The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Lakewood

Lakewood offers a wide selection of dog-friendly hiking trails. This guide features 13 routes, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate challenges, ensuring there's something for every dog and owner.

Lakewood's trails are enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer mornings and evenings are ideal to avoid the heat. Even in colder months, trails on Green Mountain and in Bear Creek Lake Park remain open, transforming into winter wonderlands suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing after snowfall. Always check weather conditions and trail status before heading out.

Yes, Lakewood has plenty of easy dog-friendly options. For a gentle walk, consider the Ancient Palms and Basalt Cap Loop, which is just over 4 km. Another great choice is the Green Mountain and Rooney Valley Loop, offering a slightly longer but still easy 6.2 km path with minimal elevation gain.

Lakewood's dog-friendly trails offer diverse terrain. You'll find expansive open spaces and rolling grasslands, particularly around Green Mountain. Many routes also feature paths around lakes and reservoirs, often lined with cottonwood forests, like those found near Bear Creek Lake Park. Expect a mix of well-trodden dirt paths and some rocky sections, especially on higher elevations.

For a more challenging experience, consider the Green Mountain Peak loop from Green Mountain. This moderate 7.2 km route involves a significant elevation gain of over 240 meters, offering a good workout and rewarding views from the peak.

Many dog-friendly trails offer stunning views and access to natural landmarks. From higher elevations like Green Mountain Peak, you can enjoy panoramic views of Denver and the Front Range. You might also encounter beautiful lakes such as Bear Creek Lake, which is a central feature of Bear Creek Lake Park, or the expansive Chatfield Reservoir nearby.

While specific permit requirements for dogs are not generally needed for most public trails in Lakewood, it's crucial to always keep your dog on a leash, especially in open space parks and natural areas, to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other trail users. Always pack out waste and respect posted signage regarding dog access in certain areas.

Yes, many dog-friendly trails in Lakewood are loops, providing varied scenery without retracing your steps. Examples include the Carl's Point – Carl's Point loop from Applewood, a 4.6 km easy route, and the Carl's Point – Ancient Palms Trail loop from Applewood, which is a 6.5 km easy option.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in Lakewood, with an average score of 4.69 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the stunning views from Green Mountain, and the peaceful atmosphere around the lakes and open spaces, making them perfect for outings with canine companions.

Most major trailheads in Lakewood, especially at popular parks like William Frederick Hayden Green Mountain Park and Bear Creek Lake Park, offer ample parking. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends or during peak seasons to secure a spot, particularly for routes like the Green Mountain Peak loop.

While many trails in Lakewood are more easily accessible by car, some areas may be reachable via RTD (Regional Transportation District) bus routes. For specific routes, it's best to check the RTD website for schedules and stops near your desired trailhead, keeping in mind that the final approach to some trailheads might still require a short walk.