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Because life is ruff, your dog deserves a vacation too! With an array of dog-friendly hotels and plentiful outdoor activities, the paws-ibilities are endless for a pet-friendly weekend getaway in Grand Junction. As one of Colorado’s most welcoming destinations for pets, Grand Junction has a plethora of lodging options and outdoor dining patios that provide you and your companion a comfortable place to relax after your adventure-filled days.
Pet-Friendly Vacation Activities
Hiking:
Dogs are not allowed on the trails in Colorado National Monument; however, they can be on paved areas on a leash, like the parking lot. They are also allowed in the camping areas of CNM. Thankfully, Grand Junction is surrounded by more than 1.5 million acres of public land, so there are many options to explore. Consider the Grand Mesa, a majestic place to experience high-alpine hiking. With its higher elevation, cool temperatures, and ample shade, it makes for a perfect pup playground. Bursting with over 300 lakes, the Mesa also provides hundreds of spots to splash around.
Aside from the Grand Mesa, check out some of our other favorite dog-friendly hikes in Colorado in this guide.
Sculpture Tour:
There are more than 115 outdoor murals and sculptures on display in Downtown Grand Junction as part of Art on the Corner. As a self-led walking tour (or should we say “dog-led”), be artistically inspired at your dog’s pace. While the artistic styles and subject matters differ greatly, all the sculptures are unique and skillfully crafted. Considering Downtown Grand Junction is a designated park, your dog will relish taking a stroll under the trees, and around the bushes and flowers that frame the wide sidewalks.
Rivers:
The two rivers that flow through Grand Junction (the Colorado River and the Gunnison River), offer plenty of opportunities for rafting, standup paddle boarding, fishing and other water sports that are close to town. If your dog isn’t the type to jump aboard, they'll love the shores of Connected Lakes Boat Ramp and Las Colonias Boat Ramp, which offers plenty of space to run and splash around. Don't forget to check out the Butterfly Pond at Las Colonias Park for a refreshing dip for you and your furry companion to enjoy. Grand Junction Adventures is right next to it, which rents water sports equipment and guided trips.
Dog Parks:
While your dog can tag along on many of the outdoor activities you already have planned for your pet-friendly weekend getaway, it’s nice to have a place designed just for them. Visit the Las Colonias Dog Park and Canyon View Dog Park, where your dog can cavort off-leash within the fenced area. There are also paved bike trails, a bike park and picnic facilities nearby. After some fun in the parks, stop by the Ale House which has a large outdoor dining area. There are 35 cold brews on tap and a monstrous menu complete with burgers, barbecue, tacos, pizza and amazing wings! Bonus: They have a variety of non-alcoholic beers as well including lagers, IPA’s, sours and pale ales. The Ale House often organizes “pints with purpose” and donates to area dog adoption shelters. Cheers to that!
Dog-friendly Restaurants and Breweries:
Kick off your morning with a cup of java and a treat for your furry friend. Main Street Bagels adores pets, so it's the perfect spot to start your day! After an aftermoon of outdoor fun, enjoy a cold drink or a satisfying dinner at one of the many patio dining establishments. These popular restaurants welcome four-legged buddies, so take him along! Blue Moon Bar & Grille has an excellent Monte Cristo and Spoons Bistro and Bakery's macadamia crusted fresh Halibut with lime beurre blanc sauce is divine. Trail Life Brewery has a Porch Pounder Mexican Lager and a Massaman Katsu Curry that packs a little kick. Check out the original brewery in Grand Junction, Rockslide Brewery – the salmon fish & chips are a local favorite, and on Tuesdays, it's all you can eat salmon fish & chips and mac & cheese.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Grand Junction
Now that you’ve got your dog-friendly activities figured out, where can you stay with your dog in Grand Junction and put your paws up? Being the pet-friendly destination that it is, most Grand Junction lodging allows dogs, including Grand Junction RV Parks. Here is a list of over 50 options including vacation homes, or check out pet-friendly lodging options in the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide. If you are looking for a place to pick up a chew toy or a new bone for your furry friend, stop by Chow Down Pet Supplies in Grand Junction. The friendly staff will be more than happy to help your pup sniff out their next treat.