Pooch's Paradise is by far the longest dog-friendly nordic trail. Starting from the town of Crested Butte the trail continues past Peanut Lake to Magic Meadows and Mike's Mile. You can pick up a trail pass for you and your pooch online from the Crested Butte Nordic Center.
| Highlights: | Mountain views, close to town, dog friendly |
| Activities: | Nordic ski with trail pass |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Length: | 1.9 miles (3k) |
| Approx. Time: | 45 minutes |
| Elevation Gain: | 100 ft |
| Trailhead Elevation: | 8,900 feet |
| Travel Time to TH: | 1 minute from town |
| Snow Machine Traffic: | None |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes with dog pass |
| Groomed: | Yes |
Click photos to view multi-sport gallery
Directions
Via Car:Â There are 3 trailheads. Starting from Elk Ave head west towards the end of the street. Take a right on 1st street and head down to the end of it, which leads to a junction with Butte Ave/Peanut Lake Road.
The first trailhead is 1/4 mile to the right at the end of the road on the left. (Map) The other 2 trailheads can be reached making a left. Follow the road for a 1/2 mile around the corner to a parking lot on the right. (Map) It can also be accessed by a second parking area 1/4 mile further on the right. (Map)
Route
Starting from the Butte Ave trailhead, follow the nordic track as it wraps around the outskirts of CB and makes its way toward Peanut Lake. Pass the second parking area on your left as you wind across meadows along the banks of the Slate River. Eventually you will come to a junction of Pooch's Paradise and Beaver Trail. Both of these trails wrap around Peanut Lake, are dog-friendly, and reconnect at Pooch's on the far side of the lake.
From the far side of Peanut follow signs for Pooch's. If you're skiing with your dog make sure to stay on the dog-friendly trail. Helpful signs along the way will point this out.
Follow Pooch's all the way to the end and you will find Mike's Mile. You can turn around here or continue on Mike's for extra riding. For a shorter loop, park at the 2nd Peanut lake trailhead and take a lap around the lake!
Trail Map
Dog-Friendly Fun
The Nordic Center is a great place to visit for many activities including ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. You can rent gear for all of these activities in advance on their website. Additionally, rentals and trail passes are discounted for kids 16 and under.Â
