National Forests · CO

Dogs in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

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

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests cover over 3 million acres of western Colorado, with more than 3,000 miles of trails, five peaks above 14,000 feet, and 10 wilderness areas. Dogs are welcome from the lakes atop Grand Mesa to high spots like Blue Lakes.

Dogs can join you on the forests' 3,000-plus miles of trails and routes, from beginner paths to the high country and the 10 wildernesses. Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash in campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads, and under control on general forest and wilderness trails.

Where dogs are allowed

Dogs can join you on the forests' 3,000-plus miles of trails and routes, from beginner paths to the high country and the 10 wildernesses. Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash in campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads, and under control on general forest and wilderness trails.

Where dogs are not allowed

Designated swim areas and developed beaches at the forests' lakes typically do not allow pets.

Seasonal closures

High-country roads and trailheads close seasonally with heavy snow, and September can bring early snowstorms, which limits access to some areas for dogs and owners.

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 Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests?

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests cover over 3 million acres of western Colorado, with more than 3,000 miles of trails, five peaks above 14,000 feet, and 10 wilderness areas. Dogs are welcome from the lakes atop Grand Mesa to high spots like Blue Lakes. Dogs can join you on the forests' 3,000-plus miles of trails and routes, from beginner paths to the high country and the 10 wildernesses. Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash in campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads, and under control on general forest and wilderness trails.

What is the leash rule at Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison 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 Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests?

High-country roads and trailheads close seasonally with heavy snow, and September can bring early snowstorms, which limits access to some areas for dogs and owners.

Where are dogs not allowed at Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests?

Designated swim areas and developed beaches at the forests' lakes typically do not allow pets.

Are service animals allowed at Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests?

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