Dog parks in Denver, Colorado

Off-leash dog parks in Denver

Every park in this table is fenced, according to Denver's dog park dataset. Sizes come from the same dataset, rounded to one decimal. Neighborhoods follow the city's statistical neighborhood map.

Play areas reflect the city's 2019 Dog Park Master Plan update. Sanderson Gulch was built after that plan, so its play areas are not listed. "Seasonal fountain" means city data lists water and the 2019 plan lists a drinking fountain. Denver runs park drinking fountains from early May to early October. Under Water, "Not listed" means the city dataset leaves the field blank for that park.

Denver also lists three smaller dog parks: Little Boxcar (Broadway & Lawrence St.), Sonny Lawson Park (24th St. & California St.) and Zeckendorf Plaza (7th Ave. & Lincoln St.). City data puts each at less than half an acre. The city says Zeckendorf Plaza is open during standard park hours, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Two pop-up dog parks round out the city list: Paco Sanchez Park (14th Ave. & Avondale Dr.) and Skyline Park (17th St. & Arapahoe St.). The city's Off Leash Dog Parks map shows 16 of the 17 locations. It does not show the Paco Sanchez pop-up.

Park by park

Denver dog park rules

The same rules apply at every Denver dog park. The city publishes them on its Dog Parks page and in its Dog Park Rules and Regulations.

Hours. Unlighted dog parks are open from sunrise to sundown, seven days a week. Lighted dog parks are open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Railyard Dog Park is the only off-leash area with lighting. Dogs are not permitted in a dog park that is dark and unlighted.

Your dog needs:

• A current rabies vaccination, with the tag attached to the collar or harness.
• A current Denver dog license.
• To be spayed or neutered, or covered by a current Denver Intact Permit (Denver residents).
• To be old enough for a rabies vaccination. Younger puppies are not permitted.
• To stay home when in heat. Female dogs in estrus are not permitted.
• To be safe around others. Aggressive dogs are not permitted.

People in the park:

• Children 10 and younger are not permitted in a dog park.
• Anyone 11 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.
• The person in charge of a dog must be 16 or older.
• One person may handle no more than two dogs at a time.

Inside the fence:

• Keep your dog leashed until it is inside the dog park, and leash it before you leave.
• Carry a leash at all times.
• Keep your dog under control and in view at all times.
• Remove your dog immediately if it acts aggressively.
• Pick up waste promptly and completely. Bag dispensers are available at all dog parks.
• Leave human food outside. Dog treats are permitted.
• Fill any holes your dog digs.
• Bring dogs only. Other pets and commercial uses are not allowed.

You are responsible for any damage your dog causes and for any injury to a person or another dog.

Licensing. Denver requires a license for every dog and cat 6 months and older, within 30 days of arriving in the city. You need proof of a current rabies vaccination to buy one. City ordinance also requires rabies vaccination for dogs and cats over 6 months. They must be spayed or neutered unless you hold an intact permit.

Outside the dog park. Denver's leash law applies everywhere else. Dogs must be leashed unless they are inside your home, your yard or a designated off-leash dog park. The city lists an $80 penalty for a first leash law violation.

Near Denver: Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek State Park is in Aurora, one mile south of I-225 on Parker Road. Its Dog Off-Leash Area covers more than 100 acres (40 hectares) in the park's 12 Mile area. You can enter from the south at Parker and Orchard roads or from the north at 12 Mile North.

• You need a dog off-leash pass: $3 for a day or $25 for 12 months.
• Each pass covers one handler and up to three dogs.
• Every vehicle also needs a park pass. A daily vehicle pass costs $10–$12 with Colorado plates and $15–$17 with out-of-state plates.
• A Cherry Creek Water Basin fee is required for all vehicles: $1 per day or $3 per year.
• Display the off-leash pass visibly on the handler at all times.
• Carry a leash and a waste bag for each dog.
• Keep dogs within visual distance and under voice control.
• Keep dogs on leash anywhere outside the fenced area.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife notes that extended wait times are common at the off-leash area during peak hours, including weekends and holidays. Passes are sold at the visitor center, the park entrance station and the self-service station.

How to choose a Denver dog park

Start with what your dog needs most: room, a calmer side, water or evening hours. Then match it to the city's data.

• Room to run. Lowry is the largest city dog park at 4.1 acres (1.7 hectares). Greenway covers 2.9 acres and Kennedy 2.2 acres.
• A calmer side. The city's 2019 plan calls separate high- and low-energy areas the current standard for Denver dog parks. It lists them at eight parks: Berkeley, Fuller, Green Valley Ranch East, Kennedy, Lowry, Parkfield, Railyard and Willow Bark.
• Water. City data lists water at Greenway, Green Valley Ranch East, Parkfield, Railyard, Sanderson Gulch and Willow Bark. Denver turns drinking fountains on in early May and off in early October. Bring water on every visit outside those months.
• Evening visits. Railyard is the only off-leash area with lighting and is open until 11 p.m. The city also lists Zeckendorf Plaza as open until 11 p.m. Unlighted dog parks close at sundown.
• Shade. City data lists shade at every park in the table except Carla Madison.
• Surface. The city's 2019 plan says grass is not a viable surface for Denver dog parks. It lists sand, squeegee, sand/squeegee mixes and infield mix at 11 parks in the table.
• Close to downtown. The city's 2019 plan describes Little Boxcar, Railyard and Carla Madison as downtown or downtown-adjacent. City data puts all three under an acre.

At any park, look at the fence and the gate before you unclip the leash. The American Kennel Club says dog park fencing should be secure and calls double gates the best option for entry and exit.

Health and safety before you go

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Dog parks put your dog in close contact with other dogs, shared ground and shared water. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says the best place to start is vaccination and parasite control.

• Vaccines. For dogs in social settings, the AVMA recommends Bordetella and parainfluenza vaccines in addition to the core vaccines. Your veterinarian can build a vaccination and parasite control plan for your dog.
• Puppies. The AVMA calls puppies a particularly high-risk group. The AKC says puppies younger than 4 months who have not had all their vaccinations should not go to a dog park.
• Sick dogs. Keep your dog home if it is ill, especially with vomiting or diarrhea.
• Shared items. Keep your dog away from bowls and toys shared with other dogs. The AKC suggests bringing your own water bowl.
• Standing water. Stop your dog from drinking standing water and from sniffing, licking or eating feces.
• Watch your dog. Stay in sight of your dog. Leave if you see signs of aggression, fear or illness in any dog.
• Your hands. Wash your hands or use sanitizer after handling unfamiliar dogs or picking up waste.