One of the best things about living in Golden is how dog friendly it is. Between the trails, open space, breweries and parks, there are plenty of places to bring your dog along. When it comes to dog parks, there are some great options right here in Golden, plus a few nearby that are worth the drive. Whether you want a quick place to let your dog run or somewhere you can spend an entire morning exploring, these are some of my favorites.

Tony Grampsas Dog Park + New Terrain Brewing

Tony Grampsas is probably my favorite dog park in Golden. Located at 4471 Salvia Street at the base of North Table Mountain, it feels much more like open space than a typical dog park. The roughly 2.5 acre park has mature trees, shrubs, shade and plenty of room for dogs to explore. The trees are especially nice during the summer when so many Colorado dog parks can feel hot and exposed.

One of the best parts about Tony Grampsas is that New Terrain Brewing is right next door. After the dog park, you can head over to New Terrain and grab a beer in their huge outdoor beer garden, where dogs are welcome outside on leash. With rotating food trucks, mountain views and North Table Mountain right there, this is one of my favorite easy Golden afternoons. If you are visiting Golden with your dog or are new to the area, I would put this one at the top of the list.

Homer’s Run at Ulysses Park

Homer’s Run at 1205 Ulysses Street is another convenient option right in Golden. The fenced area is smaller than Tony Grampsas, but sometimes that is exactly what you want. It is easy to pop in, let your dog burn off some energy and head home without making it a whole event. Ulysses Park also has beautiful views toward the foothills and is especially convenient if you live on the south side of Golden.

8th Street Dog Park

If you live near downtown Golden, the 8th Street Dog Park is one of the easiest options. It is close to the Golden Community Center and gives dogs a dedicated fenced area to run and play. It is not huge, but the location makes up for it. You can easily combine the dog park with a walk along Clear Creek, coffee downtown or lunch somewhere in Golden afterward.

Forsberg/Iron Spring Off-Leash Dog Park

Forsberg Dog Park at 15900 W. Alameda Parkway in Lakewood is technically outside Golden, but close enough that it definitely belongs on the list. This is one of my favorites for the views. The park sits on a hillside near Green Mountain with beautiful views toward the foothills and Red Rocks. There are two fenced areas, agility equipment and sloped terrain that gives dogs a little more exercise than they would get running around a flat field. The ground can be rocky, so it might not be my first choice for an older dog, but for active dogs it is a great option.

West Arvada Dog Park

For anyone living in north Golden, Fairmount or west Arvada, West Arvada Dog Park at 17975 W. 64th Parkway is another good one to have in the rotation. There is plenty of room for dogs to run, and it feels bigger than some of Golden’s smaller neighborhood parks while still being an easy drive from town.

Fruitdale Dog Park

Fruitdale Dog Park at 4671 Kipling Street in Wheat Ridge is a little more under the radar, but it is convenient if you are coming from Golden, Applewood or Wheat Ridge. It has a relaxed neighborhood park feel and is a nice alternative when you do not want to drive very far. One of the things I like about Fruitdale is that you can actually find some grass here, which is not always easy at Colorado dog parks.

Westminster Hills Off Leash Area

If your dog really needs to run, Westminster Hills at 10499 Simms Street is worth the drive. This is less of a traditional dog park and more of an off leash adventure, with a huge amount of open space, trails, prairie and Front Range views. Because portions of the area are not fenced, I would only bring a dog here if they have reliable recall and are comfortable in a large open environment with other dogs. For active dogs, it is easily one of the best off leash experiences around Denver.

Chatfield State Park Dog Off Leash Area

Chatfield Dog Park is definitely farther from Golden, but it deserves a spot on the list because it is one of the best dog parks in the Denver area. The off leash area has roughly 69 fenced acres, walking trails and ponds where dogs can swim. This is more of a destination than a quick dog park stop, and you can easily spend a couple of hours walking around and letting your dog explore. There are entrance and dog park fees, so it takes a little more planning, but if your dog loves water and exploring, it is worth it.

If I had to narrow it down, Tony Grampsas and New Terrain would be my pick for the best overall dog friendly outing in Golden. Forsberg is great for views, Westminster Hills is perfect when your dog needs some serious exercise, and Homer’s Run or 8th Street are easy everyday options.

One of the things I love most about living in Golden is that your dog can be part of your everyday routine. You can start the morning at the dog park, walk Clear Creek, grab coffee downtown and end the day on a brewery patio without ever going very far. And if you are looking for a home in Golden, access to trails, parks and open space can make a huge difference depending on the neighborhood. It is something I always think about when helping buyers decide where they want to live, especially when a dog is part of the family.

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