No weekend is complete without taking man’s best friend on an adventure! Colorado has its fair share of trails and open space for roaming, but where can you take your dog for some off-leash fun?
We’ve broken down the best dog parks in Denver that offer something fun for every type of dog owner, walker or sitter!
Chatfield State Park Dog Park
Address: 11500 N. Roxborough Park Road, Littleton, CO, 80125
Hours: Open daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fees: Single-day admission, $8 per vehicle OR Annual Pass, $70 | PLUS $2 daily off-leash permit per handler OR $20 annual off-leash permit per handler
The Chatfield State Park Dog Off-Leash area is one of the most popular in the Denver area. The 69-acre, fenced-in area that includes two ponds and miles of walking trails allows dogs to roam free. The atmosphere will cost you $2 for a daily dog off-leash permit or a $20 annual Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) pass, along with daily park admission of $8 per person. But most pup parents think it’s worth the extra cost for the well-maintained park. An annual state park pass will grant humans admission to Cherry Creek State Park, along with 40 other state parks, so you can use your pass with or without your furry partner-in-crime! There are several rules at this park, including one that states you must be able to control your dog with verbal commands when they’re off-leash, and a leash must be brought with you in case it becomes necessary, as well as a waste bag for each dog. Each permit allows a handler to have up to three dogs with them.
Cherry Creek State Park Dog Off-Leash Area
Address: 4201 S. Parker Road, Aurora, CO 80014
Hours: Open daily, 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fees: Admission, $9 per vehicle OR Annual Pass, $70 | PLUS $2 daily off-leash permit per handler OR $20 annual off-leash permit per handler
Like Chatfield State Park’s dog park, Cherry Creek State Park’s Dog Off-Leash Area requires a permit for both you and your pooch, but it’s paradise for a dog with an appreciation for the aquatics. This 107-acre park offers two ponds and one stream for dogs to play in, along with access to Cherry Creek State Park trails. Be warned that it can get busy during weekend hours and may have a wait time. The rules for the park include having your dog within visual distance, as well as having a leash and waste bag for each dog. Dogs that are outside of the unleashed area must remain on a leash.
Glendale Farm Open Space Dog Park
Address: 12300 S. Havana St., Castle Rock, CO 80108
Hours: Open daily, 1 hour before sunrise – 1 hour after sunset
Fees: Free
This off-leash dog park is popular for doggies in the southern part of town, as it’s located in Castle Rock, south of Denver. The Glendale Farm Open Space Dog Park features a 1.6-mile loop trail and a 17-acre fenced-in area for your dog to roam. While your dog enjoys the park, you can enjoy awesome views of Pikes Peak and the Colorado Front Range. And the best part of all: It’s free!
Tony Grampsas Dog Park
Address: West 44th Avenue & Salvia Street, Golden, CO 80403
Hours: Open daily, sunrise – sunset
Fees: Free
This off-leash dog park is popular for those in Golden or on the western part of town. The 2.5-acre, fenced-in park is tucked away on the north side of the ball fields at Tony Grampsas Memorial Sports Complex, and without knowing what you’re looking for, it can be tricky to find. There are trees and shrubs for shade for both you and the pup, along with picnic tables. A short trail is perfect for walking, and there’s also a creek that runs through the park. Be warned that it can get muddy in the summer months, and it’s recommended to bring your own water for your dog.
Kennedy Dog Park
Address: 9700 E. Hampden Ave., Denver, CO 80231
Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Fees: Free
This 3-acre dog park is conveniently located near Interstate 225 and the Kennedy golf course, with the entrance just behind Walmart. Although there aren’t any watering holes for the dogs and it’s mostly a dirt terrain on the paths, owners like this park for its sectioned-off areas divided by “high-energy” and a “low-energy” play areas.
Westminster Hills Off-Leash Dog Park
Address: Simms Street & West 105th Drive, Westminster, CO 80005
Hours: Open daily, sunrise – sunset
Fees: Free
This 420-acre, off-leash dog park in the 15,000-acre Colorado Hills Open Space is a great option for dog owners on the north side of the Denver Metro Area. The park features a 2-mile trail, doggie drinking fountain and swimming pond, along with benches and shelter for the owners. Though it is an off-leash dog park, it’s only partially fenced in, so be sure your dog is voice-trained. There are postings to beware of snakes and coyotes in the area, so be cautious when walking. Admission is free, but all dogs owned by residents of Westminster — both in Adams and Jefferson counties — are required to be licensed.
Forsberg Iron Spring Dog Park
Address: 15900 W. Alameda Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80228
Hours: Open daily, 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fees: Free
This Lakewood park has two sections of fenced-in areas — divided up by big dogs and small dogs — for your pooch to roam unleashed. The park has a hilly terrain with lots of grass and an agility course for your dogs. Humans can enjoy great views of Red Rocks Amphitheater and Park, along with sheltered areas for picnics, a restroom, and a bike and walking path. It’s recommended you bring your own water for your dog.
West Arvada Dog Park
Address: 17975 W. 64th Parkway, Arvada, 80004
Hours: Open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Fees: Free, but dog license required in Arvada
This fenced-in, 5-acre dog park is the largest and most popular in the city of Arvada. With a large amount of space for your furry friends to roam, there is something for every dog — even a separate area for shyer dogs. A recent addition of a pavilion solves the problem of no shade at the park that will surely make cooling down in the hot summer months easier. Admission is free, but this dog park is operated by volunteers so donations are appreciated.
Louisville Community Dog Park
Address: 955 Bella Vista Drive, Louisville, CO 80027
Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fees: Free
Located in the corner of the Community Park in the popular Denver suburb of Louisville, this fenced-in, off-leash dog park is loved by many because of its proximate location to the lake. The park has both a dry section and a wet section, complete with a beach to satisfy any dog’s desires. Puppies under 4 months old are prohibited.
Stapleton Dog Park
Address: 2002 N. Spruce St., Denver, CO 80238
Hours: Open daily, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fees: Free
This off-leash, 3-acre dog park in northeast Denver community of Stapleton is unique due to its sandy terrain. The park features trees, benches, and water fountains, but it’s advised to still be prepared and bring water for your pooch. It can get busy on the weekends, but the park is large enough that you should be able to find room for your dog to roam. Be warned, there is no separate area for smaller dogs and there are no children under 12 allowed.
