If you host a pet-friendly short-term rental in Summit County, you already know the guests who travel with dogs are some of your most loyal repeat visitors. They book early, they leave good reviews, and they come back. What they also do, every single trip, is search for where to hike with their dog.
This guide is built for that moment. You can link it in your welcome book, paste the trail names into your house manual, or send it as a pre-arrival message. Either way, you are giving your guests something useful before they even unpack.
Summit County sits between 9,000 and 13,000 feet. Most of these trails require dogs to be on leash at all times. Wildlife encounters are real, and leash laws are enforced. Pass this context along to your guests so they know what to expect before they hit the trailhead.
Dogs feel the altitude too. On their first day at elevation, keep hikes shorter and easier than you normally would. Bring more water than you think you need, watch for heavy panting or slowing pace, and avoid the hardest trails until your dog has had a day to adjust.
The Trails
Frisco Peninsula Recreation Area
One of the most popular dog walks in the county, and for good reason. The peninsula juts into Dillon Reservoir and gives you unobstructed views of the Gore Range in every direction. The trails are flat, well-maintained, and easy on dogs that are still adjusting to elevation. Great for early mornings.
Parking fills fast on summer weekends. Send guests early or suggest the Ten Mile Creek Trail access point as an alternative start.
Sapphire Point Overlook
Short, accessible, and one of the most rewarding views in Summit County. The hike from the parking lot to the overlook is less than a mile each way through spruce and fir forest, opening to a panoramic view of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding peaks. A strong choice for guests who want the experience without the effort.
The parking lot is small. This trail is best done early in the morning or on weekdays during peak season.
Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path
The paved rec path that rings Dillon Reservoir connects Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne and is one of the most scenic walks in the county. Dogs do well on the smooth surface and the flat grade, and there are multiple access points so guests can do as much or as little as they want. A good option when guests want to stretch their legs without committing to a trail.
The path is shared with cyclists. Keep dogs close and leashed, especially around the Frisco Bay Marina section where traffic picks up.
North Tenmile Creek Trail
A forested valley trail that follows Tenmile Creek toward Copper Mountain. The grade is gentle and the creek runs alongside most of the route, giving dogs plenty of opportunities to wade in and cool off. This is a go-to for guests who want a longer hike with a dog that loves water. The further you go, the quieter it gets.
The trailhead is off the bike path near Frisco. Guests can park at the Frisco Adventure Park and walk in.
Tenderfoot Mountain Trails
The Tenderfoot trail system sits above Dillon and offers a network of forested paths with views of the reservoir and the Continental Divide. The Ptarmigan Trail loop is the most popular route. It is a good step up for dogs and owners who want more elevation gain than the lakeside trails provide, without committing to a full alpine hike.
The trailhead is accessible from Dillon and has ample parking. An early start avoids the afternoon crowds.
Mesa Cortina Trail
A quieter trail on the north side of Silverthorne that runs through dense forest toward the Gore Range wilderness boundary. It sees less traffic than the Frisco and Breckenridge trailheads, which makes it a good recommendation for guests who want solitude. Dogs tend to do well on the shaded, gradual grade.
The trail can be muddy in early summer and after rain. Worth flagging to guests who have dogs that will end up in the car afterwards.
Peaks Trail
One of the signature trails in Summit County. The full route runs nearly 18 miles from Breckenridge to Frisco along the flanks of the Tenmile Range, but guests can access it in shorter segments from multiple trailheads. The trail is well-marked, consistently beautiful, and dog-friendly throughout. A strong option for guests who want a half-day adventure with a more experienced dog.
Suggest the Miners Creek or Gold Hill trailhead for guests doing a shorter out-and-back. The full trail requires a car shuttle or rideshare at the far end.
Breckenridge Recreation Path
Not a wilderness trail, but one of the most pleasant dog walks in Breckenridge. The paved path follows the Blue River through town, connecting the resort to the south side of Breck and passing through some of the most scenic stretches of the valley floor. Easy on all four legs, and close enough to Main Street that guests can stop for coffee on the way out or back.
Many of the downtown restaurants and shops in Breckenridge are dog-friendly outside. Worth mentioning to guests who want to make a morning of it.
What to Tell Every Guest Who Brings a Dog
Regardless of which trails they choose, a few reminders save your guests from avoidable problems and protect your property at the same time.
Leashes are required on all Summit County trails. This is not a suggestion. Rangers do enforce it, and off-leash dogs are one of the more common sources of wildlife conflict in the county. Let your guests know upfront.
Elevation affects dogs. Most of your guests' dogs live at low altitude. The first day at 9,000 feet is not the day for a long hard hike. Encourage a short walk on day one and a longer hike once the dog has had a chance to adjust.
Afternoon thunderstorms are normal from July through August. Summit County sees daily afternoon lightning above treeline. Guests should plan to be off exposed trails by noon or one in the afternoon during storm season.
Wildlife is active. Moose, bears, foxes, and coyotes are all present in Summit County. A dog on a leash is a dog that stays out of trouble. Moose in particular are not predictable and should be given a wide berth.
Paws matter. Rocky and root-covered trails can be hard on dogs who are not used to uneven terrain. Some guests bring booties for longer hikes. In winter and early spring, ice melt on roads and paths can irritate paw pads. A quick rinse before they come back inside keeps your floors clean and your dog comfortable.