Off-leash fun for furry friends
While there are many beautiful trails and parks around Castle Pines to walk our furry friends, sometimes dogs just want to run free to follow their noses and make new friends. Douglas County has several fenced-in, off-leash dog parks. Here are some to get the dogs off and running in the new year:
Bayou Gulch Regional Park, located on Fox Sparrow Road in Parker, has expansive views of the plains and provides more than two acres of off-leash fun. The dog park area is adjacent to 2.5 miles of soft-surface trails that require dogs to be on leashes as a courtesy to other trail users and wildlife.
Devon’s Dog Park at Greenland Open Space is a 17-acre park located south of Larkspur, exit 167 off of I-25. In addition to the dog park, there are 11 miles of trails, picnic tables, restrooms and an obstacle course for horses. There are ponds and hills the dogs can enjoy, and the views are amazing.
Digger’s Dog Park at Dad Clark Park in Highlands Ranch is nestled in the neighborhood of Astorbrook Circle with a path around the perimeter for humans to get exercise, too. Five laps around equal one mile.
Fairgrounds Regional Park in downtown Castle Rock is a 37-acre park with views of Castle Rock’s namesake. The dog park is in the eastern corner but may be accessed from the main entrance.
Fido’s Field at Foothills Park sits at 1042 Riddlewood Drive off of Lucent Blvd. in Highlands Ranch. It is tucked back inside the park with a little shelter that provides some shade.
Glendale Open Space Dog Park, located off the east frontage road of I-25 at Castle Pines Parkway, is a 17-acre dog park that many residents are familiar with. The recent reconstruction project added enhancements to park amenities, scenery, vegetation, and drainage. The park is adjacent to the Glendale Farm Trail, 1.6 miles of adventure but dogs are required to be on a leash to protect the sensitive habitat of the area.
Hound Hill Dog Park at Highland Heritage Park is just off of Quebec St. in Highlands Ranch and is a popular spot for locals and their pets.
Rover’s Run at Redstone Park is near the intersection of Town Center Drive and Foothills Canyon Blvd. in Highlands Ranch. Park at the tennis center for the best access.
USMC CPL David M. Sonka Dog Park, located south of E-470 along Cherry Creek Trail, features nearly five acres of off-leash space with shade structures, drinking fountains, small dog area and an agility course. Hours are dawn until dusk and the park is unlit.
Other Area Dog Parks
Be sure to check out nearby Chatfield State Park’s 75 acre off-leash area, (www.parks.state.co.us), which requires a fee.
Most dog parks are open one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. It’s a good idea to bring water and waste bags in case the park does not provide or is in short supply.
By Lisa Nicklanovich
