Off-Leash Dogs (Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora: live in, best, rattlesnakes)

[Sean Kellogg]

I currently live in Santa Fe, and the off-leash options here are endless. While most people have their dogs leashed in the city for obvious reasons, almost nobody has their dogs leashed on trails here. I run every morning with my dog off-leash, early, on a trail south of town where there are no cars. We also go off leash on every hike we ever do. Never any trouble or attitude from anyone.

With Denver's population so much bigger than Santa Fe's, I imagine it's a different story entirely. Do people take their dogs off-leash on any trails around Denver/Boulder? Or is it strictly prohibited and/or frowned upon? I'm guessing there are lots of practical concerns, e.g., dogs running into mountain bikers.

[mic111]

Boulder has off leash dog trails. Colorado Springs I think has a few. For the most part you need to keep your dog on leash. Please don't flaunt the rules. Those of us who walk on leash required trails with our dogs want and expect the other dogs to be on leash.

Natural dangers to your dog include rattlesnakes, bears and mountain lions. Your dog could easily knock someone else and their dog off the trail and over the side of a cliff. Your dog could knock someone down. Your dog will almost certainly run off the wildlife that the rest of us hike to see. So yes it is frowned upon in the wrong place.

Boulder is your best bet if you want trails.
https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/dogs-on-osmp

Near Denver there is Chatfield and Cherry Creek dog parks are huge so your dog will not suffer and can run there off leash with other dogs to play with.
Chatfield Dog Park - Dog Parks - Littleton, CO - Reviews - Photos - Yelp
Cherry Creek State Park- Off Leash Dog Area - Dog Parks - Aurora, CO - Reviews - Photos - Yelp

[Sean Kellogg]

Thanks for the info!

[Claire S.]

Boulder is your best bet for off-leash trails. In Denver, you'll want to stick to dog parks along with Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks.

[Sean Kellogg]

Originally Posted by Claire S.

Boulder is your best bet for off-leash trails. In Denver, you'll want to stick to dog parks along with Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks.

Thanks, Claire. I'm visiting Denver next weekend and plan to check out both state parks.

[davidv]

Check the Chatfield Web site before you visit. Parts of the park are still flooded and closed. I think the road to the dog park was opened just this week though.

[randomparent]

Be careful of rattlesnakes. Chatfield is full of them, and plenty of dogs get bitten every year. Yes, vets here can handle it, but it's expensive. If I were in your shoes, I'd keep your furry friend on a lead to be safe.

[Sean Kellogg]

That sucks. We have rattlesnakes in Santa Fe, but it sounds like there are way fewer at this altitude. I've seen only one in the three years I've been here, but there are warning signs at our dog park from time to time.