Top Off Leash Dog Areas In Denver
(credit: Skip Bolen/Getty Images for Beneful)
Dogs and their humans often need a change of scenery and some socialization. When a dog owner craves some outside time and the backyard is just not big enough, it is time to find summer fun in some of the off leash dog parks in the Denver area. While people may look for parks with picnic benches and volleyball courts, these little parks are exactly what little Fido is looking for. They provide a place to romp through the sand or grass without having to drag the owner by a leash. Pack some water, the dog, current rabies vaccinations and Denver dog licenses to head out for an outdoor adventure.
Stapleton Dog Park
2002 N. Spruce St.
Denver, CO 80238
(303) 388-0724
www.stapletondenver.com
Stapleton Dog Park is like a day at the beach. Unlike the muddy and often torn-apart grassy areas, this oasis of sand is just what the dog has been looking for. Just like the benefits of a California beach, little Spot will spend a day jogging in the sand while showing off to the others. This sandy park is huge and convenient to east Denver residents. Owners will be grateful when all they have to brush off their dog before getting in the car. It is sandy and wonderful and even has the bonus of an actual fire hydrant. Just one thing to be aware of: no children under 12 allowed.
Chatfield State Park
11500 N. Roxborough Park Road
Littleton, CO 80125
(303) 791-7275
www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/Chatfield
With multiple ponds to swim in and open trails to run on, this spot is a favorite of Denver-area residents. Chatfield Dog Park at Chatfield State Park offers 69 acres of wide-open, off-leash space for dogs to discover exercise and new friends. Dog owners will like the year-round restrooms and well-maintained paths and parking lots. Humans and their best friends can actually jog a mile loop so that everyone gets their exercise. It is worth the drive and the $7 entrance fee for a day outside where the dogs play their hearts out and the owners gaze at the beauty of the nearby Rocky Mountains.
Cherry Creek State Park Off Leash Dog Area
4201 S. Parker Road
Aurora, CO 80014
(303) 690-1166
www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/cherrycreek
Cherry Creek State Park Off Leash Dog Area has everything for dogs. There are lots of open fields, rivers of fresh water to play in, and even a sandy beach. The trails offer plenty of jogging for dog and owner to burn off breakfast. The large 12-mile area offers plenty for the dog to burn through the energy and settle down for a nap. With just the small burden of a $7 state park entrance fee, everyone is happy with a well-kept dog park. There are trails maintained well enough to bike alongside Spot. Ideal for Denver east and Aurora-area residents, the large open fields of grass will host a game of fetch or just a social day in the park.
Railyard Dog Park
19th St.
Denver, CO 80202
www.railyarddogs.org
Close to the Lodo area, the Railyard Dog Park is a favorite of Denver dogs. This park offers a giant sandbox in which dogs will run themselves ragged while protecting their tender little paws. Next to the historic rail line where coal moves from Wyoming to Colorado, this area plays host to dogs of every size and age. One of the favorite aspects of the Railyard Dog Park is that is has separate little areas for smaller and older dogs and water fountains that are actually lowered down for dogs to reach.
Josephine Gardens Dog Park
Colfax Ave. and Josephine St.
Denver, CO 80206
www.denvergov.org/ParksandRecreation
Capitol Hill, City Park and Cherry Creek City Park residents love to take their dogs to a day at the beach. Comfortable on the dog's paws, sand falls off Fido before entering the car. Visitors to the Josephine Gardens Dog Park will find limited human amenities such as water fountains, bags and benches, yet it has everything else that will make a dog's day. This big open space to play is conveniently close to the corner of Colfax and Josephine yet far enough away from the cars to be safe. Although it can get a bit busy on the weekends, this Denver dog park is made for man's best friend.
Related: Top Rafting and Tubing Near Denver
Colleen Bement is a freelance writer covering all things Denver. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
