway Animal Hospital: They also provide routine, urgent, and emergency visits. Ridgway is about 15 min from Ouray.
Dog Friendly Swimming Spots in Ouray, Colorado
If you’re looking for places where your dog can go swimming near Ouray, Colorado, you have a few options. While Ouray itself doesn’t have designated dog-friendly swimming areas, there are nearby lakes and rivers where you can take your furry friend for a refreshing swim:
- Uncompahgre River: The Uncompahgre River flows through Ouray, and there are access points where dogs can wade into the water.
- Ridgway Reservoir: Located a short drive from Ouray, Ridgway State Park offers a reservoir where you can enjoy boating, fishing, and picnicking. Dogs are allowed in the park, but they must be on a leash. While swimming opportunities for dogs might be limited in the reservoir itself, your pup can still cool off at the water’s edge.
- Telluride: Town of Telluride, about an hour’s drive away, has a popular dog-friendly swimming spot called the “Cornet Creek Falls Trail.” This trail leads to a waterfall and a shallow pool where dogs can swim and play.
- Various trails & surrounding streams: Explore nearby lakes, creeks, and streams in the San Juan Mountains. There may be opportunities for your dog to swim in natural bodies of water.
- Private Rentals: If you’re staying in a pet-friendly vacation rental with access to a private pond or creek, you may have the opportunity to let your dog swim in a controlled and safe environment. Check with the property owner for any specific rules regarding pets and swimming.
Ouray, Colorado, offers a warm welcome to dogs and their owners, making it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures and quality time with your furry companion. From hiking trails to dog-friendly dining, there’s no shortage of pet-friendly activities in this mountain paradise. So, pack your bags, leash up your pup, and embark on a memorable journey to dog-friendly Ouray.
