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Going to the Dogs: Dog-Friendly Parks in Arvada, Golden, Wheat Ridge

Don't leave Fido out of the family fun this summer!

By Julie Dikken August 8, 2024

Arvada, Golden & Wheat Ridge is going to the dogs! We love our four-legged family members, and it's always fun to take them to new places. Here are some Arvada, Golden & Wheat Ridge places where well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Should you take your dog? 

Before choosing to take your dog out and about in Arvada, Golden or Wheat Ridge areas consider whether your dog (and you!) will have a good experience. Typically, well-behaved, socialized dogs who are comfortable around people and other dogs are ideal for these settings. Ensuring your dog is friendly, leash-trained, and non-disruptive will help everyone enjoy their time. Always check specific venue policies and consider your dog's temperament to ensure a pleasant outing for all.


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Dog Parks & Dog-Friendly Parks in Arvada

  • West Arvada Dog Park: 
    Located at 17975 W. 64th Parkway, this off-leash dog park offers plenty of space for dogs to run and play, with separate areas for large and small dogs.
  • Ralston Central Park: 
    While not an off-leash park, Ralston Central Park, located at 5850 Garrison St, is dog-friendly and has walking trails and green spaces where dogs on leashes are welcome.
  • Oak Park: 
    Located at 10530 W 64th Pl, Oak Park is a neighborhood park where leashed dogs are allowed. It has walking paths and open areas.
  • Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge:
    Located at 9210 W 80th Ave, this refuge allows leashed dogs on certain trails. It’s a great place to enjoy nature with your dog.
  • Ralston Creek Trail:
    This trail runs through various parts of Arvada and is dog-friendly, offering scenic walking paths along the creek.

 Barescar90 | Canva

Dog Parks & Dog-Friendly Parks in Golden

  • Tony Grampsas Dog Park:
    Located at 4471 Salvia St, this off-leash dog park offers separate areas for small and large dogs. It’s a spacious park with shaded areas, making it a popular spot for dog owners.
  • Ulysses Dog Park:
    Situated at 1205 Ulysses St, this fenced, off-leash dog park is part of the larger Ulysses Park. It features agility equipment and plenty of space for dogs to run around.
  • Lions Park:
    Located at 1300 10th St, Lions Park is a dog-friendly park where dogs are welcome on-leash. It’s adjacent to Clear Creek, offering scenic walking trails and picnic areas.
  • Clear Creek Trail:
    This trail runs through Golden and is dog-friendly as long as your pet is on a leash. The trail provides beautiful views along the creek, making it a popular spot for walking dogs.


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Dog Parks & Dog-Friendly Parks in Wheat Ridge

  • Tanglewood Park: 
    Located at 13900 W 38th Ave, Tanglewood Park is an off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs. It offers open space for dogs to run and play, as well as shaded seating areas for owners.
  • Fruitdale Park:
    This park, situated at 4700 Miller St, is dog-friendly with on-leash requirements. It has a walking path, open grassy areas, and picnic spots, making it a great place for a walk with your dog.
  • Prospect Park:
    Located at 11300 W 44th Ave, this park is dog-friendly and features walking trails, open spaces, and a lake. Dogs are required to be on-leash, but it’s a beautiful area for outdoor activities with your pet.
  • Anderson Park:
    Situated at 4355 Field St, Anderson Park allows dogs on-leash. It has expansive green areas, walking paths, and a creek where dogs can cool off.

Dog-Friendly Patios in Arvada, Golden & Wheat Ridge areas

Here are the restaurants, breweries, and bars in Arvada, Golden & Wheat Ridge areas you told us have dog-friendly patios.

(Please note: We haven't double-checked these recommendations. If you aren't sure about whether it's OK to bring your pooch, it's best to call ahead and ask!)

  • New Image Brewing, 5622 Yukon St, Arvada
  • School House Kitchen and Libations, 5660 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada
  • Homegrown Tap & Dough, 5601 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada
  • Golden City Brewery, 920 12th St, Golden
  • Mountain Toad Brewing, 900 Washington Ave, Golden
  • The Golden Mill, 1012 Ford St, Golden
  • Right Coast Pizza, 7100 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge
  • Infinitus Pie (iPIE), 5807 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge
  • Clancy’s Irish Pub, 7000 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge

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Arvada, Golden & Wheat Ridge Animal Shelters and Volunteer Opportunities

These might not be the best places to take your own dog, but we wanted to give our Arvada, Golden and Wheat Ridge shelters a shout-out too and let you know about potential volunteer opportunities for your family that give you a chance to make a difference in the lives of pooches in need in the Arvada area!

Foothills Animal Shelter 
Located nearby in Golden, at 580 McIntyre St, this is one of the larger shelters serving the Arvada area. They offer pet adoptions, lost and found services, and other resources for pet owners.

Hope for Paws Colorado 
This rescue organization, based in Arvada, focuses on rescuing dogs and finding them new homes. They often rely on foster homes and community support to care for animals in need.

Mile High Canine Rescue
While not based exclusively in Arvada, this rescue works throughout the Denver metro area, including Arvada. They specialize in rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters and finding them loving homes.

Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies (GRRR)
Located in Arvada, GRRR specializes in rescuing and rehoming Golden Retrievers. They have a facility close to Golden where they care for and rehabilitate dogs before placing them in new homes.

Table Mountain Animal Center
Now part of Foothills Animal Shelter, this organization previously operated in the Wheat Ridge area and continues to serve the community through its current location in Golden.

Know of an Arvada, Golden or Wheat Ridge event, dog-friendly restaurant, dog park, or animal shelter we're missing? Let me know at julied@macaronikid.com and we'll add it to our list!


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