Jog A Dog at Denver Animal Shelter

Do you live in the Denver area? Do you have a mild to moderate obsession with dogs? Do you enjoy walking and/or running? Would you like a Thursday night activity that keeps you from binge-watching Netflix on the couch with a bottle glass of wine? Then Jog A Dog is for you!

Trail Review: Gem Lake in Estes Park

This out and back trail was the first hike I ever did after moving to Colorado. The elevation in Estes Park is no joke, so if you're new to town like I was, plan on taking lots of water and lots of breaks. It was slightly demoralizing that a very small fluffy white dog lapped me on this trail, but the views along the way will help ease that pain. Multiple breaks will help ease the pain of your lungs screaming for air.

On that cheery note, you hook up with the Gem Lake trail after parking at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. It's about four miles round trip. We hit it pretty early on Labor Day weekend and still found parking, but it was jammed by the time we got back. As with every Colorado trail in the summer, you're going to need to wake up early.

Lumpy Ridge is an hour and a half away from Denver, right outside of Estes Park. The trip is easy now that all the highways have been repaired from 2013 flooding, and is super scenic. You also get to go through Lyons, which is a super cute mountain town. It’s your halfway mark to Estes, and always a good place to stop for food or gas.