The 8 Best Dog Parks in Denver

A few minutes from downtown restaurants and markets, Fuller Dog Park is a local favorite for Denver dog owners. Its sandy terrain keeps dogs from getting muddy in wet weather, and a secure fence around the park’s perimeter keeps curious dogs from making their way into downtown Denver. 

Fuller Dog Park is located west of the Central Park Neighborhood (behind Manual High School), with a nearby basketball court and playground for the kids to enjoy. Let your large dog into the big dog section, or keep little dogs in the small section. While there are many shady areas for hot days, the park doesn’t have a doggie water fountain, so owners may want to bring water.

Want to get a puppy playdate in before you catch your next train? Take your dog to Railyard Dog Park, named for its proximity to Union Station in downtown Denver. With sandy soil instead of grass, sections for low- and high-energy dogs, and tables and benches for human friends to sip coffee and chat, Railyard is an excellent choice for dogs and their owners.

Railyard Dog Park is the only lighted dog park in Denver, so it’s safe to bring your pup on an evening stroll or game of fetch. It also offers free two-hour parking if you’d like to stop by for just a few minutes or the whole afternoon.

Some dogs need a little more stimulation than others. If that describes your furry friend, stop by Lowry Dog Park near Lowry Sports Complex and Great Lawn Park. An agility course gets your dog’s mind and body moving for a well-rounded day trip, and an off-leash area lets them explore the great outdoors from the comfort of downtown Denver.

Let larger dogs make friends in the big dog areas, while smaller or low-energy dogs can have playdates with buddies their size. With walking trails and sandy open spaces, there’s plenty to keep both you and your puppy busy at Lowry Dog Park. 

Enjoy views of gorgeous Berkeley Lake and sounds of excitement from nearby Lakeside Amusement Park when you visit Berkeley Dog Park. Dogs won’t get muddy after romping on the park’s pea gravel surface, and a complete fence around the area keeps them safe from traffic.

After playing at the dog park, put a leash on your dog and head for the 1.1-mile paved walkway around Berkeley Lake. Chickadees and cranes sing morning melodies as you and your dog trot around the lake, where fishermen and boaters enjoy an afternoon on the water. Stay until dusk for a majestic sunset behind the amusement park!

With a name like “Willow Bark Park,” you already know it’s a great spot for dogs. Willow Bark Dog Park adjoins nearby Willow Creek Park, where pickleball courts, playgrounds, and pavilions make a fun day for the whole family. During warmer months, a small pond makes a wet playspace for pups of all sizes, and it doubles as an ice skating spot in cold weather.

Dogs can play off-leash in the fenced dog park, where two sections for different energy levels ensure an enjoyable park experience. After putting the leash back on, traverse scenic trails through the park’s rolling hills and start a day hike at the Willow Creek Trailhead.

If you’d like to take a day trip from Denver, don’t miss a stop at Westminster Hills Open Area Dog Park. Over 400 acres of open prairie space and sweeping mountain views await you and your dog—and it’s all just a half hour from downtown Denver.

Spend warmer afternoons under the park’s shade shelters, and let your dog enjoy a drink from the dog drinking fountain. If your dog has good recall, take them to the off-leash section of the park, part of which is unfenced. Two parking lots ensure you have somewhere to leave your car for a great afternoon. The park is only ten minutes from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, making it an ideal place to take your dog before or after a long flight home.

Does your dog love splashing in the water in any type of weather? Look no further than Cherry Creek Dog Off Leash Area, where a fully fenced open space brings the wilderness to you and your canine friend. The park features waste stations, access to hiking trails, and an unmissable photo op of your pup with the Rocky Mountains in the background. Not to mention an afternoon in Cherry Creek for your dog to have the (wet) time of their life!

The park has two entrances, both requiring a daily or annual pass. Once you’ve spent some time running around the dog park, take a quick jaunt to Cherry Creek State Park, where leashed dogs are welcome to travel hiking trails and view native wildlife.

The off-leash Chatfield Dog Park, located within Chatfield State Park, is perfect for dogs and owners who love to hike and spend time together in the great outdoors. Paved and unpaved walking trails wind through the park, providing leashed outings for dogs who’d like a walk with their person. Open off-leash areas let them run off their energy.

Dogs can swim and jump through two ponds (bring a towel!) while their owners enjoy a calm lunch at nearby picnic tables. Buy a daily or annual DOLA pass for access to Chatfield, where it never feels crowded and the fun never ends. If you’re in Denver during the winter, let your pup have a snow adventure in Chatfield’s open fields and hills. 

Traveling to Denver? Book a room at one of our affordable, pet-friendly hotels.