If you’re looking to unleash some fun for your four-legged friends, Colorado Springs is top dog when it comes to pet-friendly cities. The Springs fetched the No. 1 spot as the most pet-friendly city in 2023, according to PetLab, and it’s easy to see why. The number of dog parks has grown significantly in the last few years, reflecting the city’s dogged commitment to its furry residents. Whether you’re new to the area or just looking to sniff out some fresh spots, we’ve got you covered with a list of the Springs’ most paw-some dog parks.
Dog Parks in Central Colorado Springs
Palmer Park Dog Park
Central Colorado Springs, 3650 Maizeland Rd.
On the Academy Boulevard corridor east of downtown, Palmer Park has both a dog park as well as 2.5 miles of off-leash trails. The enclosed park comes equipped with water fountains for thirsty pups, benches for human companions and fallen trees that serve as natural agility obstacles. Dogs are allowed off leash in the Yucca Flats on the park’s north side — but they must be under control. While there is a lot of room to roam, Yucca Flats is also popular for hikers, bikers, runners and other leashed dogs.
Palmer Park Dog Park Highlights
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- Small dog area
- Dirt/gravel
- Some grass
- Benches
- Fenced
- Free parking
- Additional unfenced off-leash area for dogs under voice command
Antlers Dog Park
Downtown, 31 Pikes Peak Ave.
This downtown doggie spot is the newest in Colorado Springs, opening in May 2024, but it is part of one of the oldest parks in the city. Antlers Park was gifted to the city by founder General William J. Palmer in 1882. “Antlers Dog Park is a perfect place to grab a beverage from a nearby coffee shop and meet up with other furry friends,” says Connie Schmeisser, city project manager with the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. “It’s conveniently located near local venues, restaurants, museums and other parks and trails. You’re just a two-minute walk from Monument Valley Park and the Legacy Loop Trail, which circles downtown.”
Antlers Dog Park Highlights
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- ADA accessible
- Small-dog area
- Synthetic turf
- Benches
- Dog watering station
- Fenced
- Some shade
Westside Dog Parks in Colorado Springs
Bear Creek Dog Park
Westside, 21st St. and W. Rio Grande St.
This award-winning park landed at No. 6 on 120 Hidden Gem Dog Parks in the U.S. by Technobark.com. Dogs love the freedom to sniff out 25 acres, and owners love that the fenced park offers restrooms, a small/senior dog area and an agility course. The most popular spot is the creek, surrounded by shade, that runs through the park and gives pooches a place to cool off and play with friends. Bear Creek Dog Park may just be the most popular dog park in Colorado Springs. You can read more about it in our A Dog’s Perfect Day in Colorado Springs.
Bear Creek Park Highlights
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- Creek
- Small-dog area
- Some grass
- Dirt/gravel
- Benches
- Dog watering station
- Fenced
- Abundant shade
- Free parking
Red Rock Canyon Open Space Dog Loops
Westside, 3550 W. High St.
Red Rock Canyon is one of the most scenic parks on the list, and the 785-acre park offers two off-leash dog park-hiking loops. The mile-long Upper Dog Loop offers breathtaking views of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak and gives owners the opportunity to get a workout with their pup. The Lower Dog Loop is approximately half a mile, perfect for a quick jaunt. Dogs must be on leash at all times except in doggie-designated areas.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space Dog Loops Highlights
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- Small-dog area
- Some grass
- Dirt/gravel
- Benches
- Dog watering station
- Fenced
- Some shade
- Free parking
Garden of the Gods Dog Run
Garden of the Gods, 3105 Gateway Rd.
Want to run the dogs to burn some extra energy after an on-leash hike in Garden of the Gods? This off-leash area is just south of the entrance to the park. It’s a wide-open, relatively flat are with the popular Foothills Trail running through it. Dogs must be under voice command — to comply with park rules and for their safety. The busy 30th Street runs alongside this unfenced dog park, and it’s a popular spot for passing bikers, runners and walkers.
Garden of the Gods Dog Run Highlights
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- Unfenced
- Prairie meadow terrain
- Watering station near the Rock Ledge Ranch entrance
- Soaring Garden of the Gods views
Cheyenne Meadows Dog Park
Southwest, 1560 Charmwood Dr.
This smaller, community-based dog park has grassy areas and some dirt patches. It is fenced and has benches for dog owners to relax while their pets play.
Cheyenne Meadows Dog Park Highlights
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- Small-dog area
- Some grass
- Dirt/gravel
- Benches
- Fenced
- Free parking
North-Side Dog Parks in Colorado Springs
Rampart Dog Park
Briargate, 8270 Lexington Dr.
Located behind Rampart High School in the Briargate region, this dog park provides a spacious, fenced area with natural agility amenities, a community water station and benches for owners to sit back and watch their pups play.
Rampart Dog Park Highlights
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- Small-dog area
- Dirt/gravel
- Some grass
- Agility features
- Benches
- Fenced
- Free parking
- Little shade
Fox Run Regional Park
Black Forest, 2110 Stella Dr.
This popular park also made the list of 120 Hidden Gem Dog Parks in the U.S list by Techobark. Located in Black Forest, the 5-acre park is entirely fenced and offers a shaded half-mile loop trail. Small dogs (25 pounds or less) have a private 1.5-acre space to socialize. Picnic tables and waste bag dispensers are provided, but BYO-water as there are no water fountains in the dog park. Restrooms can be found in the adjoining parking lot at Fox Run Regional Park.
communityservices.elpasoco.com
Fox Run Regional Park Highlights
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- Small-dog area
- Some grass
- Dirt/gravel
- Benches
- Fenced
- Abundant shade
- Free parking
East-Side Dog Parks in Colorado Springs
Falcon Dog Park
Falcon, 11050 Eastonville Road
The 10-acre park east of Colorado Springs has 8 acres for large dogs and 2 acres designated for small dogs.
communityservices.elpasoco.com
Falcon Dog Park Highlights
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- Small-dog area
- Some grass
- Dirt/gravel
- Picnic table
- Dog watering station
- Fenced
- Shade structure
- Free parking
Eastridge Dog Park
East Side, 2398 Shawnee Dr.
Located within Cimarron Eastridge Park, the Eastridge Dog Park has 2.5-acres that are fully fenced. There is a dirt trail for walking and a large field where dogs can play.
Eastridge Dog Park Highlights
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- Some grass
- Dirt/gravel
- Dog watering station
- Fenced
- Some shade
- Free parking
South-Side Dog Parks in Colorado Springs
Fountain Creek Dog Park
Fountain, 2010 Duckwood Rd.
Fountain Creek Regional Park is filled with outdoor opportunities south of Colorado Springs, for people and dogs. The Fountain Creek Dog Park is a 3-acre off-leash area with a walking trail — and a giant fire hydrant statue.
communityservices.elpasoco.com
Fountain Creek Dog Park Highlights
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- Grass
- Dirt trail
- Benches
- Pet waste stations
- No shade
- Separate parking lot
Dog Parks in Woodland Park
Golden Meadows Dog Park
Woodland Park, 2000 Evergreen Heights Dr.
Want to let the pups run going to or from the mountains? The Golden Meadows Dog Park in Woodland Park makes a great stop. Created by local Girl Scout Bianca Bryant in 2019, the off-leash area was a great addition to the Meadow Wood Sports Complex and the City Above the Clouds.
Golden Meadows Dog Park
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- Small-dog area
- Some grass
- Dirt/gravel
- Benches
- Dog watering station
- Fenced
- Some shade
- Free parking
Proper Petiquette at Colorado Springs Dog Parks
Keeping our dog parks clean and accessible is a shared responsibility. “The Springs is well known as a dog-friendly community with quick access to outdoor spaces and great trail systems,” says Stephen Martin, local dog owner and avid outdoor enthusiast. Read about him and his Instagram-famous dog Ollie in this story from our archives. “But what sets our community apart is our responsible pet owners. They consistently clean up after their dogs, which keeps outdoor spaces beautiful and accessible, which means everyone — two-legged and four-legged alike — can enjoy them.”
Find complete lists of dog park rules on the City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County Parks and Recreation websites. But here are some basics to follow for good dog park etiquette.
- Supervise your dog: Always keep an eye on your dog to prevent any aggressive behavior or accidents. If your dog becomes unexpectedly triggered, take the cue to leave.
- Clean up after your pet: Bring your own bags and dispose of your dog’s waste in the provided bins.
- Follow leash rules: Keep your dog on a leash when entering and exiting the park, and in areas where off-leash play is not permitted.
- Vaccinations: Ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and in good health before visiting the park.
- Respect size segregation: Use the appropriate areas for small and large dogs to prevent accidents.
- Bring water: Although many parks provide water stations, it’s a good idea to bring your own water and bowl.
