Colorado Fun Guide asked Olive, a local corgi, to provide her best-kept secrets for both dogs and their owners on vacation.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
This well-loved and nationally acclaimed 146-acre zoo in Colorado Springs with more than 30 species of endangered animals and countless other creatures, welcomes the domestic kind, too, with Dog Days at the Zoo. On selected dates year-round, you can spend the day with your well-behaved canine visiting giraffes, penguins, bears, elephants and sloths. According to zoo staff, it’s an enriching experience for all animals to interact in a safe environment, sampling new sights and smells and honing their natural instincts.
Each dog needs his/her own ticket for admission (along with its human) and must be fully vaccinated and leashed. All leashes must be non-retractable, and no longer than 6 feet. Water stations are generously provided by the zoo staff.
What Olive likes best: “I think the meerkats are crazy. They seem very nervous—making odd noises and standing on their hind legs all day”
Also likes: “Cleaning up visitors’ dropped food”
CMZoo.org
The Broadmoor Hotel
Yes! The Broadmoor! The Colorado Springs’ epitome of unparalleled luxury and top-notch service welcomes your furbaby with its Pitty Pat Club. You can spend the night in one of their pet-friendly rooms, replete with special bedding, food bowls and a special treat. No need to worry about chow time–just call room service and order from the Pitty Pat Pet menu.
During the day, you can explore The Broadmoor grounds, including a walk around the lake, a bite to eat, or shop for cool pet accessories. There are three marked pet stations for your convenience. The Broadmoor staff can also arrange for a dog-walker while your owner visits their spa.
What Olive likes best: “Curling up on a comfy armchair in front of the fire, while my owner and her friends enjoy coffee and croissants from Cafe Julie’s.”
Also likes: “Sometimes I see ducks at the lake”
Broadmoor.com
Jeep Tours
In Colorado, the mountains are our calling card, and exploring them in an off-road vehicle is the perfect introduction. And there’s no need to leave your dog behind; many companies welcome your pet with just a few restrictions. Touring options include guided or self-guided in various vehicle choices: ATVs, Jeeps, and Slingshots, with the Polaris General recommended as the most comfortable ride for your pup. You can choose from one-half day to full-day rentals or even overnight.
Once you and your dog are safely strapped in, embark on the adventure of your choice in the Rockies. Take in the scenery from the top of Pikes Peak or travel off-road to the mining towns of Victor and Cripple Creek.
What Olive loves best: “Who doesn’t love riding in a car and sticking your head out the window?”
Also likes: “Not having to hike to the top of Pikes Peak”
GOAdventures.org
ColoradoJeepTours.com
Water Sports
Nothing beats a hot summer day like jumping in the water. At Under the Sun Training and Dog Care, the resort-like atmosphere includes a private swimming option in their 50′ x 20′, 4-foot deep pool. There’s also a full-length dock diving pool. Just think of your pup yelling, “kowabunga” as he leaps off the platform into the water below. Both swimming and dock diving lessons are available.
For the rugged “au naturel” canine, Bear Creek Dog Park has many access points for swimming in Bear Creek. Cheyenne Canon also has a few waterholes suitable for a few dog paddles.
What Olive likes best: “Laying down in the creek after a long hike”
Also likes: “Playing with pool toys”
UTSdog.com
Craft Kibble and Brews
A multitude of area brew pubs and restaurants welcome your leashed pet for outside dining and imbibing: Cerberus Brewery, Goat Patch Brewery, Odyssey Gastropub, and Bristol Brewing, to name a few.
One establishment in particular goes all out with specialty meal service for all of its customers. Pub Dog in Colorado Springs offers menu items such as seasoned beef Puppy Patties, and Puppuchino for the furry clientele, and breed-named burgers for their handlers.
What Olive likes best: “Meeting other dogs. It’s my social outlet”
Also likes: “Pretzel bites”
PubDogColorado.com
OdysseyGastropub.com
Goat Patch Brewing.com
CerberusBrewingCo.com
