Have Leash, Will Travel

It is no secret that Denver has gone to the dogs.  These four-legged (and three-legged on occasion) family members are reaping the benefits of a city that recognizes their place in our Denver homes.  While every park can’t be an off-leash extravaganza, every walk should be special.  Therefore, we at Vintage Homes of Denver have pinpointed 5 of our favorite doggy destinations within the metro Denver area.

1.  Denver‘s most iconic park, City Park was the first official park within the city limits.  Set aside by Governor Speers in 1893 for the purpose of a park grand enough to rival those in Europe, the 330-acres have not disappointed.  The park is bordered by 17th Avenue to the south, York Street to the east, Colorado Boulevard to the west and 23rd Avenue to the north, with the City Park Golf Course found across 23rd Avenue.

The park is home to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Denver Zoo, and greenhouses for the zoo and Denver Botanic Gardens.  The grounds provide several walking trails, fountains, flower beds, a lake and duck pond.  There are also horseshoe pits, baseball and soccer fields, handball courts and boat rentals.

The famous Pavilion is available for private events and is home to City Park Jazz concerts during the summer months.  Several organizations take advantage of the park’s many attributes for marathons, walk-a-thons and other civic functions.

City Park has no off-leash area, but it is a fabulous destination to enjoy a satisfying jog with man’s best friend or a lazy stroll with a cup of coffee.  The views of the Rocky Mountain front range are unparalleled and the Denver homes that circle the park are magnificent in their scale and style.  The park has several hundred trees, all planted by schoolchildren in the early 20th century.

2.  Perhaps the most popular of Denver‘s urban parks is Washington Park in the center of the Washington Park neighborhood.  The 165-acre, well-groomed space is bordered by South Downing to the east, South Franklin to the west, East Louisiana to the south, and East Virginia to the north.  The park is more than just a pleasant walk surrounded by some of the most beautiful Denver real estate available.  Home to two lakes, gorgeous flower beds, two playgrounds and multiple walking paths, the heart of Wash Park offers many options for a stroll with Fido (or Dakota, Lady, Guinness and Stout).

There is no off-leash area, officially, yet there are a number of dogs catching Frisbees at any given time.  Several breed aficionados gather at the park including the Wash Park Weenies, a group of enthusiastic Dachshund owners.

The annual Furry Scurry is held in the park every May.  The popular dog walk-a-thon raises funds for the Dumb Friends League, a popular animal shelter in Denver.  Wash Park also has location as a key factor in its high ranking among dog lovers. The park is at the epicenter of the most sought after Denver real estate.  Large Denver homes reflecting the architecture of the early 19th century give Wash Park a genteel air.  The park is also close to the shops and coffee houses on Old South Gaylord and Pearl Street, enjoys easy access to the RTD light rail and is a short distance from most other parts of the city.

3. Chatfield State Parkis the best off-leash dog park in the city.  Not some treeless patch of dirt surrounded by chain link fence, the dog park at Chatfield is a natural habitat for dogs to get back in touch with their inner dog self.  The park has set aside 69-acres of Denver real estate for its canine citizens.  Chatfield State Park is south of C-470 on Wadsworth Boulevard.  It may be a bit of a drive from your Denver home, but will be well worth the effort.

The best thing about this off-leash area is that it is for the dogs.  No bicyclists are permitted in the dog area, no joggers, no camp goers . . . only dogs and their people.  The leashes come off and dogs are permitted to sniff and run to their hearts content.  There are two small watering holes in the park, as well as access to the South Platte River.  Swim away, swim away, swim away all!

In addition to the off-leash dog area, there are also two dog training areas.  These areas are meant for the training of hunting and retrieving dogs and are accessible only with a special permit.

The park requires a $7 per day entrance fee.  However, there is much more to do and see than just the dog park.  Enjoy a picnic lunch, hook a trout or even camp once your pooch has petered out.  If you are strictly interested in the dog area, then you will be glad to hear that this spring a new entrance and smaller $2 fee is to be implemented for off-leash area access only.  For more information on upcoming changes to this popular destination, see the full Denver Post story.

4.  Harvard Gulch Park on the southern edge of Denver near Englewood, CO is bordered by South Logan Street to the west, East Iliff Avenue to the north, East Harvard Avenue to the south and South Ogden Street to the east.  This large 57-acre section of Denver real estate was once the location of the State Home for Dependent and Neglected Children.  The orphanage closed its doors in 1971, and though many of the institution’s building were torn down, a few remain.  The land surrounding the State Home was also used as a community garden during the depression.

Today, Harvard Park includes a golf course, community garden, recreation center, swimming pool, playground and a series of walking paths.  It has a wonderful view of the Rocky Mountains and offers a peaceful oasis for a stroll or jog with your furry friend.

There is not an off-leash area in this park, but access to a branch of the “Smith Ditch” might make up for it. The CSU Extension office, which is located in the old toddler building from the orphanage days, is hoping to offer dog first aid classes.

There are plans to improve many of the park’s amenities, including the playground, performance area and flower maze.  The Denver homes surrounding the park are mostly bungalows with a few scattered Victorians.  The quaint cottages provide a nice backdrop for any activity within the park boundaries.

5.  Okay, it’s not a park but the Highline Canal Trail is a fabulous way to get in an extra long walk or run with your Boston terrier or black lab.  The Highline Canal was dug in 1883 to bring water from Waterton Canyon up through the farms of south Denver and eventually to the city itself.  The trail system that runs along the canal is 66 miles long and has been designated as a National Landmark Trail.  It offers a wide array of nature viewing opportunities, as well as a quiet respite from chaotic city life.

While sections of the trail are more heavily used than others, it is possible to often find yourself on a completely solitary excursion.  The feeling of being on a country lane in the middle of a metropolitan area is simply wonderful.  There can be a high volume of bicyclists and other walkers, so be sure to keep an ear out for the call of “on your left”.

The Highline Canal Trail cuts through some of the most valuable Denver real estate.  The Denver homes and open spaces that you discover are not visible from streets or sidewalks.  By using the trail, you are getting a backstage pass to some of the most exclusive and beautiful Denver homes.

The trail system is also used by many organizations as a location for fun runs and marathons.  Several walking clubs and dog groups meet and walk the path.

The Highline Canal Trail is not the only urban trail system in Denver.  Being an active community, Denver has planned ahead and provided a maze-like system of paths, trails and walks for the citizenry.  Denver Metro Trails has put together a comprehensive list of each trail system with maps.

While these are our personal favorites, Denver has a lot to offer dogs and their owners.  Each Denver neighborhood has a selection of parks and paths that will prove delightful to man’s best friend.  The City of Denver has put together a website that offers information on Denver parks, off-leash areas and laws regarding dog ownership.

And remember to bring your bags!