The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Westminster

The Westminster Hills Outer Loop offers a refreshing escape into wide-open spaces, perfect for a relaxed hike with your furry friend. This easy 3.1-mile (5.0 km) loop, with just 152 feet (46 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a quick outdoor fix. You'll traverse rolling prairie and grassy singletrack, enjoying expansive panoramic views of the Front Range peaks, including Longs Peak, and passing by the serene Mower Reservoir.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as there are no permits or fees required to access the Westminster Hills Open Space. The trail is famously dog-friendly, with the first mile from the trailhead designated as an off-leash area, so your canine companion can roam freely. It's a great year-round destination, but spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while winter offers stark, beautiful views across the open landscape.

This trail stands out in the Jefferson County area for its accessibility and diverse scenery, appealing to beginners and families alike. Beyond hiking, it's a popular spot for trail running and mountain biking, offering a multi-use recreational experience. The combination of easy terrain, stunning mountain backdrops, and a dedicated off-leash dog area makes it a local favorite.

The Greenway and Westminster Hills Loop offers a refreshing escape into wide-open prairie, delivering sweeping views of the Colorado Front Range, including the iconic Longs Peak. This easy 3.0-mile (4.8 km) hike, with a gentle 159 feet (49 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. You'll traverse varied terrain, from gravel paths to singletrack, winding through rolling grassy hills and past the serene Mower Reservoir, fringed with cottonwood trees.

Planning your visit is simple, as this accessible loop requires no special permits or fees. The trailhead is particularly popular with dog owners, as a large portion of the Westminster Hills Open Space functions as an off-leash dog park. For the best experience, consider visiting in spring when the area bursts with wildflowers, or during the cooler months for comfortable hiking conditions.

This trail is a fantastic example of the connectivity within the northern Denver metropolitan area, linking into the larger Rocky Mountain Greenway Trail system. Beyond the stunning mountain vistas, the natural areas around the loop and Mower Reservoir provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife, making it a notable spot for nature enthusiasts.

The Big Dry Creek Trail offers a refreshing escape into nature right within the Denver metro area, following the meandering Big Dry Creek through a mix of open spaces, city parks, and residential areas. You'll find a blend of paved and natural surfaces, with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife like prairie dogs and various bird species along the riparian corridor. It's a wonderfully accessible route, perfect for a relaxed outing where the scenery changes subtly from urban green spaces to more natural ravines.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is generally easy to access with multiple parking options along its length. The route is known for its safety, featuring numerous underpasses that allow you to avoid busy roads, making it a great choice for families. While it's a moderate 8.1 miles (13.0 km) with a gentle 205 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 3 hours and 19 minutes, you can easily tackle shorter sections. It's a year-round trail, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures.

This trail is part of a larger system, specifically the Big Dry Creek National Recreation Trail, which connects significant points of interest like Walnut Creek Open Space. Its designation as a National Recreation Trail highlights its value as a community asset, providing a continuous greenway for recreation and connecting diverse landscapes. It's an excellent option if you're looking for a family-friendly hike or a longer, easygoing walk without needing to drive far from the city.

If you're looking for an easy, dog-friendly escape near Denver, the Greenway and Westminster Hills Loop delivers. This 2.6-mile (4.1 km) hike, with a gentle 127 feet (39 metres) of elevation gain, takes just over an hour to complete, offering expansive prairie views and a pleasant loop around Mower Reservoir. It's a perfect spot for you and your canine companion to stretch your legs, winding through open landscapes with distant mountain vistas.

The trail is easily accessible within the Westminster Hills Open Space, making it a convenient option for a quick outing. It's particularly popular for after-work strolls, so consider visiting during off-peak hours if you prefer more solitude. The open nature of the trail means it's exposed to the elements, so check the weather and bring water, especially on sunny days.

What truly sets this route apart is its integration into the larger Rocky Mountain Greenway Trail system, connecting various open spaces and wildlife refuges. It's renowned for being exceptionally dog-friendly, with designated off-leash areas within the Westminster Hills Open Space, making it a go-to for local pet owners. The loop also offers a connection between Standley Lake and Rocky Flats, highlighting its role in a broader regional trail network.

The Big Dry Creek Trail offers a surprisingly natural escape within the urban landscape of Westminster, following the winding Big Dry Creek through a mix of paved and unpaved paths. You'll journey through pleasant riparian corridors, past open fields, and even catch glimpses of distant mountains, all while enjoying the sounds of nature. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species and even bald eagles near Standley Lake Regional Park, making it a delightful experience for nature lovers.

Planning your visit to the Big Dry Creek Trail is straightforward, as it's easily accessible and generally well-maintained. The route is considered a moderate 6.4-mile (10.3 km) hike with a gentle 104 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 37 minutes to complete. With convenient underpasses at major roads, you can enjoy a continuous and safe journey, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely walk or a family outing any time of year.

What makes the Big Dry Creek Trail truly stand out is its designation as a National Recreation Trail and its role as a vital urban oasis. It connects numerous points of interest, from community parks like Big Dry Creek Park to the Butterfly Pavilion, and even features interpretive signs detailing the area's archaeological history. This trail is a fantastic option for those seeking a family-friendly hike or an accessible route for beginners, offering a unique blend of nature, history, and art right in the city.