Summer in Boulder brings long days, beautiful mountain views, and plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors with your dog. But when afternoon temperatures climb into the 80s and 90s, even a familiar trail can become much more demanding.
Dogs cool themselves less efficiently than people, which means they can overheat quickly during warm-weather hikes. Hot rocks, dry air, limited shade, and intense sunlight can also increase the risk of dehydration, exhaustion, and burned paw pads.
Fortunately, Boulder offers several dog-friendly trails that pass through pine forests, shaded canyons, and cooler creekside areas. While no trail is completely protected from summer heat, choosing a route with more tree cover can make a noticeable difference…