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Dog-Friendly Denver

Denver consistently ranks at the top for dog-friendly cities. With tons of city parks, vast off-leash areas and an outdoor-oriented culture, your dog will have a blast. There are also lots of pet-friendly hotels and restaurants to choose from. If you're looking for beautiful neighborhoods to take a stroll, Highland, Berkeley, Sunnyside and West Highland are great choices with lush gardens and historic homes. 

Dog-Friendly Restaurants, Breweries and Patios

Many Denver restaurants are more than happy to welcome four-legged friends. The city requires each dog-friendly establishment to have a patio with an exterior exit so that the animals are not walking through the interior to get to the patio. It's then up to each business to decide whether to allow non-service dogs on their patios. It's best to search for establishments with patios and call ahead to find out about their policies. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, these are some standouts. 

Bigsby's Folly Craft Winery

Named after a beloved dog, Bisgby, you know they are sending the right canine vibes at this stylish urban winery. The friendly spot in the River North Art District (RiNo) will transport you to the Roaring 20s. Relax by the fire on the courtyard patio. 

The Walnut Room

This RiNo pizza and craft beer joint takes dog-friendly to the next level. They have a dedicated dog section, Millie's Patio, on the front patio named after the owner's dog. It's equipped with dog turf, outdoor TVs and fresh water bowls. Dogs receive free treats when they arrive, and there's a special food menu just for dogs. 

Skiptown Bar & Park

Here's another RiNo establishment that goes all in for dogs. At this large fenced-in, off-leash playground, you can sip craft beer or coffee while you watch the furry ones frolic on artificial turf. There's also a seasonal splash pad. Dogs are required to be registered and have up-to-date vaccines. Day, monthly and annual passes are available. Skiptown also provides dog day care, boarding, dog walking and grooming services.

Black Shirt Brewing Co.

Not one but two outdoor patios provide fun spots for people- and dog-watching. This family-owned brewery in RiNo serves up handcrafted pizza and features rotating local artwork and live music.

Hangar 2/Lowry Beer Garden

Located next to a historic U.S. Air Force hangar in the Lowry neighborhood, Lowry Beer Garden has more than 9,000 square feet of outdoor garden area and a covered pavilion. It has Oktoberfest-style picnic tables and similar fare like brats and sausages, freshly baked pretzels and hamburgers. 

Odell Brewing Sloan's Lake Brewhouse & Pizzeria

Take a walk around the gorgeous Sloan's Lake to wear out the pup, then head to the brewery with 16 beers on tap and a rooftop patio overlooking the lake and the Rocky Mountains. Dog owners should use the stairs on the northwest side of the building to directly access the upstairs patio.

Joyride Brewing Company

Just across Sheridan Boulevard in the neighboring county, order a kölsch, hazy IPA or seltzer cocktail. While Joyride has a rooftop patio, dogs are only allowed on the street-side patio.

 

Best Dog Parks in Denver and Nearby

Get outside with your dog at these great Denver dog parks and other outdoor adventures!

Railyard Dog Park 

A group of downtown residents with dogs helped make Railyard Dog Park, an in-the-city, one-acre dog park, a reality in 2010. Located in LoDo (Lower Downtown Denver), this fenced-in, off-leash park has a soft, sandy base, shaded areas, a water fountain and benches. Separate areas for low-energy and high-energy dogs keep canines and owners in sync. 

Fees: None

Fuller Park Dog Park

Located between Five Points and City Park West neighborhoods, the one-acre, fenced-in Fuller Dog Park has a suburban/urban feel due to its location in the residential area behind Manual High School. Expect sand for ground cover and a surrounding park area outside the fence. Water jugs are available, but make sure to bring your own water just in case they are empty.  

Fees: None

Berkeley Lake Dog Park

Situated on two acres near Lakeside Amusement Park, just off Interstate 70 and Sheridan, Berkeley Lake Dog Park is a fenced-in area for pooches and their pals just west of the lake. There is a parking lot just off West 46th Avenue; then head northwest from there along the path. Bring water, as there is no access to the lake from inside the dog park, and pet owners will be happy to know there is a separate fenced-in area specifically designed for dogs under 25 pounds. The park can be a bit noisy due to its location, but amusement park lights and roller-coaster sounds add to the atmosphere on fair-weather nights. 

Fees: None

Cherry Creek State Park  

Cherry Creek State Park is the largest regional park and recreation area in southeast Denver, and it was also the first park in the Colorado State Park system. The Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) is a spacious 107-acre fenced area in the southeast corner of the park and offers water access to Cherry Creek for canine enjoyment. Use of the dog park requires a DOLA pass and a park pass for all vehicles entering the park. DOLA passes are available at the entrance stations and the park office. When staff is unavailable to assist, daily passes can be purchased at the self-serve stations. Make sure to know the rules so everyone enjoys DOLA, such as keeping dogs within visual distance and under voice control when off-leash; carry a leash and waste bag for each dog, clean up after your dog and respect the limit of three dogs per handler. Miles of trails meander through Cherry Creek State Park, so dogs and owners have superb exploration and exercise opportunities. All dogs must remain on leash when visiting the park and not in the fenced area.

Fees: You must purchase a vehicle entrance pass for $10–$12 (Colorado resident) or $15–$17 (out of state), a Cherry Creek Water Basin daily fee for $1 or $3 annually, and an off-leash day pass for $3 or an annual off-leash pass for $25. Annual vehicle passes are available for $80. 

Kennedy Dog Park

This 3-acre park, near Cherry Creek State Park, provides another south Denver option. There are separate areas for high-energy and low-energy dogs. Be advised that the soil is sandy, and there's not much shade, so it might make sense to check it out in the mornings or evenings. Bring your own water.

Fees: None

Chatfield State Park

In Littleton, Chatfield State Park offers 69 acres of fenced open space with two ponds and several miles of paved and unpaved walking trails. There is a limit of three dogs per handler. Your dog must be under voice control when off-leash and you must carry a leash with you. Bring waste bags and pick up after your pets. Leashed pets are allowed throughout the park except at the swim beach. 

Fees: You must purchase a vehicle entrance pass for $10–$12 (Colorado resident) or $15–$17 (out of state), plus an off-leash day pass for $3 or an annual off-leash pass for $25. Annual vehicle passes are available for $80. 

Westminster Hills Open Space

Dog lovers from all over the north metro area flock to this 470-acre site. While it's spacious, it's only partially fenced, so dogs must be under voice command and they aren't allowed to chase wildlife. There's a dog drinking fountain, restrooms and shaded shelters.

Fees: None

For more options, see the City of Denver's list of dog parks. 

Denver Parks for Leashed Dogs

Make sure to keep dogs on leashes in these beautiful Denver Parks. If you prefer leash-free play, head to the dog parks mentioned above and the many others in the Denver metropolitan area.

Confluence Park 

The name Confluence Park hints at two waterways joining, which is exactly the case with Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meeting up at Denver's scenic Confluence Park. It's a favorite area to enjoy views of downtown, get out for a walk with Fluffy or Fido, observe kayakers braving the rapids and sunbathe on the sandy banks. The park is surrounded by residential lofts, shops and office buildings and is located near REI's flagship store and Downtown Aquarium. Catch some tunes on summer Thursday evenings at the free concert series.

City Park

Located in east-central Denver, City Park covers 314 landscaped acres and is home to family-friendly attractions and a public golf course, all surrounded by a neighborhood. Playgrounds, picnic sites, lakes and more make this expansive park Denver's version of Central Park in New York City. It's a great place to spend a day as a family or with human and furry friends.

Cheesman Park 

Located in central Denver, southeast of downtown at Franklin Street and Eighth Avenue, Cheesman Park has a long and storied history. A crushed granite path winds its way around the park, and there is plenty of space for flying kites and throwing Frisbees, enjoying a large children's playground, and taking in beautiful vistas from the historic Cheesman Memorial Pavilion, constructed from marble to honor Denver pioneer Walter Cheesman. Don't miss this urban oasis for pups and people. 

FAQs

Is Denver a dog-friendly city?

Yes, you'll see dogs everywhere in the city. Denver tops many lists as one of the most dog-friendly places in the country with tons of outdoor activities for humans and canines alike. Many hotels offer great amenities and there are some amazing off-leash open spaces to explore. 

Are dogs allowed on restaurant patios in Denver?

Under the local law, restaurants must provide access to outdoor areas that don't require dogs to walk through the interior of restaurants. But it's also up to individual businesses to determine if they allow dogs on their premises. It's best to call ahead to make sure.

Where can dogs be off leash in Denver?

There are several large parks with great off-leash options like Cherry Creek State Park, Chatfield State Park and Westminster Hills Open Space. There are also many smaller parks all around the metro area. 

Are dogs allowed in Denver city parks?

Yes, but they must remain on leashes. Denver has nearly 20,000 acres of parkland, more than 250 individual urban parks and stunning mountain parks. 

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