Are pets allowed along the byway?

Pets are generally allowed along most of the Gold Belt Byway and in outdoor areas, though specific regulations vary by location and property type. When traveling byway roads and stopping at scenic pullouts, pets must remain under control and on leash to protect wildlife, respect other visitors, and ensure pet safety near roads with limited shoulders and steep drop-offs. Many picnic areas and public lands along the route welcome leashed pets, allowing families to include their four-legged companions in outdoor adventures.

However, restrictions apply at certain locations including Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, where National Park Service regulations typically limit pets to paved areas, parking lots, and roadways while prohibiting them on most trails to protect sensitive paleontological resources and wildlife habitat. Individual businesses, museums, and attractions along the byway maintain their own pet policies, so we recommend calling ahead to confirm whether pets are welcome at specific destinations. When traveling with pets, carry adequate water, waste bags, and supplies, as services are limited between communities. Be particularly mindful during warm weather when vehicle temperatures can become dangerous quickly, and never leave pets unattended in vehicles along the byway where summer sun exposure creates life-threatening conditions within minutes.