If you’re an outdoor enthusiast in Colorado, you can have endless fun. And you probably spend a lot of that time with friends. But have you ever taken your dog along?

Share your love for outdoor adventure with your furry best friend. Check out these ideas for enjoying the great outdoors with your dog.

1. Go on a hike

Taking your dog on a hike is a great activity your dog will enjoy. And if you’ve never hiked with your dog before, it’s easy to introduce them to this pastime.

A lot of hiking trails in Colorado welcome dogs; just be sure to look up restrictions. Get your dog a comfortable harness or collar and use a leash you’re comfortable holding. Choose a trail that’s right for your dog’s fitness level, size, and age. Bring water for you and your dog, and for extended excursions, have snacks too.

2. Camp out

Taking your dog camping can be a great way to bond with your pet. If you have a cautious dog who has never been camping before, you can find out your dog’s boundaries with small day-trip activities like picnics.

Do some research on campgrounds that accept dogs, and make sure you know the restrictions. Ensure your dog understands basic commands so that they can reliably listen to you once out in nature. Know the location of vet clinics near your campground, and bring extra first aid items for your pet, such as booties to cover injured paws.

3. Spend time on the water

If your dog enjoys water, spending time on a pond or lake can be the perfect idea for enjoying the great outdoors with your dog. Always watch your dog closely and make sure they don’t get too tired near water. A life vest can keep your dog floating in the water even when they’re too tired to swim, giving your dog an extra safety net.

Consider taking your dog on the lake in a raft, kayak, or packraft. There’s a lot you can do to prepare your dog to go out on the water. Make sure this activity suits your dog’s temperament and take safety precautions. But taking your dog drifting or paddling on a lake gives your dog a unique experience bonding with you.

You can go hiking with your dog, camp out, or hang out with your dog near bodies of water. No matter how you spend time with your dog in the great outdoors, you’ll find it richly rewarding.