Summit County
Dog-Friendly Trail Guide

Eight trails for every pace, ability, and paw size

Timberline Properties homewatchinfo.com  •  719-839-1213
Elevation 9,000 to 13,000 feet — let your dog adjust on day one
Leash Policy Required on all trails listed — enforced by rangers
Weather Afternoon storms July through August — off trails by noon
01 Frisco Peninsula Recreation Area
Frisco
Easy ~3 mi of trails Leash Required

Flat, well-maintained trails along Dillon Reservoir with panoramic views of the Gore Range. One of the most popular dog walks in the county. Great for a first-day warm-up at elevation.

Parking fills fast on summer weekends. Arrive early or use the Ten Mile Creek access point.

02 Sapphire Point Overlook
Dillon / Swan Mountain Road
Easy 1 mi out and back Leash Required

Short forested hike opening to one of the best views in Summit County. Less than a mile to the overlook, stunning panorama of Dillon Reservoir and the peaks. Perfect for guests who want the reward without the effort.

Small parking lot. Best on weekday mornings during peak season.

03 Dillon Reservoir Recreation Path
Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne
Easy ~18 mi full loop Leash Required

Paved path ringing Dillon Reservoir with multiple access points in Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne. Flat, smooth, and easy on dogs adjusting to altitude. Do as much or as little as you want.

Shared with cyclists. Keep dogs close, especially near Frisco Bay Marina.

04 North Tenmile Creek Trail
Frisco
Easy to Moderate Up to 10 mi out and back Leash Required

Forested valley trail following Tenmile Creek toward Copper Mountain. Gentle grade, lots of creek access for dogs who love water. Go as far as you want and turn around. Gets quieter the further you hike.

Trailhead is near Frisco Adventure Park off the bike path.

05 Tenderfoot Mountain Trails
Dillon / Silverthorne
Moderate 3 to 8 mi Leash Required

Forested trail network above Dillon with reservoir and Continental Divide views. The Ptarmigan Trail loop is the most popular route. A good step up for dogs ready for more elevation gain than the lakeside trails.

Accessible from Dillon with good parking. Start early to beat afternoon crowds.

06 Mesa Cortina Trail
Silverthorne
Moderate ~6 mi out and back Leash Required

A quieter trail on Silverthorne's north side running through dense forest toward the Gore Range wilderness boundary. Less traffic than the Breck and Frisco trailheads. Shaded and gradual grade, good for dogs who prefer solitude.

Can be muddy in early summer and after rain.

07 Peaks Trail
Breckenridge to Frisco
Moderate Sections from 2 mi up Leash Required

One of Summit County's signature trails. Full route is 18 miles from Breck to Frisco, but multiple trailheads let you do shorter out-and-back sections. Consistently beautiful along the Tenmile Range. Great for experienced hikers and well-conditioned dogs.

Try Miners Creek or Gold Hill trailhead for a manageable half-day hike.

08 Breckenridge Recreation Path
Breckenridge
Easy ~3 mi through town Leash Required

Paved path following the Blue River through downtown Breckenridge. Easy on all four legs, close to coffee and dining. Many shops and restaurants along Main Street welcome dogs outside. A great morning walk before a big hiking day.

Combine with a stop at one of Breck's dog-friendly patios for a complete morning out.

Day one, go easy. Dogs feel altitude too. Short and flat on arrival day, longer hikes once they've adjusted.

Bring more water than you think. Dogs dehydrate faster at elevation. Pack an extra bottle and a collapsible bowl.

Leashes are required and enforced. Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash on all Summit County trails.

Watch for moose. They are present throughout the county and are unpredictable. Give them wide clearance.

Off trails by noon in summer. Afternoon lightning above treeline is common July through August.

Check paws after rocky trails. Uneven terrain can be hard on dogs not used to it. Rinse pads after road walking in winter.