trip to Durango/mesa verde with 2 dogs
 

The wife and I are seriously considering making a trip in early July with 2 golden retrievers . We've been to Estes park /Boulder etc few yrs back (w/o dogs ) and had a great trip.
We're just not sure if dogs will be allowed in certain parts of Nat'l park and if cabins, b & b's will allow them. So far a couple cabins we've seen do not allow them . So basically would it be considered a dog friendly area to visit. ANY input or advice would help to determine whether to move forward, trying to make plans within next 48 hrs if we head that way. We are from Texas, so the somewhat cooler climate is definitely a plus when considering the area for the dogs going along. thank you.

The only National Park that is "dog friendly" is Great Sand Dunes, IMOP.

Mesa Verde would be one of the least "dog friendly" parks. They are not allowed in any of the ruins/sights/indian buidlings. They are not allowed on any trails. Basically, they would have to stay in your car the entire time. You need at least 1 full full day in Mesa Verde. Really you need 3 days to see everything and really do it right.

Durango would be somewhat dog friendly. But, IMOP--Leave the dogs at home.

I took my two dogs to the veterinarian in Durango who boarded them for me. She was on the main street. I don't think this is what you want, but maybe there is a vet in Cortez. You could call Cortez tourist office or try Petfinder.com or Dogfriendly.com. What we go through for our sweet dogs.

As a dog owner I hasten to add that people do not all travel at the exact same speed and I somewhat disagree as to how many days that are "required" to do Mesa Verde "right." Yes, it is a subjective opinion. I DO agree, however, that you and the dogs might all be better served, and mentally less distressed if you could leave them somewhere they love and with someone who loves them.

Here's the Mesa Verde National Park information on pets.

http://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/pets.htm

We use to travel with our golden retriever but we had an RV where she could stay and be comfortable while we took hikes.

Mesa Verde is a special place and well worth the time to visit. If you want to do all three of the ranger lead tours (which I highly recommend) it will take two days because of the limit on how many tours you can take in one day. There is enough to do to fill three days but two would be good and one day would give you a quick idea of what is there.

http://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisi...activities.htm

Utahtea