A Canine Companion’s Guide to Denver

When you’re traveling with your pup in tow, finding a spot for a game of fetch or a quick potty break is always top of mind. Thankfully, Denver is home to more than 250 parks and 20,000+ acres of green space, including fifteen off-leash areas located throughout the city, so you and your dog are never too far from a bit of outdoor fun.

A favorite among locals, Railyard Dog Park is just a short stroll from The Crawford Hotel. Located at the corner of 19th and Bassett Streets, the triangular park includes fully fenced, off-leash areas, waste-bag dispensers, and water fountains to keep your dog hydrated in the warmer months. It’s divided into two sections, one for smaller dogs and another for larger ones, so everyone from Bichons to Saint Bernards can find a perfectly sized playmate.

A block away, you can also find some of Denver’s best urban hiking at nearby Confluence Park — the perfect place to burn off excess energy after a vigorous play session. Nestled at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River (hence the name), it’s part of Denver’s scenic Riverfront Park trail system. Just be sure to keep your furry friend leashed at all times while on the trails!

Further from the city center but well worth the journey, sprawling Lowry Dog Park is Denver’s largest by far, at five acres. It includes enclosed off-leash areas for small and large dogs, plus a dog agility area and obstacle course. When your pup is all worn out, head over to nearby Lowry Beer Garden, which boasts a dog-friendly patio and extensive menu of Colorado craft brews.

Lowry Beer Garden isn’t the only place to enjoy a bite to eat with your furry friend. Blessed with nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, the Mile High City abounds with options for outdoor dining, including patios at the Dairy Block, Waldschänke Ciders + Coffee, and Rhein Haus Denver that are happy to welcome pets.

Not even the chill of a Colorado winter can dampen our city’s enthusiasm for dog-friendly dining and drinks. The Denver Beer Co. welcomes well-behaved pooches indoors (provided they remain leashed at all times), where they can savor a signature “Dog Beerscuit” made with spent grain leftover from the brewing process. Humans, meanwhile, can enjoy an array of local craft beers like their Mile High Hazy IPA, Rocky Mountain Lager, and a rotating selection of seasonal brews.

Located just a few streets over from The Crawford Hotel on nearby Chestnut Place, The Pig & The Sprout boasts a covered, heated patio ideal for dog-friendly dining in the colder months. Savor contemporary American cuisine paired with an inspired cocktail selection, a robust menu of plant-based options, and an inviting weeknight happy hour.

Centrally located in the heart of lively LoDo, The Crawford Hotel puts you within walking distance of many of Denver’s best boutiques, including a few favorite local spots where you can shop with your pet in tow. Pop into Dog Savvy in nearby Larimer Square, also known as Denver’s urban doggy headquarters. Here, you and your four-legged friend can browse a wide selection of products, from leashes, collars, and harnesses to chew toys and custom-engraved tags. They also have an in-house grooming salon; drop off your pet for an afternoon of pampering while you explore this historic shopping district in the heart of downtown.

Just over the South Platte River on Boulder Street, Three Dog Bakery boasts doggone delicious treats, perfect for rewarding that very good boy or girl in your life. A Denver institution for over three decades, they offer an ever-changing selection of unique toys, rawhides and chews, grooming gear, and the latest four-legged fashion. But the real star of the show here is their house-made dog treats, which are crafted from scratch and slow-baked to perfection by their resident pastry chefs. Favorite items include their Snickerpoodle cookies, Woofie Pies, and Peanut Mutter Cups, plus a menu of themed seasonal delights for just about every holiday you can imagine.

Nothing beats snuggling up with your pup at the end of a fun-filled day in Denver, and there’s no better place to do just that than The Crawford Hotel. Stay in grandeur in luxurious rooms and suites inspired by the golden age of train travel, where four-legged friends are always welcome. In fact, we offer a number of inviting amenities to ensure your dog feels right at home during their stay, including plush dog beds, matching food and water bowls, sturdy chew toys, and locally made dog treats.

With historic Denver Union Station right downstairs, you’re never more than a few steps away from the city’s best dining, shopping, and special events — including dog-friendly happenings like the popular Yappy Hour. Hosted on the Terminal Bar patio on select Saturdays from May through October, it’s a paw-some opportunity to sip, mingle, and enjoy themed drink specials and yummy dog treats with your fur baby in tow. The event is held in partnership with Soul Dog Rescue, a non-profit animal welfare organization, making this a great opportunity for dog lovers to meet adoptable dogs while supporting a worthy cause.

From sprawling off-leash parks to acclaimed pet boutiques, opportunities abound for dog-friendly fun here in the Mile High City. So why not treat man’s best friend to a stay at Denver’s greatest destination? Explore our one-of-a-kind rooms, lofts, and suites to find the perfect urban hideaway for you and your pup, and start looking forward to an unforgettable stay at The Crawford Hotel.