The Best Dog Parks in Denver
U.S. News & World Report ranked Denver #2 in 2019 for the best places to live in the US. While Denver certainly has its list of pros and cons, one of the best aspects of living in this unique city is its suitable accommodations for our beloved four-legged friends. It’s no secret that many Coloradans own dogs, so it’s applicable to ask, what are the best dog parks in Denver to take your pooch?
First, the sheer amount of activities to participate makes Denver is a dog-friendly city. From breweries to local businesses, many spaces are accommodating to dogs of all shapes and sizes. Furthermore, Denverite’s have a natural affinity for the great outdoors, especially with the Rocky Mountains in close proximity. There are plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails and scenery to explore, as well. However, if you’re unable to head out the mountains on a daily basis, then rest assured that the Mile High City has an extensive park system, and this includes a plethora of dog parks in Denver.
Denver recognizes a growing need for off-leash dog areas and has worked deliberately to provide these for dog owners living in the city. Read more about that here.
Here is a list of a few of the best dog parks in Denver:
Cherry Creek State Park
This off-leash area in Cherry Creek State Park is a great place to take your pup. Your dogs can really be free to explore and run with more than 100 acres. The park also has a creek for fun and play, or simply to enjoy the scenery and splendor. There is an entrance fee to the park (one carload is $9 per day, or $73 per year), plus a $2 entry fee to the off-leash area (or an annual pass for $20).
You can also find more information on fees and tickets by visiting this link here.
Here are some quick facts:
- 100-Acre area
- Creek feature
- Paid access
Chatfield Dog Park
Chatfield can be considered a dog paradise with nearly 70 acres and two ponds to explore. Plus, there are miles of paved and unpaved walking trails for dog-owners to enjoy. If you prefer off-leash areas, Chatfield also accommodates those needs. Purchasing the annual pass needed to access this park will also grant you access to all 42 of Colorado’s state parks.
Paid passes are available at the entrace stations.
Quick facts:
- 70-Acre area
- Off-leash friendly
- Paid access for 42 of Colorado’s state parks
Stapleton Dog Park
This is a large dog park next Denver’s old airport just east of Denver, and it has a reputation for having nice owners with well-behaved dogs. The park itself is just under 3 acres in size, giving your dog plenty of room for your fur-friend to run. The dog park is sand instead of grass, but most dogs seem to love running around on the soft surface. This Denver dog park is off-leash friendly.
Here are some quick facts:
- 3-Acre space
- Sanded area
- Off-leash friendly
- High dog traffic and usually busy
Centennial Dog Park
This is a dog park located in South Denver near Federal & Belleview. Even if you live in the metro area, many dog owners say the commute is well worth it. The dog park covers about 37 acres and is built around a large pond. As a note, this dog park is accommodating to off-leash dogs, but terms can change depending on the time of year.
Here are some quick facts:
- 37-acre space
- Large pond & plenty of benches
- Off-leash friendly
- Park is open
- March 1 – October 31, 6am – 11am & 6pm – 11pm
- November 1 – February 28/29, 6am – 11pm
Grandview Dog Park
This big park in Aurora sits right next to Quincy Reservoir. Although the reservoir is not accessible by your dog, there is a fenced-off area where your dogs can run free. Aside from a lot of room to run, it also has an agility course where your canines can show off their skills!
Here are some quick facts:
- 6-Acre area
- Agility course feature
- The reservoir is not accessible by dogs
- East Denver (Aurora), limited parking
Glendale Farms Dog Park
This one is pushing it a bit because it’s south of Denver, but it’s only 10 miles from Tech Center on I-25, so many people make the trip. It’s a 17-acre area that you can cover with your dog, and it’s another that has an agility course. Plus, it’s right next to the Glendale Open Space Trail where you can go on a real hike with your dog – if you feel like hassling with a leash.
Here are some quick facts:
- 17-Acre area in South Denver
- Open space trail for real hikes with your dog
- Off-leash friendly
Railyard Dog Park
This smaller park isn’t the nicest in Denver, but it’s located very close to downtown, so it’s still pretty popular. It doesn’t have any grass for the dogs to play in, but it’s better than city streets if you live in the area or need to give your dog a break after a while in the car. Keep in mind that parking can be tricky.
Here are some quick facts:
- High traffic dog area in Denver metro
- Parking is limited
- Off-leash friendly
Wynetka Ponds Bark Park
Aside from such a fun name, this park in Littleton (South Denver) is a good spot. It doesn’t have separate areas for large and small dogs, but most owners find that the other dogs are well trained. The dog park is double-gated for secure access. It also offers shady areas and benches for dog-owners to rest.
Here are some quick facts:
- Large grassy area
- Portable restroom
- Double-gated access
Berkeley Dog Park
This dog park sits next to Berkeley Lake, as well as in the shadow of Lakeside Amusement Park. The area is easy to get to and has plenty of parking, but there is a lack of shade. The dog park features benches for dog-owners. In addition, just outside of the gated dog area, there’s a large park where you are free to walk your dog on the miles of paved walking trail.
Here are some quick facts:
- 2-Acre area
- No lake access
- Surrounding park & walking trails
Kennedy Dog Park
This park next to Cherry Creek Reservoir is a nice, average-sized place for your dogs. Also, it’s divided into areas for dogs with low and high energy, so it’s a good choice if you have mellow or older pups.
Here are some quick facts:
- 3-Acre area
- The area is mainly dirt & sand
- Fully enclosed with low-energy & high-energy areas
- Parking limited on weekends
Live in a Dog-Friendly Apartment?
Now that you know how easy it is to live with a dog in Denver, do you know if your apartment will allow pets? It’s a bad idea to try and sneak around the apartment manager every time your pooch needs to find a fire hydrant.
Instead, move in somewhere that welcomes your dogs, like Urban Phenix! Not only will you not need to worry about hiding, but both you and your pet will have a better social life with the neighbors – those with two and four legs.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!