Best no dogs trails in Boulder

4.5(17,423 reviews)

Explore the most popular no dogs trails near Boulder with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.

Top trails

#1 - Mount Sanitas via Lion's Lair Trail

Very heavily trafficked on weekends, this well-maintained single-track trail switchbacks through Ponderosa Pine forest to the summit of Mount Sanitas. On the way up, you'll pass several overlooks and large boulders. At the top, you'll get great views to the west into the National Forest and of the front range cities to the east.

#2 - Range View, Ute, May's Point, and Boy Scout Trail Loop

A nice loop with enough ups and downs to keep your interest and fantastic viewpoints along the way.

#3 - Mount Sanitas via Sunshine Canyon

The trail begins in Sunshine Canyon and climbs through a forest of tall pines. Watch for rattlesnakes and the uneven ground when navigating the rough, steep terrain, particularly near the enormous boulders lining the trail. Look up to see eagles soar overhead. At one point, the trail leads to a picnic area along a brook. After going through the pavilion and across a concrete bridge, it heads uphill through a small meadow. The sanatorium, constructed in 1895 east of Mount Sanitas, gave the...

#4 - Doudy Draw and Spring Brook Loop Trail

Doudy Draw Trail (1.7 mile + 0.5 mile to intersection with Community Ditch Trail) meanders southward along the draw to the junction with the Spring Brook Loop Trail. Spring Brook Loop heads west from Doudy Draw toward the Eldorado Mountain Habitat Conservation Area (HCA). The Goshawk Ridge Trail travels through the HCA; an off-trail permit is required for off-trail travel in the HCA. After the Spring Brook Loop junction, Doudy Draw crosses the creek and heads east up the slope to the...

#5 - Towhee and Homestead Trails

Note that there is a $5 cash only parking fee if you are not a resident of Boulder County.

#6 - Boy Scout Trail, May's Point, Flagstaff Trail Loop

This lovely little trail has a good variety of terrain, with roots, rocks, and some decent ups and downs that lead hikers to Mary's Point around the halfway mark. You'll catch some stunning views over Boulder and the Rockies from the top. Most of the trail goes through the woods and is nicely shaded. Parking is available at the Flagstaff Nature Center parking lot.

#7 - McClintock and Mesa Trails

Dogs are not allowed on parts of this trail. No dogs are allowed on the McClintock Trail, but they can access the Mesa Trail.

#8 - Gregory Canyon, Ranger, Green Mountain, Saddle Rock, Amphitheater Loop

No dogs are allowed on Green Mountain Summit. Most of the trail is voice control or leashed but dogs are not allowed to the Summit due to Pika conservation efforts. This trail is basically a relentless uphill grind all the way to the top of Green Mountain, and then the way back down is your reward for all the hard work.

#9 - Hogback Ridge Trail

Hogback Ridge Trail takes you through open meadows with great views of Boulder. Be prepared for steep sections with many stairs—sturdy footwear and hiking poles are recommended. It's best to go on a colder day or start your hike early to avoid the heat, as there’s no shade along the way. Keep an eye out for eagles and other wildlife. Parking is available at the trailhead.

#10 - South Boulder Creek Trail

There is a parking fee for non-residents of Boulder. Dogs are only allowed on part of this trail. They not allowed south of the gate on South Boulder Road. Follow the beautiful South Boulder Creek past grazing cattle and spot wildlife of all kinds on this marvelous trail. It's not easy being a trail on the edge of America's most fit community. You get a lot of use. But it's not just humans that make this trail popular. Critters of all sorts populate South Boulder Creek and its companion...

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Trail reviews for Boulder

Stephanie A

May 16, 2025•Hiking

Great conditionsGreat views

No dogs allowed on this trail. Overall an easy hike to the top with lots of switchbacks and shade available. Great views at the top on a clear day. Very limited parking but there was plenty available on a Friday afternoon in May. Great for visitors adjusting to the elevation.

Mount Sanitas via Lion's Lair Trail

Courtney Bradshaw

Jul 13, 2024•Hiking

Easy to parkBathrooms availableGreat views

Easy enough, after a point it says no dogs which I thought was a little odd. Views are amazing tho!! Almost Panoramic views.

Parking: Paid, Small lot

Range View, Ute, May's Point, and Boy Scout Trail Loop

Anna Andreyev

Aug 5, 2024•Hiking

Bathrooms availableGreat views

Great trail! But unfortunately no dogs allowed on the lions lair portion.

Parking: Free, Medium lot

Mount Sanitas via Sunshine Canyon

Clancey P.

Apr 13, 2025•Hiking

Good conditionsGood views

Beautiful views! However, this loop is not completely dog friendly - no dogs allowed on Spring Brook Loop South - so it has to be an out-and-back.

Difficulty: Moderate

Doudy Draw and Spring Brook Loop Trail

Gavin Cork

Jul 13, 2024•Walking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

A nice easy walk, some ups and downs, a mix of trees and great views along the way. The trail to May Point view point had some rocks to step up into. No dogs allowed sign.