Our family has had the opportunity to explore our home state of Colorado extensively this summer. And, our furry family member has joined us for every trip. Getaways have been planned around being able to bring her along. We don’t leave her behind if we can help it. So, this summer we’ve been on a quest to getaway to Colorado pet friendly cabins. We think we’ve found the best ones!
While we love the outdoors, we also love the comfort of a bed and bathroom. Colorado cabins offer the best of both worlds, as well as a door that opens to the outdoors with natural social distancing and easy access to take our dog out.
Waggin’ Tip: Always be sure when booking your pet friendly cabin, or hotel room, that you specify you need a pet friendly room. Some properties have designated cabins or rooms that allow pets but others that don’t. You’ll want to be sure to be in one of those that allow pets.
Although dogs are not allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park, this area of Colorado has the greatest selection of mountain cabins, many of which are dog friendly. But there are other hidden gems of cabins spread throughout the state.
Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies
We had the opportunity to stay in a cabin at YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado. It may be our new favorite Colorado destination.
Snow Mountain Ranch is very clean, friendly and comfortable with absolutely everything a family could want. We felt comfortable letting our kids explore on their own. For a Colorado summer, spending as much time outdoors with your family and dog is ideal.
These pet friendly mountain cabins are truly the way to go. They have full kitchens, bathrooms, lots of space and large decks with outdoor seating, perfect for dinner or a morning coffee. While the decor is basic, they are very comfortable and have everything you could need.
Gas grills are available upon request and were a fantastic addition. Whether making a pancake breakfast or grilling steaks, meals are easy, leaving time for all of the fun activities. Your dog can join you just about anywhere.
Most importantly, Snow Mountain Ranch boasts the most incredible dog park that we’ve ever visited. You should have seen the smile on our dog’s face. It is the largest fenced-in dog park that I have ever seen.
There’s a shaded area with seats and tables for the dog parents, as well as a water fountain for both people and one for dogs too. A sand area for dogs to run, grass beyond and a mini pine forest beyond that. Benches are scattered throughout the park. And, the park has 360 degree views of the surrounding spectacular mountain landscape.
It is actually two fenced in parks which is brilliant. One is for the big dogs, and the other the small dogs. But I have to think that it is a great set up for the rare occasion where dogs may not get along at the park.
Grand Lake Lodge
Highway West Vacations purchased Grand Lake Lodge in 2018 and immediately set to work undergoing renovations. They’ve kept the original character of this National Historic Landmark with the upgrades. The cabins have been remodeled but certainly there are some things that stayed the same. The size of the cabins was set. You can rent half a cabin or a whole cabin. We’d recommend a whole cabin with double queens for a family of four though there are some that can sleep up to five people. Even though there was no wall it was like having two bedrooms. Dogs are welcome with a small fee.
The beds are very comfortable but with a style from the early 1900s. The windows are also small but slide open to the fresh pine smell and green views of the forest, and in some cases the lake. The bathrooms are small in the half cabins but spacious in the double queen full cabin. Most of these Grand Lake Colorado cabins have partially screened in front porches. There’s a small mini fridge and a bathroom. But no kitchen facilities.
There are a handful of hiking trails departing directly from the property. Sadly, dogs are not allowed inside Rocky Mountain National Forest. So, you will be better off heading down the hill towards town.
There are plenty of outdoor spaces where dogs are welcome. There’s a grassy grilling area. But the place to relax is either the Deer Deck with its fire and comfortable couches and rocking chairs, or Colorado’s Favorite Porch, just outside the main entrance to the lodge. You and your dog are sure to find a place to just be at peace here at Grand Lake Lodge.
Estes Park Center, YMCA of the Rockies
The Estes Park Center is bordered on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park. It offers direct access to Rocky Mountain National Park. There are so many fun outdoor activities here including musical performances, art classes, dancing, wildlife viewing, forest education, sports tournaments, family campfires and even night hikes.
Of all areas of Colorado, Estes Park is where you will find the greatest concentration of Colorado mountain cabins.
Estes Park Center has a couple of different lodges, an inn and cabins ranging in size from two bedrooms to four bedrooms. The cabins offer kitchen, bathrooms and all the comforts of home but in a spectacular alpine setting. This is an ideal location for family reunions or large groups. And, many of the cabins are pet friendly with a small fee.
Piney River Ranch
One of the most beautiful and special places in Colorado is Piney Lake, located at Piney River Ranch. The lake and ranch are accessed out of Vail about ten miles away on a windy dirt road. Here a pristine lake reflects the majestic Gore Range of the Colorado Rockies. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, canoeing, paddle boarding and just taking in nature are ways to enjoy the area’s beauty.
Piney River Ranch operates a restaurant, horseback riding, a pier with canoe rentals, as well as cabins and tents, all located right on Piney Lake Vail. Piney River Ranch is a popular location for weddings. And, the Upper Piney Lake Trail is popular with hikers.
The cabins are right on Piney Lake. We didn’t stay in one, but they have a similar layout in the front with a fire pit and gas grill, and parking right next to the cabin. For early or late season, in hindsight, I’d go for one of these. While there’s no heat in the cabins they are much better insulated than a tent.
The ranch is rustic. There are no kitchen, bathroom, or shower amenities in any of the accommodations. There are no guest showers on property. All accommodations share a men’s and women’s guest bathhouse with standard flush toilets. Linens and pillows are provided.
But most importantly, the cabins are truly lakefront and welcome pets with a pet fee. Just open the front door to see the Gore Range reflected on the still lake.
Sylvan Lake State Park
Sylvan Lake State Park is set a few miles outside of Eagle, Colorado. It is a small state park offering camping, as well as rustic cabins on a small pristine lake. Dogs are welcome in some of the cabins with a small fee.
The cabins are small and very rustic. You bring your own bedding. The camper services building provides coin showers and flush toilets during summer. Water is available. Vault toilets are available year-round.
The park itself is a hidden gem. The small lake is pristine and perfect for SUPing and fishing. The backdrop of the Gore Range reflects off the lake.
Waggin’ Tip: Glamping is another great option that combines the outdoors with luxury. And Colorado has lots of great places to glamp.