Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado
Last Updated June 15, 2026
Bringing your dog to the Vail Valley? There are plenty of places to hike together, from easy walks along Gore Creek to longer mountain trails around Beaver Creek and East Vail.
Dogs are welcome on all of the trails below, but they must be kept on a leash. Bring water for your dog, pack out waste, and check current trail conditions before heading out.
Here are our favorite dog-friendly hikes near Vail and Beaver Creek.
Beaver Creek Village Loop
For an easy walk close to Beaver Creek Village, start with the Beaver Creek Village Loop.
The trail is part of Beaver Creek's summer trail network and is a convenient option when you want to get outside without committing to a longer mountain hike.
Gore Valley Trail
For one of the easiest dog-friendly walks in Vail, choose a section of the Gore Valley Trail.
The mixed-use trail runs from Dowd Junction through Vail and into East Vail, with much of the route following Gore Creek. You can pick it up around Vail Village, Lionshead or farther east and walk for as long as you like.
As you head east, you'll pass Gore Creek, aspens, meadows and quieter stretches of the valley. Much of the trail is paved, making it a good option for older dogs, smaller dogs, or days when a steep mountain hike is not the goal.
Booth Lake Trail
If you and your dog are ready for a more challenging hike, head to Booth Lake Trail in East Vail.
The trail climbs through aspen forest and follows Booth Creek toward Booth Falls before continuing higher into the mountains toward Booth Lake.
The full route to the lake is demanding, but you don't have to complete the entire trail. Turning around earlier still gives you plenty of mountain scenery and time in the aspens.
There is no public parking at the Booth Lake trailhead, so the easiest option is to park in Vail and take the free East Vail bus to the Booth Falls stop.
Beaver Lake Trail
For something more substantial, Beaver Lake Trail is one of the longer hiking options directly from Beaver Creek.
The trail heads into the mountains above the village, so you can get a proper mountain hike without driving somewhere else in the valley. It's a better choice for active dogs that are comfortable with longer distances and elevation gain.
Bring plenty of water and check the current Beaver Creek trail status before leaving.
Gore Creek Trail
Despite the similar name, Gore Creek Trail is very different from the Gore Valley Trail.
This is a true mountain trail beginning in East Vail and heading into the Eagles Nest Wilderness. It follows Gore Creek through forest before climbing into more rugged terrain.
You can make the hike as long or as short as you want by turning around when you and your dog are ready.
Parking near the trailhead is limited, so taking the free East Vail bus is usually the easiest way to get there.
Before You Hit the Trail
Bring enough drinking water for your dog rather than relying on streams or alpine lakes along the trail. Natural water can contain parasites and other contaminants even when it looks clean.
Vail and Beaver Creek also sit above 8,000 feet, and many trails climb considerably higher. If your dog isn't accustomed to mountain hiking, start with an easier route before heading into the high country.
Check the weather and current trail conditions before leaving, particularly for longer hikes. Mountain storms can develop quickly during summer, and snow or mud can linger on higher trails early in the season.
For most hikes, bring a leash, waste bags, water and a collapsible bowl.
Stay in the Vail Valley
Each Pop Art Villa residence at the Riverfront Resort & Spa puts you close to dog-friendly hiking throughout Beaver Creek, Vail and the surrounding valley.
Every Pop Art Villa stay includes complimentary personal concierge service. If you would like help choosing a nearby trail or planning your next stay, contact us here.