Written by Lauren Weatherly | @pupperscouts
Situated deep in the high desert of the American southwest, the Four Corners region is named for the connection point between Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona, and encompasses modern-day territories of the Ute and Diné peoples. Deeply imprinted upon this landscape is the legacy of the Ancestral Puebloans, ancient Indigenous civilizations that thrived for over a thousand years through deep connections to the land and the rhythms of nature. Throughout this area are endless opportunities to explore the striking desert landscapes, dramatic canyons, high plateaus, as well as numerous national parks, monuments, and archaeological sites. Additionally, perhaps the cherry on top is that this region is extremely welcoming to dogs!
There are three dog-friendly parks in the Southwest Colorado portion of this region: Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The rules for pets vary slightly in each park, and we recommend combining experiences in all three. By doing so, you and your precious pup can access boundless adventures in this beautiful place of profound historical and cultural significance.
Visiting Mesa Verde National Park with a Dog
Established in 1906, Mesa Verde National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site protects over 600 cliff dwellings and thousands of other structures, including the famous Cliff Palace. These sites, built between the years 600 and 1300 CE, offer a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who once thrived in the region. Visiting Mesa Verde with a dog can be a beautiful experience if you’re willing to think outside the box. Dogs are allowed in limited areas, including some hiking trails, paved roads, parking lots, and some campground and picnic areas.
Our favorite dog-friendly hikes and activities in Mesa Verde National Park:
Walk the dog-friendly paved path Park Point.
Drive the Cliff Palace Loop Road, stop at viewpoints, and hope out with your pup on paved surfaces to see the iconic ruins.
Picnic at the Cliff Palace Picnic Area.
Walk the paved road, Mesa Top Loop sites.
Drive the Headquarters Loop, stop at viewpoints, and hop out with your pup on paved surfaces to see the various archaeological sites. View Spruce Tree House from the back porch of the Chief Ranger’s Office.
Hike the dog-friendly Wetherill Mesa trails: Long House Loop, Badger House Community Trail, and Nordenskiöld Site #16 Trail
Picnic at the Wetherill Mesa Picnic Area.
Visiting Hovenweep National Monument with a Dog
Hovenweep National Monument protects the remnants of Ancestral Puebloan villages built between 1200 and 1300 CE. The site features well-preserved stone towers, kivas, and dwellings perched on canyon rims and boulders, showcasing the engineering skills of its ancient inhabitants.
Hovenweep provides numerous hiking adventures for you and your dog, as puppers are allowed in all park areas (except buildings).
Our favorite dog-friendly hikes in Hovenweep:
Horseshoe and Hackberry Groups Trail (1.2 mi RT, 91 ft elevation gain) - A scenic loop trail that takes you past the remains of stunning dwellings built around 800 years ago.
Holly Group Trail (.7 mi RT, 75 ft elevation gain) - Located at the head of Keeley Canyon, this site showcases the Tilted Tower, the Holly Tower, and surrounding ancient buildings.
Square Tower Group Loop (1.6 mi RT, 141 ft elevation gain) - This loop features gorgeous scenery as well as the remains of several ancient towers and dwellings.
Visiting Canyons of the Ancients National Monument with a Dog
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument protects the highest known density of archaeological sites in the US. Spanning over 176,000 acres, it contains thousands of remnants from the Ancestral Puebloans who thrived between 1150 and 1300 CE, including cliff dwellings, kivas, and petroglyphs. Canyons of the Ancients is the most dog-friendly of the three parks. Dogs are welcome on all trails and allowed to be off-leash if under strict voice command. However, we still recommend keeping your dog on a leash unless they can stay on the trail at all times.
Our favorite dog-friendly hikes in Canyons of the Ancients:
Painted Hand Pueblo Trail (.6 mi RT, 68 ft elevation gain) - See the remains of a small village constructed around 1200 CE. The tower is stunning, and look closely around the ruins for petroglyphs.
Sand Canyon and East Rock Creek Loop (4 mi RT, 479 ft elevation gain) - This loop takes you through canyons and offers some of the best views of the Sleeping Ute, the mountains that dominate the Four Corners landscape. The small collection of tall mountains is said to resemble a Ute chief lying down with arms folded across his chest.
Rock Creek and East Rock Creek Loop (6.7l mi RT, 521 ft elevation gain) - This trail takes you through a stunning canyon filled with pinion and jumper trees. Several ancient cliff dwellings are built into the walls.
Tips for hiking the Four Corners Region with your dog!
The desert can be a wonderful place to adventure with your precious fur baby, as sandy surfaces, dry weather, and sunny skies provide a sensational landscape for pupper paws and human feet alike. However, there are some special precautions we recommend to help ensure everyone’s safety.
Visit in the fall, winter, and spring for the most comfortable hiking temperatures.
If the weather is warm, plan your hikes for early morning or an hour before sunset for the most diffused light and the most gorgeous photo opportunities.
Pack more water than you think you need for yourself and your dog on every hike.
Consider applying paw wax before and after hikes to protect against wear and tear from rough surfaces.
Follow leash rules and stay on designated trails to protect your dog from stepping on pokey plant life, and to protect delicate cryptobiotic soils that can be irreparably harmed by even one footstep.
Pack out all waste to help preserve the sensitive landscapes for future visitors.
Never leave your dog in the car alone, even for a short time. If you’re interested in exploring pet-restricted areas of Mesa Verde, the park offers a Kennel Service at Morefield Campground during the summer season for visitors who need pet care.
Exploring the thrilling landscapes of the Four Corners region with your dog is a truly unforgettable experience. From scenic drives through Mesa Verde to pet-friendly wilderness trails in Hovenweep and Canyons of the Ancients, this adventure-filled region offers stunning vistas, rich history, and endless opportunities to roam.
Be sure to follow Lauren, Ada, and Bonnie on all their adventures below:
Instagram: @pupperscouts
Website: https://pupperscouts.com/
Happy Hiking!
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