National Forests · CO

Dogs in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Dog-friendly

Dogs are welcome, but this forest keeps some of Colorado's stricter dog rules: a hand-held leash is required throughout the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness areas and the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.

Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails. In the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet is required at all times. Some trails cross into Rocky Mountain National Park, where dogs are not allowed.

Where dogs are allowed

Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails. In the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet is required at all times. Some trails cross into Rocky Mountain National Park, where dogs are not allowed.

Where dogs are not allowed

Trails that cross the boundary into Rocky Mountain National Park are closed to dogs.

Seasonal closures

At Brainard Lake, dogs must be on a hand-held leash May 1 to November 14; from November 15 to April 30 dogs are allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir roads.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
U.S. Forest Service
View the Forest Service page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Forests

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests?

Dogs are welcome, but this forest keeps some of Colorado's stricter dog rules: a hand-held leash is required throughout the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness areas and the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails. In the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet is required at all times. Some trails cross into Rocky Mountain National Park, where dogs are not allowed.

What is the leash rule at Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Are there seasonal closures for dogs at Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests?

At Brainard Lake, dogs must be on a hand-held leash May 1 to November 14; from November 15 to April 30 dogs are allowed only on the Brainard Lake and Lefthand Park Reservoir roads.

Where are dogs not allowed at Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests?

Trails that cross the boundary into Rocky Mountain National Park are closed to dogs.

Are service animals allowed at Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.