There’s nothing better than heading out on an adventure with your furry friend!
Colorado and dogs are the perfect match, with countless places where both you and your pup can have fun. From scenic trails to sprawling parks, the Denver metro area is full of dog-friendly destinations waiting to be explored.
Grab your leash and read on for our top picks of places to make unforgettable memories with your pup.
1.) Cherry Creek State Park
In this heat, who doesn’t want to go out for a swim?
Head down to Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, just a 20-minute drive from Denver, where you and your pet can explore the Cherry Creek Dog Off-Leash Area. The 107-acre fenced area has water access so your dog can also enjoy the water. In addition to the daily vehicle pass ($10), you’ll also need to pay for the Dog Off-Leash Area Pass, which is only $3 for the daily pass, or $ 25 for the annual pass if you’re a frequent visitor.
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks for both of you!
2.) Red Rocks
Got a dog with an incurable case of the zoomies? Red Rocks is the perfect place to burn off some energy. The historic amphitheater and park are open during the day for you and your pup during non-event days. They do have a leash policy, but they still have plenty of popular dog-friendly hikes like the Trading Post Trail and the Geologic Overlook Trail.
Just be sure to check the Park’s event schedule before you head up so nothing cuts your trip short.
Afterwards, you can take a trip to Three Dog Bakery in Denver, so your friend can enjoy a freshly baked treat.
3.) Rail Yard Dog Park
Rail Yard Dog Park is a local favorite right in the middle of downtown Denver. The park came to existence after a group of residents joined together to create a space where dogs can finally roam freely and have a safe place to run off leash in the heart of the city.
Walk over to the park, which is located on 19th and Bassett Street, to find a soft, sandy-soiled doggie paradise with a lot of shaded areas and benches. It also has separate areas for high- and low-energy dogs.
Best of all, it’s completely off-leash!
4.) High Line Canal
This one’s my personal favorite!
I have a lot of fond memories taking long walks along the trail. Spanning a total of 71 miles, the trail stretches from Waterton Canyon in Douglas County to Green Valley Ranch. The High Line Canal Trail offers plenty of easy access points for you and your pup.
You can take your dog for a stroll on almost any part of the trail. Just make sure to stay away from the south end of Waterton Canyon since dogs are prohibited to protect the bighorn sheep in the area. Other than that, dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy peaceful canal views and plenty of scenic spots to stretch your legs together.
5.) Corwina Park in Morrison
If you and your furry friend enjoy going on hikes, Corwina Park is a perfect place to catch some breathtaking views. Plus, it’s not too far from Denver!
Go on the Panorama Point Trail, which is only a 2.4-mile loop with a 690-foot elevation gain. Once you reach the end, you can get a great view of the Continental Divide. It’s a great choice for new hikers and is very popular with other dog owners. Leashes are required and as always, bring a lot of water for you and your pup.
Need to grab a bite and a beer after the tiring hike? Visit Lowry Beer Garden afterwards, where their doors are open for both you and your dog on the outdoor patio.
Although I don’t have a dog and I’m honestly more of a cat person (gasp!), I’m confident that you and your partner in crime will have a blast enjoying these places in the Denver metro area.
Enjoy the nice weather and long summer days while we still have them. Just be sure to have lots of water on hand, clean up after your pup and always pack a camera because you’ll definitely want to capture these adventures together.
Happy exploring, Bucket Listers!
Do you have a listicle in mind? Any ideas can be sent to irisserrano989@gmail.com. And don’t forget to check out our events calendar on our website to see what else is happening in our area.
See you next Tuesday with another Bucket Listicle.
Iris Serrano
Editorial Intern/ Bucket List Community News
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