Denver literally has more dogs than children — which is a pretty good indicator that the Mile High City takes its pup culture very, very seriously. That’s why we rounded up this list of the best dog parks Denver has to offer.
Whether your pup wants to spend an afternoon making new friends and sprinting through the creek crossings at Cherry Creek Reservoir, or if they’re a small dog who just wants to poke around for a while without the constraints of a leash, there’s sure to be something to love at one of the dog parks in and around the Mile High City. A bonus? Almost all of these dog parks are also very close to pup-friendly patios.
Find proof in the list below.
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The Best Dog Parks Denver Humans Will Love Too
Cherry Creek State Park Off-Leash Area
4201 S. Parker Rd., Aurora, Colorado, 80014
- Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily
- Size: More than 100 acres
- Fees: Daily vehicle passes cost $10-12 per day (unless you have a state park pass), and an off-leash dog park pass is $3 per day, with annual passes available for $25.
- Best for: Energetic dogs who want to swim, run through wooded trails, and make lots of friends!
If you were to grab a random local and ask, “What is the best dog park in Denver?” this spot might be a prevalent answer. And to be honest, Cherry Creek State Park does, in fact, have one of the best dog parks Denver has to offer. To start, it’s huge, at more than 100 acres — and beyond simply the space, there’s no shortage of ways to entertain your dog. Whether you’re letting them sprint through the grassy fields, make new friends along the gravel trails, or cool off at one of the numerous spots along the creek, it’s easy to spend a few hours here. And, on the drive home, you’re guaranteed to have a very tired — but happy — pup.
Chatfield State Park Off-Leash Area
11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd., Littleton, Colorado, 80127
- Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily
- Size: 69 acres
- Fees: Daily entrance to the park is $12 per vehicle (unless you have a state park pass), with daily passes to the off-leash area running for $3 per day. Annual passes are available for $25.
- Best for: Swimming!
This spot west of town might be another local response to “What is the best dog park in Denver?” And while it’s a bit smaller than Cherry Creek State Park, there’s no shortage of fun things to do, thanks to the numerous ponds within its fenced boundaries. Whether your dog is willing to swim out to a ball in the middle of the lake or just prefers to wade, the water will definitely be a highlight — in addition to the chances to make new friends at the beach. Be sure to meander along the paved and unpaved trails at the perimeter of the ponds, and don’t forget to pause and enjoy the mountain views. Another great part about Chatfield? It’s a popular spot, meaning you’re sure to be able to meet basically every type of dog imaginable.
Westminster Hills Open Space Off-Leash Dog Area
10499 Simms St., Westminster, Colorado, 80005
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, seven days a week
- Size: 420 acres
- Fees: Free
- Best for: Letting your dog run to its heart’s desire
This is the largest of the dog parks Denver has to offer — and also one of the most popular thanks to its convenient location, substantial grassy areas that are perfect for all of the running, and dog-friendly water spigots to help your pup rehydrate after a big day. One thing to keep in mind? This park isn’t fully fenced, so be sure to have your dog under voice control at all times. Check out additional rules and regulations here.
Dog Parks in Denver, CO
Fuller Dog Park
E. 29th Ave. and Franklin St., Denver, Colorado
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, seven days a week
- Size: Approximately one acre
- Fees: Free
- Best for: A hangout with all the other neighborhood dogs
This spot, located just north of City Park, is one of the best neighborhood dog parks in Denver, Co. In addition to a convenient location, this off-leash area is fenced in, and there’s always another friend around for your pup to meet. Humans will like the benches and small shaded area for inclement weather, and dogs will enjoy the provided water bowls and big dirt area.
Greenway Park (formerly Stapleton Dog Park)
2002 Spruce St., Denver, Colorado, 80238
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, seven days a week
- Size: Three acres
- Fees: Free
- Best for: Letting your dogs and kids expend energy at the same time
Formerly known as the Stapleton Dog Park, this canine oasis also happens to be inside one of the oldest green spaces in the relatively new Central Park neighborhood, meaning it has some lush trees and plenty of things to do. Your dog will be stoked about the relatively large, fenced, off-leash area, which even has a famous fire hydrant for them to claim their territory. Your kids, meanwhile, can hang out at the nearby skatepark or make some friends at the “Islands in the Stream”-themed playground.
Lowry Dog Park Denver
Yosemite Way and E. 4th Pl., Denver, Colorado, 80230
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, seven days a week
- Size: Five acres
- Fees: Free
- Best for: Practicing your dog’s agility skills!
Lowry Dog Park Denver happens to have one of the largest off-leash areas in the city’s boundaries, as well as a convenient location in the thick of a very fun neighborhood. This spot has three fenced-in off-leash areas. One is for small dogs, one is for large dogs, and the last has an agility area equipped with obstacles to help prepare your pup for competition (or just to give them something fun to do). One thing to keep in mind? This park doesn’t have very shade, and there’s no water available, so be sure to bring your own.
Railyard Dog Park Denver
2005 19th St., Denver, Colorado, 80202
- Hours: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily (Note: It’s a lighted area, meaning it’s a great spot for the winter and evening hours.)
- Size: One acre
- Fees: Free
- Best for: An urban adventure
The Railyard Dog Park Denver is truly the ultimate urban off-leash experience. Separate areas for high- and low-energy dogs provide something for every canine. And, since it’s the only Denver dog park that’s lighted, it’s the perfect spot for humans who might have to exercise their pup at odd hours. While there is a water fountain here, it’s not always on, so be sure to bring your own. Once the dog park experience is over, be sure to clip your dog into their leash and take a lap around Commons Park for some of the best people-watching in the city.
Dog Parks Near Denver, CO
Forsberg Iron Spring Park
15900 W. Alameda Pkwy., Lakewood, Colorado, 80228
- Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily
- Size: Approximately 2.5 acres
- Fees: Free
- Best for: Sunset playtime
The views alone make this one of the best dog parks near Denver, Co. Located on the base of Green Mountain, Forsberg Iron Spring Park offers stunning views of the southern Front Range — and some of the best sunsets around. It’s also one of the best off-leash dog parks Denver has to offer. There are separate areas for large and small dogs, as well as agility equipment and a water spigot during the summer months. Once playtime’s over, this dog park also happens to be pretty close to Green Mountain Beer Company, which has one of the most pup-friendly patios around.
Glendale Farm Dog Park
12300 S. Havana St., Castle Rock, Colorado, 80108
- Hours: One hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset seven days a week
- Size: 17 acres
- Fees: Free
- Best for: Expanding all of the energy (and then finishing a 1.6 hike together for good measure)
If you happen to live in the south metro area, this is easily one of the best dog parks. At 17 acres, this off-leash area has more than enough space for your best friend to roam and play — as well as meet lots of new friends of all shapes and sizes. Humans will enjoy the unique high prairie views, and dogs will be very stoked on this park’s mini agility course. This dog park doesn’t have water on-site, so be sure to bring plenty of your own. Once the off-leash fun is over, it’s more than worth it to take your pup on a quick hike through the open space’s 1.6-mile loop that features scenic overlooks and views of unique rock formations.
Grandview Dog Park
17500 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora, Colorado, 80015
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Size: More than five acres
- Fees: Free
- Best for: A summer adventure without braving the crowds at Cherry Creek or Chatfield
This spot in Aurora might be one of the best off-leash dog parks Denver has to offer. Unlike similar spots, this one has plenty of grass (instead of just sand or gravel), as well as an agility area for them to show off to their new friends. During the summer, your pup will also enjoy cooling off in its special bowls of water. This might not have the bells and whistles of other nearby dog parks, but you won’t have to wait in a long line, which is always a bonus.
Tony Grampsas Dog Park
4471 Salvia St., Golden, Colorado, 80403
- Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily
- Size: 2.5 acres
- Fees: Free
- Best for: Expending some of your dog’s energy before posting up on a Golden patio for beers
Tucked at the corner of a park at the base of North Table Mountain, this quintessential Golden off-leash area packs a lot of fun into a relatively small area. Your dog will love being able to run through the fenced-in wooded area, as well as cooling off in the small creek within the park’s boundaries. Once they’re nice and tuckered out, you’ll love taking your pup to the patio of nearby New Terrain Brewing Company (it’s only a mile away!) and rewarding yourself with a beer.
Valmont Dog Park
5275 Valmont Rd., Boulder, Colorado, 80301
- Hours: Dawn to dusk, seven days a week
- Size: 3.25 acres
- Fees: Free
- Best for: A quintessential Boulder dog park experience
Boulder residents consider this one of the top dog parks, and there’s a good reason for it. The Valmont Dog Park has two separate spaces for small and large dogs, as well as a big fenced-in area for them to run and socialize to their heart’s desires. During the summer months, there’s even a water spigot for your pup to cool off (but be sure to bring your own hydration just in case). This off-leash area is located inside a bigger park, so your friends and family can tag along and try the bike area or get in a run on one of the many nearby trails.