In recent days, a couple reached out to me for some travel advice. With plans to forego an out-of-state trip to celebrate a birthday for something local and a budget of $1,000, they want to know what they could do – with a relatively new puppy in tow. They asked about camping and dog-friendly spots – somewhere where they might be able to still get food out despite their furry tagalong.

Centering their adventure around a certain mountain town that came to mind seemed like a great fit – Buena Vista.

A short drive from Colorado Springs (about two hours), there’s plenty to do in this part of the state, much of which is dog-friendly.

For camping, I’d check out Clear Creek Reservoir Campground – about 15 miles north of town, close to both water and a lot of hiking (do note, this can get crowded). Cottonwood Lake Campground is another great spot, a little closer to town and with plenty of hiking and water nearby. A bit removed from busy roads, this spot might be a little more peaceful, too. Many other options in the area exist – and while the two aforementioned spots can get crowded, reservations can be made at some other highly-rated places (find more options on The Dyrt)

As far as dog friendly activities go, there’s a long list of trails to find in the area that range in difficulty. One unexpected option for a young pup might be Clohesy Lake via Forest Road 381, which is a walk down a rugged road but leads to a stunning alpine lake view. Other dog-friendly activities may include a trip to St. Elmo’s Ghost Town, the drive up Cottonwood Pass or nearby Independence Pass – both of which have summit areas that allow for a walk, or a trip to Twin Lakes for additional water.

When it comes to food, there’s a dog-friendly area at the downtown Buena Vista location of Eddyline (and great beer to match – but be warned, the location that’s closer to the Arkansas River is less dog-friendly last I checked). The Buena Viking is another spot with a dog-friendly patio and great burgers. Plenty of other dog-friendly spots can be found, as well, with the Buena Vista community known for showing canine companions love. With many of the restaurants centered around Main Street, it’s easy to pop into a few places that sound good and ask what’s available in terms of outdoor seating. It’s also worth noting that some of the shops in this area are dog-friendly, as well.

It’s also worth noting that the Riverside Trail is a must-walk for those with leashed pups, with the Barbara Whipple Trail on the opposite side of the Arkansas being a good option for a quick walk in nature that’s near town.

Given its dog friendliness, its lack of hecticness, and the ample nature nearby, Buena Vista is a top spot for a dog-friendly vacation and the cost of the trip if camping will probably come in significantly below $1,000. Be warned – summer weekends can get a little crowded once hiking season picks up. Visit during the week for a much more relaxed experience.

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