Dog-friendly Steamboat Springs: Restaurants, hikes and parks

Whether you’re thinking about house sitting as a pet sitter in Steamboat Springs or you live in Northern Colorado’s Yampa Valley with a furry friend, you’re in the right place. 

Below find the ultimate guide to dog-friendly Steamboat Springs - where we explore dog-friendly restaurants the mountain town has to offer, along with the pet-friendly adventures popular with local hikers and their canine companions.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

After a long day’s hiking, you’re surely after Steamboat Springs’ pet-friendly restaurants! Take a look below at where you could be dining with your pup pal, and remember to always double-check before heading into any eatery with your furry friend.

Creekside Café & Grill

Just a stone’s throw away from the creek is this well-reviewed breakfast restaurant that’s complete with a dog-friendly patio and an eclectic brunch menu.

Location: 131 11th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

Back Door Grill

Looking for a no-fuss hamburger restaurant in the heart of the town? Just across the creek from Howelsen Hill Ski Area is Back Door Grill - where dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating area.

Location: 825 Oak St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

O'Neil's Tavern & Grill

Dogs are welcome at this Irish pub’s outdoor patio area - which is sometimes heated during the colder months - and makes for the perfect dog-friendly setting to enjoy hearty classics like shepherd’s pie, mac & cheese, or bangers and mash.

Location: 41 8th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

Mountain Tap Brewery

If you’re looking for a local joint brewing craft beers that’s also dog-friendly, head to Mountain Tap Brewery on Yampa Street by the creek. Choose from golden ales, lagers and more, along with wood-fired pizzas scented with peach and cherry woods from Palisade, Colorado.

Location: 910 Yampa St #103, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

The Paramount

Lunch with a view? The Paramount has got you covered - serving up classic breakfast and lunch dishes, it’s a popular, easygoing spot where dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating area.

Location: 1865 Ski Time Square Dr, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

Salt & Lime

Got a taste for Mexican food? Salt and Lime - just across the creek from Howelsen Hill Ski Area - welcomes dogs at the outdoor patio, where pups can relax by your side while you choose from quesadillas, burritos and rice bowls.

Location: 628 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

Truffle Pig

At the base of Steamboat Resort is Truffle Pig - a post-ski hangout where your pup is welcome in the (heated) outdoor seating area, and you can choose from hearty plates and a happy hour après-ski menu.

Location: One Steamboat Place, 2250 Apres Ski Way, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

Dog parks in Steamboat Springs

Want to know where you can let your dog off-leash in Steamboat Springs? Take a look below, and be sure to always double-check before letting your dog run free. 

Rita Valentine Dog Park

In the center of Steamboat Springs on Anglers Drive is Rita Valentine Dog Park - probably the most popular off-leash area in Steamboat Springs. It’s a large, flat space that’s large enough for your dog to zoom around freely. And with the mountain views and open skies, it’s clear to see why Rita Valentine is the town’s best-loved dog park.

Location: 1010 Anglers Dr, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

Spring Creek Dog Park at the Lower Pond

If you’re hiking around Spring Creek with your furry friend and you want to let your dog off the leash, head to the area’s designated dog park at the Lower Pond. It’s nestled in Yampa Valley’s stunning rock formations and tree-lined hilltops - the perfect, scenic place for your dog to splash about - leash-free - in Steamboat Springs.

Location: Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

Dog-friendly trails and hikes in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is surrounded by the stunning backdrop of Colorado’s Yampa Valley - from waterfalls to trails, hikers are never short of an adventure. So that your pup can join the fun too, explore the dog-friendly hikes, walks and trails in Steamboat Springs below - and remember to always double-check local rules before entering an area with your dog.

Fish Creek Falls

Fish Creek Falls has to be the most iconic place to hike with your dog in Steamboat Springs. From the falls themselves that rush between the tree-lined rockface, to the nearby trails - Fish Creek Falls sure is an adventure and only a 10-minute drive from the town. Remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times, bring along poop bags and any provisions you might need - like snacks and water for both you and your pup.

Location: 34165 Fish Creek Falls Rd, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

Spring Creek Trail

If you love a creek view, head to Spring Creek Trail - a pine, aspen and cottonwood-lined trail that’s perfect for a scenic hike with your canine companion. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, elk and deer, and look to the skies to spot bald eagles, osprey and falcons swooping from above. Keep your dog on a leash at all times, or head to the off-leash area at the reservoir in Spring Creek Park if you’d like to let them explore leash-free.

Location: Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USA

Yampa River Core Trail

Prefer a paved trail with your four-legged friend? Check out Yampa River Core Trail - a 7.5 mile pathway that runs right through Steamboat Springs. Follow the Yampa River (with your dog on a leash at all times) which is lined with stunning cottonwood and willow trees, and soak up the views of Howelsen Hill.

Location: Get to the river from multiple access points throughout the town, including Downtown Steamboat Springs, the Rodeo Grounds and Howelsen Hill Ski Area.

Emerald Mountain

Another dog-friendly place in Steamboat Springs to visit is Emerald Mountain - otherwise known as Quarry Mountain to locals. Depending on the time of year, the trails are popular for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and of course hiking. A popular route taken by dog walkers is Blackmere Trail - keep your dog on a leash to explore the local wilderness, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Steamboat Ski Area.

Location: Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

Mad Creek Trail

Just north of the town in Routt National Forest is the Mad Creek Trail - a popular hike that covers canyon views, open meadows and granite rock formations. The trail is well-known for the 1900s barn that’s roughly two miles from the trailhead, along with the aspen groves in autumn and wildflowers in summer. Keep your dog on a leash for this scenic hike, and always clean up after your furry friend.

Location: Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

Thunderhead Trail

Looking for dog-friendly activities in Steamboat Springs that challenge your fitness levels? Give Thunderhead Trail a shot if you’re up for a strenuous hike through Steamboat’s ski runs, aspen groves and pine forests. Start at Steamboat Ski resort and head up the mountain all the way to the top of Thunderhead Express lift. Just be aware that the hike is difficult (roughly 4 miles with 2,200 ft elevation gain), so only embark on it if both you and your dog are able to.

Location: Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, United States

Tips for pet parents: Important things to know about Steamboat Springs

• Plan your hikes ahead of time. While some of the dog walking opportunities around Steamboat Springs are easy to moderate, others require hiking experience, trail planning and a good level of fitness. Thunderhead Trail and Rabbit Ears Peak Trail are great examples of this - only those experienced in hiking, and dogs who are used to long, strenuous walks and elevation gain should embark on the challenge.
• Follow local dog licensing regulations. Some areas in Colorado (and beyond) require dog licenses, so check out your local government website to make sure you’re following the law when it comes to dog ownership.
• Get to know local leash laws. Hiking opportunities are endless in Steamboat Springs, but your dog will mostly need to stay on a leash unless you’re in a specified off-leash area, like the off-leash zone in Spring Creek Park and Rita Valentine Park.
• Plan ahead for your vacation. Vets agree pets are happier at home, so next time you’re taking a trip away from your home in Steamboat, consider connecting with an in-home pet sitter to keep your pup in the routine that makes them feel safe, calm and content.

Tips for pet sitters 

• Explore local hiking areas with guidance from pet parents. Ask the pet parents where their pup is generally happy hiking to make sure any days out are centered around their fitness levels and abilities.
• Pack for hiking. Get prepared for any hike with everything you and your pup pal might need - including plenty of water, snacks, poop bags and a first aid kit.
• Explore Yampa Valley through house sitting. How does hopping from one tree-lined town to the next sound, with a furry tour guide at every stop? Sounds like it’s time to get your Steamboat Springs house sitting adventure started. Click below to learn about how it works.

More dog-friendly travel guides near Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Thinking about house sitting near Steamboat Springs, 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.

• Dog-friendly Colorado Springs: Things to do with a dog in Colorado Springs
• Dog-friendly guide to Boulder: Things to do in Boulder with a dog
• A guide to pet-friendly Fort Collins, CO
• Dog-friendly Golden, Colorado: Hikes, parks & places to eat
• A guide to dog-friendly Arvada, CO
• Dog-friendly Denver CO: Things to do in Denver with a dog