We love Dog Parks and even more so, off-leash dog parks. It gives our little fur-ball an opportunity to be free of a leash, to be able to roam while socializing with other dogs and people. In this post we have put together a list of a variety of off-leash dog parks in Denver for you and your four legged friend(s) to choose from.

Before getting started though we want to make sure you are aware that most parks have rules and regulations that apply. Some are more of a courtesy, while others are strict regulations.

To make sure you’re prepared, here is a short list to review before you go:

A Denver dog license is required to use any of the city’s dog parks; a one-year license costs $15 and can be purchased from the Denver Animal Shelter in person, by mail, or online.
Your pup will need to be up to date with their vaccinations.
… and be spayed (or neutered), or have a current Denver Intact Permit.
Make sure to always keep an eye on your pooch and clean up after them.
While clean-up bag dispensers are available at all Denver dog parks, the City of Denver asks all park users to play their part to help keep the dispensers stocked.
Don’t bring children under six or puppies under four months.
Refrain from sharing your dog’s food, water, toys, or treats with other dogs.
Make sure your dog is under verbal control at all times.
Choke chains, or prong collars are not allowed.
Certain breeds are prohibited or restricted, including Pit Bulls.
You are responsible for any damage or injury that your dog causes, including holes dug inside the dog area and dog waste left behind.
Carry a leash with you at all times – Don’t forget to put the leash on when traveling to and from your car.
You’ll need to pack a bag of park essentials which includes drinking water and cleanup bags and while you’re at it, why not bring along some tennis balls, a frisbee, or even a tug toy or two?
There’s not much in the way of shade in most of the dog parks, so apply sunscreen before visiting and keep a close eye on your dog to ensure that they don’t overheat.

For a complete list of park rules and guidelines, see the posted signs where you visit.

Barnum Off-Leash Dog Park

Ground Cover: Some Grass, Dirt/Gravel

Barnum Off-Leash Dog Park, on North Julian Street, between West 4^th Ave and West 5^th Ave, is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Located on the west side of Barnum Park near the playground and tennis courts, is the newly designed 3/4+ acre dog park, which features two separate areas for low and high energy dogs.

Berkeley Lake Dog Park

Ground Cover: Pea Gravel

Berkeley Lake Dog Park, in northwest Denver, near the intersection of Sheridan Blvd and West 46th Ave (near the historic Lakeside Amusement Park), also provides two separate areas for low and high energy dogs.

It is well maintained by volunteers, meaning your dog is likely to have fresh water available, as well as tennis balls to play with.

The fenced in area has a pea gravel surface to help keep paws clean, which is especially useful during the rainy and snowy seasons.

PRO Tips:

• Bring your own water if you’re visiting on the weekend, as they can run out.
• Bags are provided, but anyone is welcome to donate and help keep the dispensers full. 
• There is a parking lot just off West 46th Avenue. Head northwest from there along the path.
• The park can be a bit noisy due to its location, but if it doesn’t scare your dog, amusement park lights and roller-coaster sounds make this spot unique.

Fuller Dog Park

Ground Cover: Sand

Located just a couple of miles northeast of the city center, this popular park is fully fenced and much like most off-leash parks, offers two play zones for high and low energy dogs. The high energy section is larger but can get quite busy in the afternoons.

The fenced-off area offers ample space (considering it’s inner-city location) and has a sandy surface, which dogs love, but can potentially get a little hot for some paws in the summer.

PRO Tips:

• Make sure to bring water and a few clean-up bags
• Street parking is available nearby.

Green Valley Ranch East Off-Leash Area

Ground Cover: Dirt and a Layer of Sand

Green Valley Ranch East Park is located a little over 15 miles east of the city center. Tucked away in the park’s northwestern corner, the park offers ample space in two separate play areas for large and small dogs.

The fully fenced play area is surfaced with dirt and a layer of sand and has recently had a dog-friendly water fountain installed.

PRO Tips:

• Visitors have reported that the fountain isn’t always turned on. We recommend bringing your own water just in case.
• Parking is available in the main parking lot, just a short walk to the dog park.

Greenway Off-Leash Dog Park

Ground Cover: Sand

The Stapleton Greenway Dog Park is near the Fred Thomas Park and offers a spacious off-leash play area surfaced with sand. Owners should be aware that the sand covering is quite deep which can make it difficult for very small dogs to run around.

PRO Tips:

• Note that there is no separate section for small dogs.
• The local authorities do not permit entrance to the off-leash area to children under 12 years of age. Those who are 12-17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. All dog handlers must be aged 18 and over. 
• There is street parking along the streets adjacent to the park and in the surrounding neighborhood.
• Keep an eye out for signage at the entrance of the park notifying visitors of the current condition. If the sign is red, this indicates that the park will be closed until further notice.

Kennedy Dog Park

Ground Cover: Dirt

The Kennedy Dog Park is a three-acre off-leash dog park, in Denver!

The off-leash area has a dirt surface and is divided into two sections. One for high energy and one for quieter pets.

PRO Tips:

• Note that there is no specific section for smaller dogs.
• The park is surrounded by open countryside and dog owners should be aware that there is a possibility of coyotes in the surrounding area.
• Parking is available at the nearby Kennedy Soccer fields. Spaces can be limited during weekends when games are scheduled.
• There is no consistent water supply so we recommend bringing your own.

Lowry Dog Park

Ground Cover: Sand and Grass

Lowry Dog Park is situated near the Lowry Air-force Base and provides a large, fully fenced, off-leash play area.

The play area surface is comprised of both sand and grass, giving your furry friend several different types of turf to enjoy.

PRO Tip: Note that the walk from the arena is a 1/4 mile, which will give you and your pawrtner in crime some extra exercise along the way.

Railyard Dog Park

Ground Cover: Sandy Soil

The Railyard Dog Park provides a safe off-leash space without having to leave the city! Though not the biggest dog park, it’s downtown location and lit play area makes it a popular Denver Dog hangout. Since the Railyard Dog Park is the only off-leash area in the city with lighting, it closes later, giving those with a busy schedule more time to fit in some play.

The Railyard Dog Park is divided into two fenced areas, with a section for large and high-energy dogs and another for small and low-energy ones.

PRO Tip: Note that the soft, sandy soil can get muddy when wet… so come prepared.

Willow Bark Park

Ground Cover: Dirt/Gravel

Willow Bark Park is an off-leash dog park, located in the Stapleton community. It is open from sunrise to sunset and has a separate area for smaller, timid, or less active dogs.

PRO Tip: There is no parking lot, but street parking is available nearby.