The 6 Best Dog Parks in Denver
With its fresh mountain air and laid-back attitude, it’s no surprise that Denver has seen a boom in popularity over the past decade. And as more people flock to the area, the number of pets in the region has also grown, creating a need for dedicated space for pups to roam and play. Fortunately, city planners have been actively planning for this and are working with Denver’s Parks and Recreation department to ensure the needs of the city’s four-legged residents are being met.
When it’s time to put on your pup’s leash and head outside, here are six spaces that are sure to be fan favorites for both you and your best friend. Just remember, no trip to the park is complete without the essentials — a leash, water bottle, collar with an ID tag, waste bags and a towel — and it’s best to leave your dog’s favorite toys at home.
For Footloose, Off-leash and Fancy-free Play in the City
Lowry Dog Park
https://www.yelp.com/biz/lowry-dog-park-denver
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/2896
Address: Yosemite Way & E. 4th Place
Phone: 720-913-1311
Hours: Sunrise to sundown
Within the friendly fenced confines of Lowry Dog Park, you can put adventurous dogs through the paces (and exciting obstacles) at the agility court. There are two separate open spaces for play, making it easy to find the right space for your dog’s energy. The park itself scored highest on “overall condition” and “surface material” condition in a 2018 survey of users regarding Denver’s 13 dedicated dog parks.
Kennedy Dog Park
https://www.yelp.com/biz/kennedy-dog-park-denver
Address: 9700 E. Hampden Ave
Phone: 720-913-1311
Hours: Sunrise to sundown
Located next to the Kennedy Golf Course, this recently upgraded three-acre park now features a fully fenced enclosure. It’s divided into two sections, one earmarked for low energy pups, the other for high energy, so you can tailor your dog’s exercise and experience depending on their age, fitness and activity level.
Railyard Dog Park
https://www.yelp.com/biz/railyard-dog-park-denver
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/3309
Address: 2005 19th St.
Phone: 720-913-1311
Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Though popular with residents of the Riverfront Park neighborhood specifically, Railyard Dog Park is centrally located for all city dwellers. The fenced triangle space sits on nearly an acre and offers two separate play areas for dogs large and small. Its smart urban design, with clever landscaping, shade structures and quick-draining soil to reduce puddles (much to your dog’s dismay), makes this park a great place to visit no matter the weather.
Walks, Hikes and Runs Farther Afield
Chatfield State Dog Park
Address: 11500 N. Roxborough Park Road, Littleton Colorado
Phone: 303-791-7275
Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Social: Facebook
This park, managed by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife department, features both leash options. You can hike a 1.6-mile trail loop with your dog on a 6-foot leash or use the designated off leash area. The dog park, set on 69 acres of varied terrain, has two ponds and both paved and unpaved walking trails. A trip to Chatfield will set you back $10 for the state park entrance fee, as well as a $3 cover for up to three dogs at the dog park.
Cherry Creek State Park Dog Park
Address: 4201 S. Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado
Phone: 303-690-1166
Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Social: Facebook
If a water feature excites your dog beyond compare, the off leash area at Cherry Creek State Park could be paradise. Cherry Creek runs through the western edge of this 107-acre expanse of leash-free romps, bringing more than 250,000 visitors to the area each year. Save time and money by purchasing an annual vehicle park pass for $80 and a dog off leash area (DOLA) pass for $25 (good for both Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Park).
Glendale Farm Open Space Dog Park
Address: 12300 S. Havana St., Castle Rock, Colorado
Phone: 303-660-7495
Hours: One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
The 17 fenced acres of open space is for the dogs, but the adjacent 1.6-mile Glendale Farm Trail is for the people, too. Your dog can run free, play fetch or tackle the agility course in the off-leash area, then you can take a hike together to enjoy the incredible views of the Front Range mountains.
Most outdoor adventures are all fun and games, but if the unexpected happens, pet insurance provides peace of mind. Consider protecting your dog with a ManyPets health insurance plan to help you cover veterinary care in case your dog gets hurt at the dog park.