Jaxson's Adventures

Adventure Guides

Best Hikes

Trails worth waking up early for.

Dog-friendly hikes explored and researched for Jaxson’s Adventures — with the leash rules, parking, and paw-level details that matter.

Start here

A trail we’ve actually done.

Featured trail — St. Mary’s Glacier

  • Location Near Idaho Springs — I-70 exit 238, then Fall River Rd about 9 miles
  • Distance Roughly 1.6–1.8 miles round trip to the lake
  • Difficulty Moderate — short but rocky and steep in places, starting at 10,400 ft
  • Dogs Welcome on leash
  • Parking $20 per vehicle per day, cash or check — the lots are privately owned and are the only legal parking
  • Facilities Vault toilets and trash at the paid lots; no running water
  • Crowds Very popular — lots can fill by 8 a.m. on summer weekends; go early on a weekday
  • Bonus An alpine lake with a year-round snowfield above it — full trail guide coming soon

Every hike we publish gets this treatment — verified parking, dog rules, and honest notes from the trail. St. Mary’s Glacier is where Jaxson’s lake footage on this site was filmed.

Before you go: hiking with a dog in Colorado

  • Leashes: Colorado state parks require a leash of 6 feet or shorter at all times. National forests require leashes in developed recreation areas and control everywhere else. Local trail systems vary — check posted signs.
  • National parks: Rocky Mountain National Park does not allow dogs on any trails, tundra, or meadows — only in campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, and along roads, on a 6-foot leash. Plan RMNP days without your dog, or stick to the surrounding national forest.
  • Altitude: Front Range trailheads often start above 8,000–10,000 ft. Dogs feel altitude too — go slower, rest more, and watch for heavy panting beyond normal.
  • Water: Carry water for your dog even on short hikes; many trails have none, and untreated stream water can carry parasites.
  • Paws: Sharp talus, hot summer rock, and snow all wear on pads. Check paws at breaks; consider a paw balm or booties for rough terrain.
  • Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are a summer pattern in the high country — start early and be below treeline by early afternoon.
  • Wildlife: Moose, elk, and bears share these trails. A leashed dog is a safer dog — and it’s usually the law anyway.
  • Pack it out: Bagged waste left trailside is the #1 complaint at popular trailheads like St. Mary’s. Carry it out, every time.

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