Whether you’re house sitting as a pet sitter in Golden, Colorado, or you’re lucky enough to live in this sun-soaked town, you’ll quickly see how naturally dogs fit into the adventure-loving community. Golden is the birthplace of the KONG toy and home of the annual Golden Retriever celebration, so it’s no surprise this place is packed with dog-friendly fun. From creekside strolls to pretty patios and everything in between, here’s all you need to know about dog-friendly Golden.
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Dog-friendly restaurants, Golden, CO
From cozy coffee shops and restaurants to lively breweries and bars, you’ll find plenty of places that welcome pups in dog-friendly Golden. Here are some of the best dog-friendly restaurants (and more) in Golden:
Cast Iron Tavern
Staff will be excited to host you and your furry friends on the dog-friendly patio here! Pups are usually offered a treat or two while you dig into good, honest food like salads, sandwiches, and perfectly cooked steaks.
Location: 111 N Rubey Dr, unit B, Golden, CO 80403
Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
This biker-friendly hangout is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s a heated, dog-friendly patio, an extensive drink list, and plenty of comfort-food staples to satisfy any appetite.
Location: 17999 W Colfax Ave, Golden, CO 80401
The Golden Mill
One of the most popular gathering places in town, this open-air food hall sits right next to Clear Creek. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor decks, and there are water coolers with disposable bowls to keep them hydrated. With five food vendors and 50+ drinks on tap, everyone in your group will find something they love.
Location: 1012 Ford St, Golden, CO 80401
Trailhead Taphouse & Kitchen
Southern-inspired meals like shrimp po’ boys, red beans & rice, alligator bites, and jambalaya are all served at Trailhead. Their dog-friendly patio is open all summer long, plus during the off-season whenever the weather allows.
Location: 811 12th St, Golden, CO 80401
Cafe 13
The large patio here has plenty of room for pups and their humans, so sit back with a carefully sourced cup of coffee, a breakfast pastry, or one of their gourmet sandwiches while watching the world go by.
Location: 1301 Arapahoe St, Golden, CO 80401
Windy Saddle Cafe
Everything is made from scratch here, from the burritos, quiches, and sunrise bowls at breakfast to the gourmet sandwiches and salads at lunchtime. Expertly roasted coffee keeps locals coming back, and dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.
Location: 1110 Washington Ave, Suite #100, Golden, CO 80401
Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse
Right in the heart of downtown, here you can enjoy house-smoked meats and classic American fare seven days a week. What’s more, their outdoor patio is pet-friendly!
Location: 1122 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401
Cannonball Creek Brewing Company
This laid-back microbrewery welcomes pups on the large dog-friendly patio. There’s plenty of parking and a great selection of beers, as well as a rotating selection of food trucks.
Location: 393 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80403
Golden dog parks
The great thing about Golden is that furry friends are welcome in all city parks, as long as they stay on a leash. But if you’re looking for somewhere they can run free, the city also has a few dedicated spots made just for them. Here are Golden’s go-to dog parks:
Tony Gramsas Dog Park
This spacious off-leash area has a host of friendly regulars and fun things to do. The fully-fenced area is filled with trees for shade, and there’s even a creek to play in!
Location: 4471 Salvia St, Golden, CO 80403
Homer’s Run at Ulysses Park, Golden, CO
This small but lively dog park has separate areas for different-sized pups, making it the perfect place to socialize safely.
Location: Golden, CO 80401
8th St Dog Park
Right in the heart of downtown Golden, this simple off-leash area is perfect for a game of fetch and a quick run around.
Location: 7729 8th St, Golden, CO 80401
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Best dog-friendly hikes, Golden, Colorado
Golden is packed with beautiful hiking trails, and four-legged friends are welcome on all of them as long as they’re kept on a leash. Be sure to clean up after your pup, bring plenty of water, and stay alert on shared trails. Many of the dog-friendly hikes in Golden, Colorado, are used by hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, so a little courtesy goes a long way.
North Table Mountain Park
Just north of Golden, this park is full of open grasslands, rocky cliffs, and expansive views of Golden and the foothills. It’s one of the most iconic places to go hiking in the area, with around 15 miles of trails to explore with your pooch on-leash.
Location: 4788 CO-93, Golden, CO 80403
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
This large state park has over 35 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails named after wildlife, such as Beaver Trail, Black Bear Trail, Mule Deer Trail, and Horseshoe Trail. Remember, furry friends must stay on a 6-foot leash.
Location: 92 Crawford Gulch Rd, Golden, CO 80403
Clear Creek Canyon Park
Sometimes referred to as the “Peaks to Plains Trail”, this paved, multi-use pathway runs alongside Clear Creek for around 30 km. It’s relatively flat and accessible, with shaded spots by the water and rocky canyon walls.
Location: Clear Creek Canyon Rd, Golden, CO 80403
Chimney Gulch Trail
This classic hike climbs from Golden up to Windy Saddle and Lookout Mountain, from where you’ll be treated to views over Golden, Clear Creek Canyon, and Denver in the distance. It’s about 6.9 miles out-and-back, with some steep sections that make for a good workout.
Location: Chimney Gulch Trail, Golden, CO 80401
Dakota Ridge Trailhead
This trail follows a rugged ridgeline for around 5.5 miles out-and-back, with a climb of over 1,000 ft. You may spot dinosaur fossils along the way, and from the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of Red Rocks and the Front Range.
Location: Dakota Ridge Trail, Golden, CO 80401
Honorable mention: Golden Colorado Golden Retriever Day
If you’re looking for a slightly different dog-friendly activity in Golden, Colorado, don’t miss the biggest event of the year! On the first Saturday in February, the town hosts Golden Retriever Day, drawing Goldens and their humans from all over the country for photo ops, local vendors, meet-ups, and more.
When: February 7, 2026
Where: Most festivities revolve around Golden’s Washington Avenue
Cost: Free to attend!
Downtown Golden, Colorado
Tips for pet parents: Important things to know about Golden, Colorado
- Comply with the leash laws. Golden requires dogs to be on leash at all times in city limits, and there are no designated off-leash hiking trails in Golden.
- Watch out for rattlesnakes. They’re regularly seen in foothill, mesa, and canyon trails in the warmer months. Avoid wandering into tall grass or rocky ledges.
- Plan ahead for time away. With a TrustedHousesitters membership, you can head out on your next trip knowing your furry family member is happy at home with their verified sitter. They’ll stay in your house, keep your pup’s routine on track, and offer plenty of love and company – all in exchange for a place to stay. Learn more via the link below.
Connecting with pet sitters in Golden, CO
Tips for pet sitters
- Make the most of dog-friendly patios. Golden is a very dog-friendly place, and many restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops have dog-friendly patios.
- Get to the trailheads early. Parking lots (like at Windy Saddle, North Table, and Matthews/Winters) often fill by 9 am on weekends.
- Experience Golden as a pet sitter. Want to explore Golden like a local, with a four-legged friend by your side? Swap your time and care for a pet sitting stay and discover this Colorado town in a whole new way. Find out more via the link below.
House sitting in Golden, Colorado
More dog-friendly travel guides near Golden, Colorado
Thinking about house sitting near Golden, CO, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.
