Top 5 places to hike with your dog

TOP DOG TRAILS . . .

1. Red Rock Canyon Roundup Trail: 3.5 miles. An easy trail through rolling hills, past a pond and with little traffic after leaving Red Rock Canyon. Watch for deer.

2. Seven Bridges Trail: Six miles. This trail crosses and recrosses North Cheyenne Creek, giving dogs plenty of chances to cool off. Expect to meet other dogs on Gold Camp Road but not the rest of the hike.

3. Waldo Canyon: 6.5 miles. This popular local loop has at least three water stops, plenty of shade, and ample chances for dogs to exchange sniffs with passing canines. Not for hikers who want solitude.

4. Monument Rock Loop: 3.6 miles. This network of trails south of Monument isn't too steep and includes a small pond a mile up the trail next to Monument Rock where dogs can swim. Watch for mountain bikes and horses on the upper portion.

For maps and detailed trail descriptions visit gazette.com/outthere.

TRAILS TO AVOID . . .

1. Stratton Open Space Chutes Trail: Packs of downhill mountain bikers on this trail might turn Fido into roadkill.

2. Captain Jack's: Mountain bikers and motorcyclists make the blind curves a dangerous hike.

3. Barr Trail: On weekends heavy downhill-runner traffic on this narrow trail is more trouble than it's worth.

Colorado Springs is a pooch paradise. Read the article