By Kerrie Flanagan
May 20, 2010

Hugging the base of the Rocky Mountains, just one hour north of Denver, is Fort Collins, Colorado, a place deemed by Dog Fancy magazine as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. This university town with just under 140,000 residents offers a wide variety of cultural and outdoor activities for visitors and their canine friends.

Fort Collins originated in 1864 as a military fort to help protect travelers on the Overland Stage Trail. Although the original fort is no longer around, many of the original buildings still line the streets in the heart of the city now called Old Town where you can enjoy shopping, galleries and dining choices. Businesses will often have water bowls on the sidewalk for thirsty dogs. Many restaurants, like the popular Coopersmith’s Pub and Brewing, welcome dogs to join their owners near the back patio. During the summer, you and your dog can enjoy the free evening concerts held in Old Town Square, a pedestrian only shopping area.

Within 20 minutes of Old Town you can be at Horsetooth Reservoir where you and your dog can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating and camping. There are seven pet-friendly cabins available to rent year-round. The nearby Horsetooth Mountain Park has over 29 miles of hiking trails. Neighboring Lory State Park offers over 20 miles of beautiful trails. Leashed dogs are welcomed at both parks. For more adventure, head up the Cache La Poudre River Canyon, one of Colorado’s Scenic Byways for an abundance of wildlife viewing, hiking trails and camping.

Fort Collins offers a variety of pet-friendly lodging options. If you are looking for accommodations downtown, try the family-owned historic Armstrong Hotel, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Town. Each room is decorated with a unique flair of either vintage or modern décor. During the summer months, this part of the city is bustling with activity and the Armstrong is within walking distance of it all. For some exercise, you can take your dog to one of the three dog parks in Fort Collins.

If you go:

Other pet-friendly hotel options:
Best Western, Fort Collins Hilton, Marriott

A few hiking trails up Cache La Poudre Canyon where dogs on leashes are welcomed:
Hewlett Gulch, Grey Rock, Young Gulch

If your dog has a medical emergency, you can visit the nationally acclaimed CSU James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital.