Discover A Pup-Approved Vacation in Colorado
Embarking on a vacation with your beloved dog can add an extra layer of joy and adventure to your travels, especially in dog-friendly Steamboat Springs. Exploring new mountain trails and dining al fresco at dog-friendly restaurants make pooch-friendly vacations thrilling. These adventures open up a world of possibilities for both you and your furry friend.
Here at The Astrid, we’re pawsitively obsessed with making your next vacation to Colorado a fur-tastic experience. No destination is more suitable for dogs than the charming town of Steamboat Springs. This haven for dog-lovers is the perfect blend of outdoor activities, community events, and specialized stores catering to your pets. Explore the town where wagging tails and happy barks are an integral part of the vacation experience.
Dog Parks in Steamboat Springs
Throughout Steamboat Springs, dogs are required to be on a hand held leash at all times. However, there are some dedicated spaces where your energetic pooch can run free and let off some steam. Within these off-leash areas, the City of Steamboat Springs requires that your dog be under voice and sight control, for the safety of other people, pets, wildlife, and your pup themselves.
- Rita Valentine Dog Park: This wide open space is ideal for well-behaved herding or retriever breeds who are desperate to stretch their legs. This space is designed for enjoyment, featuring covered benches, chip-finished walkways, and a dog-level water fountain. Additionally, it offers waste bags, a dumpster, and remarkable mountain views in every direction. This space is designed for enjoyment, featuring covered benches, chip-finished walkways, and a dog-level water fountain. Additionally, it offers waste bags, a dumpster, and remarkable mountain views in every direction. During the springtime, this location is the definition of Steamboat’s famed ‘mud-season’ so you’ll need to bring some boots!
- Spring Creek Dog Park at the Lower Pond: For a leisurely, picturesque stroll with your pup, the Spring Creek trail features easy to moderate terrain bedecked with towering trees. Located half a mile from the trailhead is a charming dog park with a shallow pond, perfect for inquisitive canines to explore, play, and swim.
- Whistler Park: This expansive park is perfect for the whole family, including man’s best friend. Features include a charming play area, picnic tables, barbeques, a drinking fountain, restrooms, and soccer fields. But, most important of all, is the wide open off-leash area that doubles in size during the winter season!
Dog-Friendly Dining in Steamboat Springs
One of the best things about going on vacation is discovering charming local restaurants and cozy cafes, where you can relax and enjoy a meal with friends. Steamboat’s reputation for Western hospitality extends to all visitors, including your furry companion. A number of dog-friendly dining establishments can be found throughout Steamboat Springs, many of which have become bustling community hubs.
- Après Burger Bistro: The carefully curated dinner menu at Après Burger Bistro incorporates local, fresh ingredients, guaranteed to fill your belly after an exhilarating day on the mountain. The Angus Beef burger served with hand cut french fries is a much-talked about fan favorite! The deck outside provides the perfect space for you and your pup to enjoy a meal, with plenty of shade in the summer.
- Yampa Valley Kitchen: This enchanting restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and caters to just about every dietary requirement imaginable. The menu features incredible fresh ingredients, served with an broad range of sides and drinks. Dogs and their owners are welcome to dine in the outdoor seating area, surrounded by lush greenery.
- Snow Bowl Steamboat: This lively establishment features bowling alleys, a concert venue, and a dynamic dining area serving classic diner food. While Snow Bowl is exciting for humans, it might be Steamboat Springs’ most dog-friendly venue! ‘Dog Bowl’ is an 8000 square feet turfed area where pups and their owners can play and dine. This area is open daily, yet Sundays are special with kiddie pools, chew toys, and adoption events. There are also education opportunities, service work, and more! There’s even a dog-friendly menu for you and your furry friend to enjoy.
Dog-Friendly Events in Steamboat Springs
One thing that makes Steamboat so alluring to repeat visitors, is its exciting calendar of annual events. From music concerts to traditional festivals, there’s something for everyone – including your dogs!
- Steamboat Digs Dogs: This remarkable organization advocates for all dogs and owners in Steamboat Springs, and regularly hosts fun events that will have your pooch’s tail wagging! Past events have included community poop pick-up days, fundraisers, and national holiday parties.
- Routt County Cattlemen’s Classic Cattle Dog Trials: Each year in the fall, handlers across the Mountain West region bring their well-trained herding dogs to the Brent Romick arena in downtown Steamboat for a competition like no other! Spectators are invited to watch for free as dogs and their handlers work to weave cattle through obstacle courses and perform other remarkable tasks.
- Doggie Fun Run: Routt County Humane Society host regular ‘5k9 Fun Run & Walk’ events where dogs and owners of all ages are invited to walk, run, wear costumes, and win prizes, all in aid of raising money for RCHS’s life saving work.
Dog Stores in Steamboat Springs
A vacation in Steamboat Springs isn’t complete without a trip downtown to explore the array of independent boutique shops. Discerning dog owners can spend hours wandering through high-quality pet stores. You might even find a special treat for your pooch.
- Outdoor K9: Proper nutrition is essential for dogs engaging in outdoor sports activities. This remarkable store pushes the limits of dog food. It stocks everything from individual duck necks, to luxurious options such as Salmon À La Veg by Fromm Family Pet Food. Kit out your adventure-hound in high-end snow gear, ensuring they’ll be the most stylish (and comfortable) pup on the mountain.
- Elk River Pet & Ranch: This is a one-stop-shop for all your pet and pooch needs, and is known for its incredible customer service. Each member of staff is a pet enthusiast, passionate about giving you and your furry friend a stellar shopping experience. The most beloved member of the team is Mojo, the friendly store cat. So be sure to keep your canine on a leash!
- Steamboat Dog Spa: If a trip to one of Steamboat’s relaxing spas is on the agenda, why not give your pup a pamper day too? This charming full service grooming salon is dedicated to the health and happiness of your four-legged friend. The experienced groomers use natural shampoos and specialized natural conditioners for your dog’s individual coat and skin type. This ensures a truly bespoke experience.
Planning Your Next Barktacular Vacation
Steamboat Springs is a haven for dog owners, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and dining experiences. It also hosts community events and specialized stores catering to their furry friends. In this mountain town, dogs are not just pets; they’re cherished members of the community, embraced in every aspect of this welcoming town’s culture.
Here at The Astrid, we know how much your dog means to you. They’re a treasured family-member who you want to take with you everywhere. That’s why we’re building a luxurious vacation home retreat that welcomes dogs with open arms.
Our vision is to be recognized as the premier destination for those seeking luxury and Western hospitality in Steamboat Springs. We aim to offer an unparalleled experience for travelers. Our goal is to create an idyllic retreat where families and their pets can enjoy exceptional service and abundant opportunities. Families and their pets can enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
We’re breaking ground on this pioneering new project in Summer 2024, and we invite you to join us in this exciting journey. To join our community, simply provide us with your name and email address. By doing so, you’ll be invited to join our exclusive mailing list. As part of this list you’ll gain access to insider information and behind-the-scenes content. Enjoy a highly personalized email experience reserved only for members of The Astrid community.
