Denver is known for their beautiful parks scattered across the city. However, all of them have strict leash laws. Luckily, Denver also has plenty of off-leash dog parks worthy of a romp.
For some dogs, off-leash play is essential. It adds to their overall well-being, which is our goal as guardians, right? If your dog is one of those who benefit from off-leash play, or if they just love to explore, sniff, and run, here are 15 dog parks in and around Denver that you should check out.
1. Cherry Creek Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA), Aurora
Cherry Creek DOLA is located inside of Cherry Creek State Park. It’s my favorite dog park in Denver!
It’s a fenced 107-acre park with trails, agility equipment, and tons of access to water (depending on the season).
By far, my favorite feature in this park is the access to water. Cherry Creek DOLA has a wide stream that you can walk along. There are also tons of trails that you can access around the stream. My dog loves jumping in the water and racing along the narrow trails through the tall grass.
She always leaves this park happy, content, and ready for a nap.
Address: S Entrance Rd, Aurora, CO 80015
Fees: Choose from a daily park and DOLA pass, or annual passes. You can purchase at the ranger station or at the kiosk at the park’s entrance.
- Daily Vehicle Pass $11
- Annual Affixed Pass: $83
- DOLA Daily Pass: $3.00
- DOLA Annual Pass: $25.00
2. Westminster Hills Off-Leash Dog Park
Westminster Hills Off-Leash Dog Park is another one of my favorite parks. It has 420 acres of fields and trails to explore. The views of the foothills and Flatirons is my favorite feature of this park.
The only downfall to this park is that there isn’t much shade. Make sure to time your trip right so that you and your dog aren’t baked by the sun. It’s also partially fenced, so make sure your dog has a strong recall.
Address: 11701 W 100th Ave, Westminster, CO 80005
Fees: None
3. Chatfield State Park Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA), Littleton
Chatfield State Park DOLA is incredible. It’s a 69-acre, completely fenced off-leash dog park. It has trails, both paved and unpaved, that loop around two ponds that are perfect for your dog to swim or splash in. My dog was obsessed with this park mainly because of the water.
Address: 11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd., Littleton, CO, 80125
Fees: You’ll need both a park pass and a DOLA pass.
- Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
- Annual Pass: $80 (affixed) or $120 (hang tag)
- Daily DOLA pass: $3
- Annual DOLA pass: $25
3. Lowry Dog Park
Lowry Dog Park is decently sized. It’s larger than some other parks in Denver, which gives it a plus in my book. It’s similar to other parks in that it’s a sandy/gravel park. There isn’t a ton of shade so make sure to go early or at sunset during hot days.
Surrounding Lowry are a few parks and some walking trails. Lowry Dam Trail is a lovely walk to take post-park. Take in the views of the Rocky Mountains and the city of Denver.
Address: Yosemite Way & E 4th Pl, Denver, CO 80230
Fees: None
4. Fuller Dog Park, Whittier
Fuller Dog Park is a little smaller than Lowry and has the same sand/gravel combo. It has separate areas for large and small dogs separated by fence. There isn’t much shade, but you can find some spots throughout the day along the fence.
Address: 2801 N Williams St, Denver, CO 80205
Fees: None
5. Greenway Off-Leash Dog Park, Central Park
I like this dog park because it’s big enough (3 acres) that dogs have room to run and explore on their own, if they choose to. I usually walk the length of this park and pack in about 10 or 15 minutes. It’s sandy, like most of the Denver dog parks. There’s a small grove of trees spread throughout, so you can find shade.
One great feature of this park is that you can also explore GreenWay Park (leashed). You can find a bouldering area, skate park, tennis courts, and a jungle gym for kids. A visit to this park is fun for the entire family!
Address: 2002 Spruce St, Denver, CO 80238
Fees: None
6. Glendale Farms Dog Park, Castle Pines
This park is a 17-acre, fully fenced park offering views of the foothills and mountains beyond. There’s a small agility course to play and train on, which is so much fun! I like this park because it feels like we’re on a little adventure get-away.
After the dog park you can leash your dog and explore the 1.3 mile trail next door at the Glendale Farm Open Space.
Address: 12300 S. Havanna Street, Castle Rock, CO 80108
Fees: None
8. Berkeley Dog Park, Denver
This dog park is located right next to I70, so if your dog is sensitive to noise then this might not be the park for you. Berkeley Dog Park is a big enough lot for your dog to stretch their legs, get some reps of fetch in, or meet a new friend.
The park is next to Berkeley Lake Park, which you should definitely check out after the dog park. It has a paved path around the lake, tennis courts, and a playground.
Address: CO-95, Denver, CO 80212
Fees: None
9. Kennedy Dog Park, Denver
Kennedy Dog Park has two areas, one for high energy dogs and one for low energy dogs. I love this feature because lower energy dogs, dogs who don’t love big play, smaller dogs, and older dogs can have a safe space to play and explore. This park has a few shady spots, but for the most part the park is open to the elements.
Address: 9700 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231
Fees: None
10. Railyard Dog Park, Denver
Railyard Dog Park has two areas; one for high energy dogs and one for lower energy dogs. I love that feature in a dog park because not all dogs love the high energy of others, but still want the ability for some off-leash exploration.
Although this park isn’t huge, it is a safe place to bring your dog to stretch her legs if you live in the busy city. If your dog is afraid of traffic noise or trains, then this is not the park for you.
Address: 2005 19th St, Denver, CO 80202
Fees: None
11. Tony Grampsas Dog Park, Golden
This is a great place to take your dog if you want to get out of the city. It’s 2.5 acres, but although it’s a little small, it makes up for it with nature! Unlike many of the Denver dog parks, which are big sand lots, this park has trees, foliage, and a little stream.
After your adventure at Tony Grampsas Dog Park you can walk over to New Terrain Brewing Company for a beer on the patio.
Address: 4471 Salvia St, Golden, CO 80403
Fees: None
12. Forsberg Off-Leash Dog Park, Lakewood
Here’s another great 2.5 acre park that offers both a low energy and high energy space. It also offers a stunning view of the foothills. Hit this park for sunset to see how beautiful Colorado can be!
The dog park is located in a much bigger park that has paved trails for walking and cycling. There is also a trailhead nearby where you can access William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain.
Address: 15900 W Alameda Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80228
Fees: None
13. Belleview Dog Park, Denver Tech Center
The Belleview Dog Park is located right next to the Belleview Beer Garden, which has a dog friendly outdoor patio! My suggestion would be to let your dog burn off some energy at the dog park, then head over to the beer garden for a brew.
The dog park does not have a separate area for small or lower energy dogs, so keep that in mind if that’s a feature that is important to you.
Address: 4825 S Newport St, Denver, CO 80237
Fees: None
14. Barnum Dog Park, Barnum West
This 1-acre park is a good option if your dogs needs to stretch her legs off-leash. There aren’t any unique features to this park except that it’s located inside a larger park. So, if your dog isn’t feeling the space at the dog park, you can always go back on leash and explore one of the paved walking paths in Barnum Park.
Barnum Park has a lake, mountain bike park, softball fields, and a recreation center, so there is plenty to do any explore.
Address: 360 Hooker St, Denver, CO 80204
Fees: None
15. Green Valley Ranch East Dog Park
This dog park is located inside of Green Valley Ranch East Park. The dog park is typical to Denver in that it has sand and gravel, and is a large open, but fenced, area. If you live near this area, then this park is a great option for you.
It’s also located off the High Line Canal Trail, which would be a fun trail to explore after.
Address: 4455 Jebel St, Denver, CO 80249
Fees: None
Rules and Petiquette
Here are my top 5 rules for how to be a good guardian in our beautiful Denver dog parks.
1. Please, do not take puppies or newly adopted adult dogs to the dog park. Puppies need to have positive experiences with adult dogs, and the risk of subjecting a puppy to a bad experience is too high at the dog park. Risk of illness and disease is also higher because of the concentration of unknown feces.
Adopted adult dogs should have a few months to decompress in their new homes before going to the dog park. Instead, pair your puppy or adopted adult dog with playmates who you know are friendly and good players.
2. Please keep a close eye on your dog and their interactions with others. The dog park isn’t the time to catch up on emails or read a book.
Monitor your dogs body language and interrupt play if you start to see: stiff body, flat chasing, fixation on a dog that isn’t reciprocating play, or anything that makes you or another guardian uncomfortable.
Good body language and play should be: loose, wiggly, and bouncy. Dogs should switch roles and activities often. You should see play bows, paw raises, and happy faces.
3. Please clean up after your dog. Denver dog parks will only remain open if they are clean. Disease and illness can spread when guardians do no clean up feces.
4. Leave your children at home, or outside of fenced dog parks. Some dog’s predation can be triggered by small, wobbly children or their high pitched screams. Some dogs are fearful of children. And many dog parks have an age minimum for entry.
5. Small dogs should play in the small dog section, or be vigilantly monitored. Some dogs are hardwired for predation, and can be triggered by small dogs. I personally would skip the park if I had a small dog, but if you do go, keep a close eye on any large on small dog interactions.
about me
I’m Lauren, a certified positive reinforcement dog trainer in Denver, Colorado.
I earned my CTC with honors from The Academy for Dog Trainers in 2022.
I use reward-based and force-free training.
All of my training is evidence-based, and rooted in the science of animal behavior and learning theory.
Check out my Wildflower Puppy Program if you have a puppy that would benefit from manners, obedience training, puppy socialization, or behavior modification.
Or, take a look at my Dog Training packages if you are struggling with walking on leash, reactivity in the city, house training, destruction, good manners or obedience training.
Contact me if you have any questions regarding Denver dog parks, how to introduce your dog to a dog park, how to choose a suitable playmate, or anything else regarding dog-dog play.
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