Colorado dog-friendly hiking?

[CaraRose]

So our friends we're meeting in CO will have their dog, Maggie. Since dogs aren't allowed on trails in RMNP, they're getting worried about what to do with her. I know Roosevelt and Arapaho NF have trails that allow dogs, but the NFS site is down and I can't find much info on them.

Anyone know any good hikes near the Estes Park side of RMNP in either of these NFs?

Thanks in advance!

[Singletracklovr]

NP and Wilderness areas usually don't allow dogs. But most NF only have leash rules. Some say on a leash other specify 6' leash.

From Bob's secret stash of totally awesome places to hike and photograph.

Drive to Golden Gate Canyon State Park West of Boulder and try
the 1.7 mile Elk Trail. Park at Ole Barn Knoll and hike North. Beautiful Mtn Meadow full of wild flowers. MAcro lens and tubes a must.

If they want more, The Muledeer Trail to Fraisers Meadow is awesome. Park at Panorama Point and find the trail going South.

Both of these trails are up and backs not loops. If you have two cars you can shuttle which will allow you to cover more trail and mostly walk down hill. Highly recommended.

MAP of trails.
http://parks.state.co.us/SiteCollect...20Area2-03.pdf


Hike #2 IF there is only one hike planned this would be it. Wide angle lens with cir-pl recommended.

Ward CO. Find Brainard Lake Rd. Drive to Brainard Lake, park and Hike to Long Lake. Up and back. 1.5 miles.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Ward+C...ed=0CB8Q8gEwAA


Ward CO. Brainard Lake. Don't tell anyone.... It's a secret.....




Both of these places are in Roosevelt NF. From Estes head South on Hwy 7 to Hwy 72.

[CaraRose]

Thanks Bob! If we do two cars at Golden Gate, what trailheads do you suggest we start/end at?

And just to pass this on, my mom said that your shot is gorgeous.

[Singletracklovr]

Thanks Bob! If we do two cars at Golden Gate, what trailheads do you suggest we start/end at?

And just to pass this on, my mom said that your shot is gorgeous.

You are very welcome and thank your Mom for her comment on my photo. It's hard to take a bad picture up there.
Brainard Lake in Ward CO. is a very special place and Long Lake is even more beautiful with Pawnee Pass in the Background.

Golden Gate, Elk Trail.
Park 1 car at the Ole Barn Knoll(end of hike) and drive the other North to the Panorama Point. Hike South following the Elk Trail. The trail is well marked with Elk Hoof signs (see map).
About 1/4 mile down the trail you will cross the road you drove up on. The Wild Flower Meadow will be just past the road crossing. Hiking South will be mostly down hill the whole way. Beautiful Hike.

Entering the Wild Flower Meadow... This was August so the wild flowers were just about over. You are hitting it at Peak Wild Flower time.


Just another shot on the trail.