Canine Companion Chronicles: Chaffee County, Colorado
This travel spot is featured in our seventh blog series, Sheps Stay.
Some dogs were made for the mountains. Give them a trail to sniff, a river to splash in, and a whole new town to explore, and you may have just found their perfect vacation. In Chaffee County, Colorado, the adventure isn’t just for the humans—it’s a place where your pup can enjoy the journey right alongside you.
Mountain adventures are even better when your best four-legged friend gets to come along. Chaffee County, Colorado, offers an inviting mix of scenic trails, the Arkansas River, charming mountain towns, outdoor patios, and pet-friendly places to stay, making it an excellent destination for a vacation with your dog.
The four communities that make great home bases for a dog-friendly Chaffee County getaway are Salida, Buena Vista, Nathrop, and Poncha Springs. Each has its own personality, outdoor attractions, restaurants, and lodging options, so you can choose the experience that best fits you and your pup.
Salida is one of the easiest places in Chaffee County to enjoy with your dog. Its colorful downtown along the Arkansas River is ideal for a leisurely stroll, offering beautiful mountain views and plenty of places to explore along the way. When your pup needs to burn off some energy, head to Loyal Duke’s Dog Park, a popular fenced-in area where dogs can run and play off leash. For more adventure, the nearby Arkansas Hills Trail System offers miles of trails and stunning mountain views, while the Arkansas River corridor provides a more relaxed setting for a walk with your dog. Be sure to check current trail regulations and keep your dog leashed wherever required.
After a day of exploring, stop by pet-friendly Brown Dog Coffee, where pups can relax alongside their owners at one of the two outdoor sidewalk tables. Grab a coffee or tea and pair it with one of the café’s pastries, sandwiches, soups, salads, or other menu offerings—a perfect way to refuel before the next adventure.
Just north of Salida, Buena Vista is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts—and it’s just as inviting for dogs. Set against the spectacular Collegiate Peaks, the town offers easy access to the Arkansas River, hiking, biking, and plenty of opportunities to get outside with your pup. A great place to let your dog stretch their legs is Riverpark Dog Park, where pups can run, play, and socialize near the river. You can also explore the walking paths around town, but be sure to check current trail regulations before heading into the mountains with your dog. When it’s time to take a break, downtown Buena Vista has several restaurants and breweries with outdoor seating where dogs can join their owners. Station 24 Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, salads, and baked goods, along with pup cups on its seasonal covered patio. For something sweet, stop by Louie’s Ice Cream Shop, where dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables and can even enjoy a pup cup alongside their humans.
Just south of Buena Vista, Nathrop offers a quieter mountain escape surrounded by spectacular scenery. With the Collegiate Peaks as a backdrop, it makes a peaceful home base for dog owners who want to spend their days hiking, taking scenic drives, and exploring the mountains with their pups. For a rewarding outing, head to Browns Creek Falls, a popular nearby hike where leashed dogs can join the adventure. When it’s time to refuel, Mary Murphy Steak House at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort offers outdoor seating where dogs are welcome, along with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Nathrop also puts you within easy reach of St. Elmo Ghost Town, where you and your leashed pup can wander through this historic mountain community and experience a memorable piece of Colorado’s past. It’s a fun change of pace from the trails and a great way to add a little history to your mountain getaway.
West of Salida, Poncha Springs is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a quieter place to stay while remaining within easy reach of the rest of Chaffee County. This small mountain community offers a peaceful setting surrounded by the natural beauty of the western Arkansas River Valley, with hiking trails, scenic drives, and plenty of opportunities to explore with your dog. Nearby, Waterdog Lakes Trail welcomes leashed dogs and offers a chance to experience the area’s mountain scenery together. The surrounding public lands also provide plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring, giving you and your pup room to enjoy the outdoors at a more relaxed pace. a day on the trails, grab a meal from The FlaminGo, a popular local food truck serving fresh, flavorful dishes. With outdoor picnic seating, it’s a casual and convenient spot where you can enjoy a bite to eat with your four-legged companion before heading off to your next adventure.
Traveling with your dog in Chaffee County takes a little preparation. Colorado’s high elevation, dry air, strong sun, and changing weather can be challenging for pets, especially if they aren’t accustomed to the conditions. Bring plenty of water, give your dog time to adjust to the elevation, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and protect their paws from hot pavement, sharp rocks, and rough trails.
Wildlife is another important consideration. Chaffee County is home to elk, deer, moose, black bears, mountain lions, and other wildlife. When exploring with your dog, keep them leashed and give wildlife plenty of space. These simple precautions help protect both your dog and the animals you encounter.
With scenic trails, outdoor recreation, dog-friendly patios, and welcoming accommodations, Chaffee County makes it easy to turn a mountain getaway into an adventure you can share with your best friend. Spend the morning hiking in Buena Vista, enjoy lunch with your pup in Salida, take in the mountain scenery around Nathrop, or make Poncha Springs your home base for a quieter escape.
Wherever you choose to stay, Chaffee County offers plenty of opportunities to make memories together—because the best mountain adventures are even better when your dog gets to come along.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone had paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Chaffee County, Colorado. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Heart of the Rockies River Getaway
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 6 beds and 2 baths.
Photos by Pinon Vacation Rentals
It features the following amenities:
Located steps from the Arkansas River
Fully appointed kitchen
Covered back deck
BBQ grill
Private fenced yard featuring outdoor furniture
Convenient access to the nearby trails on 'S' Mountain
2 well behaved dogs allowed
What would Luie Boone have thought of this rental? He would have woofed:
My humans had planned a vacation at the Heart of the Rockies River Getaway in downtown Salida, Colorado, but I passed away before we could go. They loved me too much to take the trip without me, so they stayed home. I would have loved the spacious fenced backyard along the Arkansas River, with plenty of room to sniff and explore while my humans enjoyed the covered deck, BBQ grill, propane fire pit, and beautiful river and mountain views. We would have walked to downtown Salida, explored the riverfront paths, and ventured onto the nearby S Mountain trails. I even heard about another pup, Gabby, who had stayed there and loved running freely in the big grassy yard. The property has plenty of animal visitors too. Deer sometimes wander through the backyard, so my humans would have checked for wildlife before letting me outside. Our Chaffee County, Colorado adventure never happened as my humans knew it wouldn't be the same without their best friend. And that's how I know just how deeply I was loved!
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone had sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Chaffee County, Colorado!
Monarch at the Crest Scenic Tramway
Monarch at the Crest Scenic Tramway offers a memorable way to experience Colorado’s high country with your dog.
The tram carries you from Monarch Pass to 12,012 feet, where you and your four-legged companion can step out and take in spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
Dogs are welcome aboard the tram, making it a unique dog-friendly attraction in Chaffee County.
Once at the summit, take some time to enjoy the panoramic scenery, snap a few photos, and explore the area together before riding the tram back down.
With the high elevation and changing mountain weather, be sure to bring water for your dog, keep them leashed, and dress for cooler temperatures.
For dog owners who want to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Continental Divide without a strenuous hike, the Scenic Tramway is an unforgettable experience.
Waterdog Lakes
Waterdog Lakes in Chaffee County, Colorado, is a beautiful alpine destination featuring Waterdog Lake (Lower Waterdog Lake) and Upper Waterdog Lake.
A scenic, steep trail winds through forest and alpine terrain before reaching the lakes beneath the Continental Divide, making it a rewarding adventure for hikers and their leashed dogs.
Despite the name, Waterdog Lakes weren't named after dogs.
The first and largest lake, Waterdog Lake, is named for the Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), also known as a “waterdog.”
The lakes are known for their peaceful setting, clear mountain waters, fishing, and dramatic alpine scenery.
Keep in mind that this is bear country, so it's important to stay alert and practice good bear-safety habits. Keep dogs leashed and close by, never leave food or trash behind, and give wildlife plenty of space.
With a little preparation and respect for the environment, Waterdog Lakes is a wonderful place to enjoy Colorado's high country with your four-legged companion.
Ruby Mountain
Ruby Mountain in Chaffee County, Colorado, is a scenic destination overlooking the Arkansas River in the heart of Browns Canyon National Monument.
Despite its name, the mountain was not known for producing gem-quality rubies.
Instead, it gained its name from the reddish hues found in some of the area's mineral-rich rocks, adding to its colorful character.
The mountain is made up of ancient granite and other rock formations that date back more than a billion years, making it a fascinating stop for geology enthusiasts.
Although mineral collecting is no longer allowed within the national monument, the landscape remains a beautiful place to appreciate Colorado's rugged natural history.
Dogs are welcome on the trails leading around Ruby Mountain, making it a great spot to enjoy fresh mountain air with your four-legged companion. Keep your pup under control, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for sunny, exposed sections of trail.
With sweeping views, unique geology, and a peaceful setting, Ruby Mountain is a memorable stop for hikers exploring Chaffee County.
Salida Trail with Trail Tales of the Earth
Salida Trail with Trail Tales of the Earth is an easy, dog-friendly way to explore Salida while discovering the area’s natural and human history.
The paved trail begins near the Arkansas River and follows the former Monarch Spur Railroad corridor, offering views of the river, surrounding mountains, and open landscapes.
With gentle terrain, it’s a relaxing outing for dogs and their owners, and dogs are welcome on leash.
Along the route, Trail Tales of the Earth interpretive stations share stories about the Arkansas River Valley’s ecology, environment, wildlife, and history.
The trail also connects visitors with Salida’s railroad past, following an old rail corridor that once served the communities and industries west of town.
With its river scenery, mountain views, fascinating history, and easy walking, Salida Trail with Trail Tales of the Earth is a great way to experience Salida with your four-legged companion.
St. Elmo Ghost Town
Near Nathrop, Colorado, high in the beautiful Sawatch Range, St. Elmo Ghost Town is a fun stop for history lovers, mountain adventurers, and dog owners.
The old wooden buildings and quiet streets offer a glimpse into Colorado’s mining past, while the surrounding mountains make the scenery unforgettable.
And then there are the squirrels!
St. Elmo’s famous squirrels are everywhere, darting around the buildings and happily entertaining visitors.
Your dog will probably find them even more exciting than the historic town, so be sure to keep your pup leashed and close by. Please don’t let your dog chase them.
Take a stroll down the historic main street, enjoy the mountain views, and let your dog experience all the new sights and smells. Bring water, waste bags, and be prepared for changing mountain weather.
With its Old West charm, beautiful scenery, and entertaining squirrels, St. Elmo makes for a memorable dog-friendly Colorado adventure.
Monumental Expeditions
Monumental Expeditions in Nathrop offers a unique way to enjoy the Arkansas River with your dog—by rafting together!
Dogs are welcome on select Class I–III trips, with the gentler Salida Valley section often recommended as the best option for canine companions.
Because not every trip is suitable for dogs, you'll need to contact Monumental Expeditions in advance for approval.
Dogs must wear a properly fitted life jacket and should be comfortable around water and the activity of rafting.
For adventurous dogs and their owners, rafting with Monumental Expeditions is a fun and memorable way to experience the beauty of Chaffee County from the river.
Browns Creek Falls
Browns Creek Falls is one of Chaffee County's most scenic natural attractions, offering a spectacular waterfall surrounded by towering pines, granite cliffs, and beautiful mountain scenery.
The cascading falls provide a rewarding destination for outdoor enthusiasts and their four-legged companions, making it a favorite stop for visitors exploring the Chaffee County area.
While enjoying the falls, it's important to help protect this fragile environment.
Official signs ask visitors to stay at least 100 feet away from waterways to preserve sensitive riparian habitat and protect native wildlife, including the endangered boreal toad.
Keep your dog leashed, remain on designated trails, and avoid allowing pets to enter the creek or disturb the shoreline.
With its breathtaking scenery and peaceful setting, Browns Creek Falls is a wonderful place to experience Colorado's natural beauty while helping preserve it for future generations.
High Side! Bar & Grill
After a day of exploring Chaffee County with your dog, High Side! Bar & Grill is the perfect place to unwind.
Located along the Arkansas River in downtown Salida, the restaurant welcomes dogs on its spacious outdoor patio, where you can relax with beautiful river views while watching kayakers and rafters pass by.
The menu features burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads, and a great selection of craft beer and cocktails.
Water bowls are often available for canine guests, making your four-legged companion feel just as welcome as you do.
With its friendly atmosphere and dog-friendly patio, High Side! Bar & Grill is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal with your four-legged companion after a day of adventure.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Chaffee County, Colorado
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that would have put Luie Boone's leash in a twist and he would have woofed:
My humans had planned a vacation to Chaffee County, Colorado. They were going to take me way up into the mountains, higher than I had ever been. I wondered why the air would be so different up there. My humans said the higher we went, the thinner the air would get and the less oxygen there would be. I never got to find out. Instead, I crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and my humans decided they could not make that trip without me. The mountains could wait. That vacation was supposed to be ours. Maybe someday they will go and look up at those beautiful Colorado mountains and think of me, running free on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Until then, I'll be waiting for them!
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