While I know dog parks are not the best fit for every dog, I can say that my family enjoys them. We have gone to the dog park with Sedona daily, since she was a little pup. After moving to Colorado Springs, we were blown away by the dog park options here! If you are also into hiking with your dog, keep reading down to #3!
1. Bear Creek Dog Park
Cost of entry: FREE
Located west of the I-25, Bear Creek Dog Park consists of 25-acres of fenced in land. There are many walking paths along the river, open prairie, and woods. Year round, you're likely to find us walking laps with Sedona in the park.
No need to worry about how long you spend in the park as there is running water (and a stream) to keep the pups hydrated . Other bonuses in the park include a separate small dog area (2 acres), fenced in agility area, and public restrooms. There are many poop bag and trash stations around the park making it easy to pick up after your pet without having to carry their poo around for too long. That's a huge bonus in my book.
Some things to consider when you go:
- Always have sunscreen. The sun is hot and I always leave with a sunburn when I think, "no big deal, we'll only be there for an hour."
- There are cacti in areas of the park (specifically the big hill north of the river in the main section of the park). Make sure to check your dog's paws if they run around in there.
- Much of the park is dirt... which means it can get VERY muddy. Be prepared to have a muddy dog in your car after it rains or snow melts.
- In the winter, snow can make it slippery to walk around. I recommend bringing micro-spikes with you just in case. This has saved me a few times, especially when Sedona runs into my legs.
- Check the weather before you go. Because you're at the base of a mountain, the weather can change quickly and you can't see what weather may be coming over from the western slope.
2. Fox Run Dog Park
Cost of entry: FREE
Located north of Flying Horse, Fox Run is a cool place to visit (literally; it's usually cooler in temperature).This was the first dog park we went to when we moved to Colorado Springs. We don't go as much any more because we moved to another part of town, but it will always be my favorite. Plus, with the lack of cell signal, you really do have to detach from technology and be present with the forest and your dog.
Fox Run Dog Park is a 5-acre off-leash area that is fenced in. However, if you have a dog that likes to jump fences, this may not be the place for you since the fences are kind of short (5-foot or less where sediment has build up).
This is my favorite park to visit on hot summer days, as it is almost completely shaded by the large ponderosa pine trees.
Some things to consider when you go:
- Cell service is extremely limited. Don't expect to be able to scroll socials, take phone calls, or even be able to send a text.
- There is no running water, so you'll need to bring your own. However, you will find many bowls around the park.
- There are plenty of benches and picnic tables to sit at.
- You will often find people walking laps around the fence of the dog park. Keep in mind that there are many hills when you do this. It may not be a great place to bring flat-landers or anyone who isn't acclimated to the elevation.
- You may want to bring an extra layer, because it is often colder than you would expect due to elevation and shade.
- In the winter, the snow and ice stick around. Because of the trees and shade, the park stays snowy/icy for a while. In the middle of winter, after snow, you should assume the parking lot and dog park will be icy. Consider bringing micro-spikes for increased traction... this is especially important since this is a hilly park.
3. Red Rock Canyon Open Space Fenced-In Dog Area
Cost of entry: FREE
Last, but certainly not least... Probably one of my favorite spots to hit when I want to take the edge off of Sedona's energy before going for a hike. Located within the 785-acres of Red Rock Canyon Open Space, is a fenced-in dog area that contains their "Upper Dog Loop" and "Lower Dog Loop" (1-mile and 0.5-miles respectively). From the off-leash area, you can hop onto one of the many interconnected trails (dog-friendly, on-leash) and go for a hike! Outside of hiking, I also like this park because it's often the last busy of the three I've told you about. So if you're looking for your pup to stretch their legs, but not run into many people and dogs, this is the one to go to!
Some things to consider when you go:
- There is no running water, so you'll need to bring some.
- There is a portable restroom on site at the parking lot.
- If it's a beautiful day, and you're going in the morning, you can bet the parking lots will be filled. So be prepared to park farther away from the trailhead.
- There are cacti just off the path and hidden in field. So if your dogs like to frolic though the grass like mine does, you should check their paws frequently.
- When the flowers are out in the summer there are often many spicy sky raisins (bees). Might be a good idea to have some Benadryl on hand in case of a sting.
