Here in Central Park, we love dogs. You see them on the greenways, at the farmer’s market, outside the coffee shops, trotting alongside strollers… It’s one of the things that makes this community feel so vibrant.
I know because I have a dog (that’s him in the photos!) who has made it his personal mission to be included in absolutely everything. His name is Jefferson, Jeff for short, and if there is an activity happening within a five-mile radius, he believes he should be part of it!
In Jeff’s honor, I rounded up a list of the best dog parks we love, both in Central Park and the ones that are so good, they’re worth a special trip.
Greenway Off-Leash Dog Park Located right in Central Park along the greenway near the community garden, this fully fenced, huge park is the biggie in our neighborhood. The park isn’t divided by dog size, so if you have a small or shy pup, test it out at a less crowded time first. For most dogs, it’s a perfect spot to burn energy and socialize with the neighbors (both human and canine). Jeff considers this his home turf.
Willow Bark Park Head to the northern end of Central Park and you’ll find Willow Bark Park within the larger Willow Basin Park. This one is a little more spread out and has separate areas for high- and low-energy dogs, which is a great option if your pup is older, more mellow, or just not in the mood to be chased by a golden retriever at full sprint. Shade is limited here, so early morning or evening visits are your best bet on hot days. It’s a wonderful spot that feels a little more tucked away and relaxed than some of the busier parks.
Lowry Dog Park A quick drive from Central Park, Lowry Dog Park is a fenced off-leash area with a great feature: an agility course. If your dog loves a physical and mental challenge, let them take a spin on the equipment! The park also has separate sections for large and small dogs, which makes it a welcoming option for pups of all sizes and personalities.
Cherry Creek State Park Off-Leash Area This fully fenced, 107-acre off-leash spot gives dogs massive amounts of room to run, splash in the creek, and explore open spaces. There is a $3 day pass fee through Colorado Parks and Wildlife (or you can get an annual parks pass). If your dog loves water, budget extra time because you will not be leaving on schedule.
Westminster Hills Off-Leash Area If you want to blow your dog’s mind, take them to Westminster Hills, which is about 25 minutes from Central Park. This is not your average dog park: it’s a sprawling 420-plus acre open space just north of Standley Lake with miles of trails, rolling prairie terrain, and seasonal ponds. It draws dog lovers from all over the north metro area—it’s that good. A few important things to know before you go: the area is only partially fenced with no gate at the entrance, so this one is best suited for dogs with solid recall (or keep them on a leash). Water is available near the entrance but bring extra, especially in summer, since there’s limited shade on the trails. Also worth noting: rattlesnakes have been spotted in the area, particularly on the north side of the park, so stay aware and keep your dog close in the tall grass. Despite those caveats, Westminster Hills is a bucket-list experience for active dogs and their owners. Jeff would like to petition for a monthly field trip.
Skiptown For something a little different, Skiptown in RiNo is part dog park and part bar. The huge outdoor space includes a splash pad, shaded seating areas, and a full bar with 20 local draft options. It’s a 21+ outdoor area and you need to preregister your pet, so plan accordingly, but if you’re looking for a fun social outing where the dog gets to play and you get to enjoy a cold drink from a local brewery, Skiptown delivers on both counts. They also offer daycare, boarding, and grooming.
Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in or around Central Park that we missed? Let us know! We’re always looking to add to the list, and Jeff is always looking for his next adventure.
