Canine Staycation in Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Luie Boone
- 6 hours ago
- 9 min read
This travel spot is featured in our fifth blog series, Bowwows Belong.
If you ask Luie Boone, the U.S. Air Force Academy is basically where future sky hoomans train… under the supervision of actual sky professionals. At the Academy in Colorado Springs, cadets go through intense training to become Air Force officers. They march. They run. They practice discipline. But sometimes, nature swoops in to remind everyone who really owns the airspace.
The Academy is home to golden eagle nests, and during training these massive, magnificent birds glide overhead, casting giant shadows across the parade grounds and runways. Luie Boone would absolutely freeze mid sniff and look up in awe!
Seeing a golden eagle soar above cadets preparing to defend the skies is one of those moments that blends power, grace, and purpose into a single breathtaking scene. It's discipline meeting wild freedom. It is structured training beneath untamed wings. Luie Boone thinks that is very poetic for a dog who once barked at his own reflection.
Luie Boone would also be amiss if he didn't mention his personal connection with golden eagles... it's that one of his hooman sisters, Rachel, is one! She went to Marquette University, which is the home of the Golden Eagles.
Next time you are in Colorado Springs, look up. The eagles might be taking flight right above you. Luie Boone recommends dramatic upward gazing for full effect.
Now, speaking of Colorado Springs. From Luie Boone’s professional travel opinion, this city is elite tier for a dog friendly vacation. Mountain views in every direction. Fresh air that smells like pine and possibility. An outdoor culture where pups are not just tolerated but celebrated. It feels less like tagging along and more like being the honored guest.
Garden of the Gods is a must. Leashed dogs are welcome on paved paths and many surrounding trails, which means you can strut past towering red rock formations with Pikes Peak posing dramatically in the background. Early mornings are cooler and quieter, which Luie Boone strongly supports because it allows for uninterrupted sniff operations.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space offers miles of dog friendly trails with different difficulty levels and plenty of scenic rest stops. Palmer Park and Bear Creek Regional Park provide open space, shaded paths, and even creek access for cooling off after an ambitious adventure. Luie Boone considers creek splashes a reward system.
Dining is equally accommodating. The city’s patio culture makes it easy to bring your pup along. Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar is a favorite among travelers with pets and even offers a dog menu at some locations. Local spots like Shuga’s and Pub Dog Colorado welcome dogs on their patios, while breweries such as Goat Patch Brewing Company, Red Leg Brewing Company, and Storybook Brewing allow leashed pups to relax outside while hoomans enjoy local craft drinks. Luie Boone believes patios with mountain views elevate any meal.
A little preparation goes a long way. Colorado Springs sits at higher elevation, so hydration is important for both hoomans and pups. Take it slow at first, especially if you are not used to the altitude. Weather can shift quickly, so layers and attention to your dog’s comfort are key. Leash laws are enforced in most parks and trails, and bringing waste bags and extra water keeps adventures smooth.
Overall, Colorado Springs is the kind of destination where dogs are genuinely included. Scenic hikes, pet friendly lodging, welcoming patios, and wide open skies create a setting where shared memories come naturally. If you ask Luie Boone, it is a place that understands the assignment.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Check it out below!
Rental Name: The Purple House
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 5 beds and 2 baths.
Photos by VRBO.com
It features the following amenities:
Located in Colorado Springs near Broadmoor
Front porch with great views of the sun
Back deck with spacious views of the mountains
Private lower back deck with gas heat lamp for cool Colorado evenings
Lower patio in back for enjoying quiet mornings
Outdoor dining
Fenced yard
Minutes from incredible hiking
...also Luie Boone thinks it's PAW-SOME that the house is purple! It's his hooman sister, Brooke's favorite color.
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
My hoomans have a vacation planned at this Colorado Springs home called The Purple House. I already know it's going to be unforgettable. For starters, the house is purple. Not shy lavender. Not barely tinted. Purple! I fully support bold architectural choices. And from everything I've heard, it sounds cozy and welcoming, perfectly designed for recovering after long mountain adventures. The fenced-in yard has my full attention, offering a secure zoom zone with space for high speed sprints and a flatter area for relaxed patrol walks. Multiple decks mean prime sunbathing territory, grill supervision duty, and elevated mountain monitoring during cool Colorado evenings. Inside, there's a fireplace for cozy nights, comfortable furniture for serious napping, and a well stocked kitchen that promises excellent food smells. The views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range sound dramatic in the best way. I'm already imagining quiet mornings and glowing sunsets spent beside my hoomans. We'll also be close to hiking, downtown exploring, and places like Garden of the Gods, which means adventure by day and peaceful purple house vibes by night. I'm fairly certain this bold little mountain home is going to deliver good walks, warm naps, and very happy tail wags!
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Seven Bridges
The Seven Bridges Trail in North Cheyenne Cañon Park follows a lively creek through shaded forest, creating a cool and scenic hike for hoomans and their pups. The steady sound of water rushing over rocks makes the entire walk feel peaceful and refreshing.
As the name suggests, hikers cross seven wooden bridges along the way, each one offering a different vantage point over the creek. The trail eventually leads into Jones Park, a beautiful open meadow that bursts with wildflowers in the spring.
Dogs are allowed on the trail and will love splashing in the creek beside the path.
However, it's important to note that portions of the area can carry a moderate avalanche risk during certain winter and early spring conditions. Checking local weather and trail reports before heading out is always a smart move.
Mount Cutler Trail is located just a few miles southwest of downtown Colorado Springs in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, making it a convenient adventure with a big payoff. This one-way trail begins at a trailhead off North Cheyenne Cañon Road and steadily climbs through shaded forest as it works its way toward the summit. As you gain elevation, the views begin to open up.
Hikers are treated to sweeping sights of Stratton Open Space, Seven Falls, and the Will Rogers Shrine rising in the distance. The steady incline makes it a satisfying workout without feeling overwhelming, and the overlook at the top is well worth the climb. Dogs are welcome to join the hike, making it a great way to share mountain views with your canine companion.
Siamese Twins
Hike the Siamese Twins Trail in Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs for a short, scenic loop that leads to two red sandstone hoodoos sitting side by side. Step behind the formations and snap a photo of your pup through the natural rock window with Pikes Peak framed in the distance. This is a popular spot with both tourists and locals, so be ready to share the trail. Leashes and good trail manners help keep the adventure smooth for everyone.
Luie Boone would like it noted that he fully expected actual Siamese cats. He arrived prepared for polite feline introductions and respectful sniff negotiations. Instead, it was rocks, which is just fine. He's not a big fan of cats, really. He's only fond of his kitty brother, Tobi, and his kitty cousin, Scooter!
Ute Valley Park
Ute Valley Park is a favorite spot in Colorado Springs for hiking, mountain biking, dog walking, and running. With sweeping vistas, striking geological formations, and destination level trails, it offers big adventure energy while still being easily accessible from nearby neighborhoods and the city. It's the kind of place where a quick outing can turn into a full afternoon of exploring.
The park is also home to diverse wildlife, native vegetation, and rich archaeological features that reflect the area’s deep history. Luie Boone considers it a prime location for serious sniff research, though he understands that some discoveries are meant to be admired, not investigated too closely... like sharp, pointy things... you know, like the sticks that he always manages to poke himself in the eye with.
Stratton Open Space spans 318 acres of scenic terrain in Colorado Springs, offering trails, wildlife habitat, and one very popular feature for pups... a dog beach! This reservoir is a favorite swimming spot where dogs can wade and splash off leash in a designated area, making it a top choice for water loving canines. Luie Boone hopes there's a good cannonballing spot! If not, he'll make his hoomans make one.
Many pet parents mention that the water here is slightly deeper than other dog friendly creeks nearby, which makes it especially fun for confident swimmers (and for cannonballers!). Surrounded by trees and mountain views, the setting feels both peaceful and energizing at the same time. Luie Boone considers it an elite splash zone and strongly supports any destination that ends with wet paws.
Pulpit Rock
Pulpit Rock is a hidden gem near downtown Colorado Springs, tucked inside Pulpit Rock Park, which is full of pup-friendly trails. Some paths are wide and well maintained, perfect for an easy cruise with your canine companion. Others are smaller, twistier, and a little confusing, which makes them fun for adventurous sniffers who enjoy a bit of mystery. Luie Boone has an A+ rated sniffer, so he's approved for mystery solving!
The highlight here is the climb up to the Pulpit Rock ridgeline. The ascent is moderately challenging, while the perimeter trails offer a gentler walk. At the top, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the Rockies that make the effort worthwhile.
Please note that it's possible to fall from Pulpit Rock, which would not be ideal for anyone involved. While you would have to work at it, this is not the place for edge dancing or risky paw placement. Luie Boone recommends confident footing, leashes where appropriate, and admiring the view without testing gravity.
The Promenade Shops at Briargate
The Promenade Shops at Briargate in Colorado Springs welcome you and your pup to stroll, shop, and soak up the fresh air. This open air shopping center features more than 40 shops and restaurants, making it an easy stop for browsing, dining, and people watching.
Many stores invite dogs inside, so keep an eye out for the "Pets Welcome" decal posted on participating storefronts. Wide walkways and patio seating make it comfortable for leashed pups to tag along while hoomans explore. Luie Boone hopes this shopping trip includes getting him some fun goodies, like treats and treats and more treats.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar has officially earned Luie Boone’s enthusiastic bark of approval. As promised, he has thoughts. First and foremost, pups have their own dog menu, featuring options like hamburger patties or grilled chicken with brown rice.
Hoomans, meanwhile, can tackle bold menu items like the PB and J Burger, stacked with candied bacon, Havarti cheese, peanut butter, grape jelly, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Luie Boone loves peanut butter and would appreciate a nibble or two on that burger.
Despite the name, Lazy Dog, Luie Boone would like to acknowledge the common misconception that he's lazy. He's actually selectively energetic. He conserves strength for important activities such as supervising cooking and sprinting toward dropped food. After that, however, he fully embraces the brand.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Colorado Springs, Colorado
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed
My hoomans have planned a vacation to Colorado Springs and they are very excited. I'm excited too. I'm also suspicious. I overheard them in the kitchen scrolling on their phones saying things like it can be sunny, snowing, windy, and cold all in the same day. That felt like advanced chaos and I didn't agree to it. I prefer clarity. Sunny means nap in sun beams. Cold means blanket burrito. Snow means cautious one paw test followed by zoomies if approved. Wind means absolutely not. Colorado Springs apparently says we can experience all of this before lunch. Not before lunch, what the heck! My hoomans are packing layers. I'm packing my fur and my emotional resilience. They keep saying I'm built for this. Me? Nah-uh, I disagree respectfully. I have a coat, not a meteorology degree. One minute the air could smell warm and piney, the next it could smell sharp and frozen like the wind is personally attacking my ears. Still, I cannot deny that mountain air probably smells incredible. Snow, cold, and high altitude breeze likely carry dramatic wilderness updates that my nose deserves to process. So no, I don't love unpredictable weather. But I will endure it bravely. I will stare intensely at mountains. I will nap with commitment afterward. And I will absolutely accept treats as compensation, especially if it starts snowing during my potty break.
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