Dog-Friendly Things to Do in the Royal Gorge Region

The Royal Gorge Region of Colorado is a stunning destination with plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy. And the best part? You can bring your furry friend along for the ride! Whether you’re hiking, wine tasting, or exploring on a Jeep tour, there are plenty of dog-friendly activities to choose from in the area. And when it comes to accommodations, the Little Canyon Inn is the perfect place to rest your head after a day of adventure. Here’s a sample itinerary for a dog-friendly trip to the Royal Gorge Region:

Day 1:

• Check in at the Little Canyon Inn, a vintage yet modern hotel located just a few miles from the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. The inn offers dog-friendly rooms and a beautiful outdoor space where you and your furry friend can relax.
• Head down to Canon City’s quaint main street to get a bite to eat at one of the area’s dog-friendly Restaurants, such as Pizza Madness or World’s End Brewery. Enjoy a cold beer on the patio while your pup relaxes by your side.

Day 2:

• Start your day by experiencing the rugged beauty of the Royal Gorge area on a Jeep tour with Colorado Jeep Tours. All of their tours are dog-friendly, so you and your furry friend can explore the backcountry together. Pro tip! Even though all the interpretive jeep tours are absolutely fantastic and there are no wrong choices, if you do the Royal Gorge Loop tour it comes with free tickets to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park which you can use later and this will save you up to $35 per person.
• After your jeep tour, hit the riverwalk that follows the river through town. Your pup can cool off with a swim in some of the pools along the Arkansas River and get a little fetch in along the way. 
• You might as well take a short walk to the HandleBar and the Bean Peddler to get a bite and beverage before heading back to the Little Canyon Inn to watch the sunset by the fire pit.

Day 3:

• Get your blood pumping with a local favorite hike through the tunnels of Tunnel Drive. This four-mile up-and-back hike takes you up the Arkansas River on the historic water pipeline that used to supply Canon City with water. You may not see the pipe as it is buried under the trail. Watch for Bighorn Sheep and be sure to keep your fur baby on lease. 
• Hit the Winery at the Holy Cross Abbey for a flight of wines. I recommend the VIP tasting that will take place out on the deck or in their park-like setting with great views of the monastery built in 1929 and of the small vineyard. FYI, you will need advanced reservations which you can get at www.RoyalGorge.Info.
• Remember those FREE bridge tickets you got from Colorado Jeep Tours! Well, wrap up your trip with a visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, where you and your pup can walk across the iconic suspension bridge, ride the gondola, and take in the breathtaking views of the gorge below. Dogs are welcome throughout the park on leashes.

This is just a sample itinerary, and there are plenty of other dog-friendly activities and attractions to explore in the Royal Gorge Region. With its stunning natural beauty, mild weather, and pet-friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for you and your furry friend to enjoy together.