by Wendy Lafond

Created on: December 08, 2008   Last Updated: April 01, 2009

Denver is a great place to live or visit if you own a dog. Whether you are just here for short stay, new to the area, or looking for a new area to walk in, I hope you will find the following information helpful and informative. There are many great places to walk with your dog in the Denver area. Some of them require a leash while others are off-leash parks that allow well-behaved animals to run and play with controlled abandon.

Cherry Creek State Park

Located on the west side of Denver, it features a 60-acre, off-leash park, as well as 12 miles of leashed trails to enjoy together with your canine companion. The off-leash area is not fenced, but is surrounded with boundary signs to show the human of the group where to re-hook the leash. There is a creek, a wide trail, and open grasslands for swimming, running, and training workouts for your four-legged friend to enjoy. Be sure to bring your own baggies(byob).

Chatfield State Park

Also to the west of Denver, is 160-acres of doggie paradise. A pond for swimming or fetch-the-stick, a trial for off-leash training, and a woodsy area perfect for exploration and sniffing practice. This area is not fenced and it is a byob (bring your own bags) park. Be sure to clean up after your pooches natural fertilizing tendency.

Maxwell Falls Trail

Just south of Denver, is a 3.5 to 4.75 mile trail that allows for an off-leash experience your dog will be sure to enjoy. There are lots of trees for exploring, a creek that you get to cross twice, and the beauty of Maxwell Falls makes the trip just as enjoyable for you. Be sure to byob.

If you prefer to stay within the limits of Denver there are still great places to walk with your canine friend. Washington Park is a great social experience for you pet with 154 acres of trails and open spaces to enjoy. It is a leashed park where you will need to byob. For more information about dog-friendly parks and a detailed map call the Denver Parks office at (303)964-2500.

Some great places for off-leash doggie play dates in Denver were opened by the city to give Denver canine residents and visitors a place to run and socialize. There is the Berkeley Park Dog Park with a 2-acre fenced area to play and run. complete with trees for the boys enjoyment. Fuller Park Dog Park with a 1-acre fenced area, Jason Street Dog Park, with 2-acres for exercising, and the largest, the Stapleton Dog Park with 4-acres complete with tables and benches for the human side of the relationship to enjoy. These are all byob, but there are trash bins available for disposal. For questions or comments about these parks you can call (720)913-0696. Denver has a pit bull ban.

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