It’s all well and good to take your dog for a walk attached to the end of a leash. But dogs were born to run. And that’s something a little trot around the block can’t satisfy.
Enter off-leash dog parks. With acres of open space, some with wooded areas and streams, off-leash dog parks give your pooch exercise and unbridled joy, all at the same time.
The metro areas has many options. Here a few favorites from 5280 magazine:
Forsberg Park, Lakewood: With views of Green Mountain and Red Rocks Amphitheatre, this park will please two-legged visitors as well as their four-legged friends. The park features two fenced areas and a small obstacle course for the overachieving dog set looking for challenge.
Cherry Creek Dog Off-Leash Area, Aurora: Located in the southeast corner of Cherry Creek State Park, this park contains 107 acres of glorious running space, as well as a part of Cherry Creek for dogs to dip in and out of. One note: 5280 warns that you might have to wait to enter this fenced area at peak times.
Chatfield State Park Off-Leash Dog Area, Littleton: This well-maintained park offers 69 acres that include gravel and paved walking trails. And for bird dogs in need of practice, it offers two sport-dog training areas.
Westminster Hills Off-Leash Dog Park, Westminster: With 420 acres to roam, benches for owners to relax on, a small pond, a doggie drinking fountain and a shade shelter, this is a no-miss pooch paradise. Note that the park isn’t completely fenced in, so only bring dogs that will respond to your voice commands.