Consider the dog park. Social freedom and smells galore for your pup.. Your fur-baby gets to run leash-free while you stroll at your own pace making new friends of your own. It’s a win-win. Immensely popular throughout the country since the first dog park opened in 1979, there are now a reported 774 dog parks in the U.S, in 100 major cities. And neither rain nor shine, sleet nor snow, will stop their growth, especially here in Colorado where canines are king. In fact, it’s no surprise that the Centennial State continually ranks as one of the pet-friendliest places to live.
PUEBLO WEST
Waggin’ Tails Dog Park
Equipped with a 6-foot high fence, the Waggin’ Tails Dog Park off Purcell Blvd offers sizable running space for dogs of all sizes. In addition, picnic benches are located in the park, as well as doggie bags for clean-up and water bowls for thirsty pups.
CAÑON CITY
Lincoln Park Off-Leash Dog Park
Not far from Hwy 50 near Cañon City, Rouse Park is an off-leash dog park known for its agility course and close vicinity to the Arkansas Riverwalk—just in case you want to make a leashed trail loop with your best friend.
While the river looks tempting, be mindful of the water levels to keep your dog from floating downstream.
PUEBLO
City Park Dog Park
This dog park is located on Pueblo Blvd near the Pueblo Zoo and City Park. It features an agility course ramp, dog bone benches, drinking fountains, shaded areas, and separate areas for large and small dogs. Dogs must be leashed when entering and leaving the park.
City Park Dog Park in Pueblo • Photo courtesy of Pueblo Parks and Recreation
SALIDA & BUENA VISTA
Loyal Dukes Dog Park (Salida)
Easily accessible by car or on foot is the Milk Run Trail, an off-leash enclosed dog park deemed outstanding for a bit of frolicking. It includes plenty of space for frisbee throwing, a giant run-through tube,, and playground toys.
This dog park also includes a divided area for smaller dogs as well. Bags for clean-up are also available.
Riverpark Dog Park (Buena Vista)
Riverpark Dog Park runs adjacent to the Arkansas River and offers individual spaces for large and small dogs. This is a smaller dog park and a little more low-key. Benches, trails, and plenty of shade are available.
This dog park also includes a divided area for smaller dogs as well. Bags for clean-up are also available.
COLORADO SPRINGS
Garden of the Gods Dog Park
We know Garden of the Gods is an excellent place for us humans, but it’s also a dog-friendly outdoor location. Within the park itself, Dogs are allowed in Garden of the Gods Park as long as they are on a six-foot leash.
However, if you want to let your furry friend jet off into unleashed territory, there is a designated park area that will allow them to do just that. It’s located south of Gateway Road, West of 30th Street, and east of Rock Ledge Ranch.
Bear Creek Dog Park
Bear Creek Dog Park is a 25-acre run-about located on the northside of Bear Creek Regional Park. Named as one of USA Today’s 10 Best “Amazing Dog Parks’’, its most notable feature is the creek running through it. Dogs love to romp in the water, especially in the summer.
Palmer Park Dog Park & Leash-Dog Trails
Palmer Park Dog Park offers two opportunities for dogs to get their daily exercise; an enclosed area near the Maizeland Road entrance just past the Meadows, and an open trail in the Mesa Trail/Yucca trail complex
Located on top of a mesa, it offers two and a half miles of running space This shaded area is labeled the “Dog Run Area.”
Outside these two areas, you must leash your doggo, and there are signs to help remind you.
Rampart Dog Park
Rampart Dog Park is a massive enclosed space for dogs to explore. With very few shaded areas, the designated dog water bowls are a nice and necessary touch. Plenty of benches are available to sit on as you keep a close eye on your rowdy one.
This dog park also has a small agility course that includes upright tires, dog ramps, and large logsare signs to help remind you.
Pub Dog Colorado
Although not technically a dog park, Pub Dog is still a good time for both dogs and their owners. At this restaurant and bar, your four-footed friend can order off of their own menu before casing out the 3,000 square-foot fenced-in run. Meanwhile, sit back and enjoy a burger and beer.
Pub Dog is the only restaurant in the state of Colorado that allows dogs to dine with their owners in tow. Since this makes them quite different from other dog parks and even restaurants, they have a unique set of rules to follow and FAQs to help prepare you for your visit.
PubDogColorado.com
MANITOU SPRINGS
Red Rocks Open Space Dog Park
For one of the most scenic dog parks in the Pikes Peak region, Red Rocks Open Space is just off HWY 24 in Manitou Springs. This area consists of 785 acres of open space with dedicated trail loops.
Dogs must be on a leash outside the dedicated areas, and be sure to bring a great deal of water since the open space is vast.
CRIPPLE CREEK
Mountain View Adventure Park
Mountain View Adventure Park located off County Road 89, just past the Cripple Creek Public Works Facility, is a fairly new park built in the past few years.
It encompasses a fenced-in area for dogs to roam freely, with scenic views for miles.
Five Visiting Tips
Having the best dog park experience is a priority. To ensure this happens and everyone is happy, here are a few tips you should follow:
- Beware of playground bullies: Some dogs aren’t always the nicest to other dogs. So if you notice a dog park bully, it might be best to leave early to keep everyone safe.
- Pay attention to body language: If your dog’s body language tells you there may be trouble with another dog or they aren’t enjoying their time, it might be time to go. No need to have your precious babies traumatized from visiting the dog park.
- Avoid taking dogs less than 4-months old: Because of some vaccination requirements, dog parks aren’t historically great for puppies or young dogsters. If you’re interested in getting more social time for a new-to-the-world dog, think more along the lines of puppy classes and hold off on the dog parks for a bit.
- Many dog parks aren’t divided: Unfortunately, not all dog parks are divided to accommodate different sizes. If you’ve got a particularly large (or small) dog with you, be mindful of their reactions to dogs of different sizes.
- Clean the poo: Do your fellow dog-lovers the courtesy of picking up after your gorgeous pup. Snag a bag for the poo when available, or be sure to bring your own. Every little bit helps to keep our parks and trails clean.
