Dogs are allowed in Colorado National Monument, but their access is highly restricted to paved areas only. The National Park Service manages the monument with a strict policy to protect the park’s natural resources and wildlife. Visitors should understand that the experience will focus on scenic drives and developed areas rather than traditional hiking.
The “Paws on Pavement” Rule: Where Dogs Are Allowed
The governing principle for pets is the “paws on pavement” rule, confining dogs to developed, hard-surface areas. This includes the entire length of the scenic Rim Rock Drive, which offers numerous pull-offs and overlooks. Dogs are permitted at viewpoints accessible directly from the drive.
Pets are also welcome in the Saddlehorn Campground and designated picnic areas, such as Devils Kitchen. When outside a vehicle, dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet. This rule is enforced to ensure the safety of the dog, other visitors, and the desert ecosystem.
Strict Prohibitions and Safety Warnings
Dogs are strictly prohibited from accessing any of the monument’s hiking trails, which includes over 40 miles of paths, or any backcountry areas. This prohibition applies even if the dog is being carried in a backpack, stroller, or bag. Dogs are not permitted to accompany cyclists who are riding along Rim Rock Drive.
Heat and Vehicle Safety
The desert environment presents significant safety hazards that visitors must consider, especially regarding heat. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise by 20°F in just ten minutes, making it deadly for a pet. For this reason, dogs may not be left unattended in vehicles at any time within the monument.
Pavement temperatures can also become dangerously high, particularly during the summer months, posing a risk of severe burns to a dog’s paw pads. If the pavement is too hot for a human hand to hold for seven seconds, protective boots are strongly recommended for any extended walks. Visitors must carry a sufficient supply of water for both themselves and their dog, as water sources are scarce throughout the park.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Hiking Alternatives
For visitors seeking a true hiking experience with their dog, the area surrounding the monument offers numerous alternatives on public lands with less restrictive pet policies. The Colorado National Monument is bordered by lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which generally permit dogs on trails. These BLM areas provide extensive trail systems for hiking with pets.
Excellent nearby options include the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and the Bangs Canyon Recreation Area. Additionally, the paved Riverside Trail, which runs between the towns of Palisade and Fruita, welcomes leashed pets for a longer walk or bike ride.