Denver, Colorado · City Walks
The best
dog walksin Denver.
Mountain-view parks, creekside trails and room to run—chosen for the dogs who walk them and the humans holding the leash.
1,043
walks mapped in Colorado
1,217
miles walked
32
Colorado cities with walkers
HappyPupper walkers across Colorado · all-time totals, November 2026
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Choose the right adventure
Mile high.
Five very good walks.
Denver’s park system is built for long walks: lake loops, creekside trails under big skies, and a network of fenced dog parks. This guide covers the best of each.
Denver’s leash law applies everywhere except at home, in a yard, or inside a designated off-leash dog park, and a violation carries an $80 civil penalty. On regional trails like Cherry Creek and the South Platte, leashes can be no longer than six feet.
Before the leash comes off
Dog parks need a current rabies tag and Denver dog license. Unlighted dog parks are open sunrise to sundown; lighted ones 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Leash up on the way in and out.
Best loop
Washington Park
Best long walk
Cherry Creek Trail
Best off-leash
Berkeley Dog Park
Best views
City Park
Pick your pace
Five walks worth
clipping in for.
Altitude and dry air dehydrate dogs fast—carry more water than you would at sea level. Dashed green lines on the maps mark park boundaries.
Washington Park
Lake loop
01
Washington Park
Denver’s favorite park walk: two lakes, flower gardens and a loop that is busy from sunrise on. Dogs, strollers, runners—everyone is here.
Go early. Park rangers patrol here. Keep the leash on and short on the busy outer loop.
Central Denver
Creek trail
02
Cherry Creek Trail
A paved regional trail that follows Cherry Creek through the heart of the city, below street level for long stretches. Join it almost anywhere.
No bike-walking. Cyclists can’t hold a dog’s leash while riding on Denver trails, so expect walkers and bikes to stay separate—keep your dog close on the right.
Northwest Denver
Off-leash
03
Berkeley Dog Park
A busy off-leash dog park at West 46th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard, next to Berkeley Lake—walk the lake loop on leash, then let your dog run.
Skip the water. Denver health officials have posted harmful-algae advisories at Berkeley Lake asking people and dogs to limit contact with the water. Check current advisories.
City Park
Big park
04
City Park
A big central park with lakes, wide lawns and a classic view of the mountains across the water near the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Sunset loop. Walk the lakes late in the day for mountain silhouettes—and keep the leash on, since rangers patrol City Park too.
Central Denver
River trail
05
South Platte River Trail
A long paved trail along the South Platte River, linking riverside parks north and south of downtown. Flat, easy and good for long walks.
Stay on the trail. River levels change quickly after storms and snowmelt. Keep dogs out of fast water.
Plan with current information
Official Denver resources
Rules and closures change. These official pages are the final word before you head out. Maps: © OpenStreetMap contributors.