If you are a dog person, there is nothing like taking your pooch outside and letting him or her go for a run. Of course, playing fetch is also a fun pastime for your furry friends too. But finding a place where they can stretch their legs and roam freely is not always easy. Here are a few dog parks that might fit the bill for your next outing with your precious pet.
Palmer Dog Park
If you bring your pooch to Palmer Park, be aware there are two areas in which he can roam near the Maizenland Road, just beyond the Meadows, and also The Mesa Trail/ Yucca Trail. This is a great place for them to get some exercise. The open trails are 2 ½ miles. Bring some comfy shoes and get ready to walk. Make sure to bring baggies to pick up after him or her as well, as in every park. If you bring your dogs in the rest of the park, besides those two areas, they will need to be on a leash. The park has ball fields, a playground, volleyball courts, horse stables and more, and is a great place for picnics. There are also plenty of other trails for hiking, jogging and even horseback riding, over 25 miles of them total. Palmer Dog Park is located at 3650 Maizeland Rd. in Colorado Springs.
Bear Creek Dog Park
Is your dog ready to play? The Bear Creek Dog Park is great for dogs of all sizes with a separate area for small and senior dogs. Your cuddly canine can have a blast running and chasing balls, wading in the creek or even showing their skills in the Agility Training Area. There are several trails including a ¾ mile loop. After walking, take a break on a bench and relax. Water is provided for pets and there is even a dog washing area. There also are places ideal for picnics here after a long day at the park. This popular park welcomes more than 100,000 visitors per year. Established originally in 1997, the park overall is pretty large, at 25 acres. The dog park is located at the north side. The Bear Creek Dog Park is located at 1704 S. 21 St. in Colorado Springs.
Fox Run Dog Park
Is your puppy feeling lonely and just needs to get out and explore? In the southeast corner of the Fun Run Regional Park, you will find the Fox Run Dog Park. Here your furry friends can have plenty of places to play and meet new friends. They have five fenced in areas to accommodate all types of dogs. So you don’t have to worry about your small dog being among larger dogs. Sit on a bench or stand in the shade and let your pooch be his or her best self. Within the 417-acre park, there are four miles of trails, as well as ball fields, ponds, playground and pavilions. It is a great place to bring the whole family. Located in the Black Forest with great views of Pikes Peak, the dog park is accessible near the main entrance to the park off Stella Drive. The address is 2110 Stella Dr. in Colorado Springs.
Rampart Dog Park
When you have a dog who is just itching to go exercise, this fenced park may be a good option. This off-leash park lets your pooches really get out and run. If your four-legged friend is up to it, there also are agility obstacles they can run around. It is a great place to relax as there is also a great view of the mountain range. Dog moms and dads can have a sit while their precious pups do their thing. When the doggies get tired, there are water spigots so they can get a drink and cool down. If the kids come along, they can play in the playground. There also is a picnic shelter, so feel free to bring some lunch. This park also has other amenities like tennis courts, a BMX track, soccer and baseball fields and more, so you can stay the whole day. The park is located at 8270 Lexington Dr. in Colorado Springs.
Red Rock Canyon Off-Leash Dog Area
Want to get some exercise and bring your dog along for the walk? The Red Rock Canyon is a great idea. This is a moderately-challenging route that takes just over an hour to finish. It is a 2.8 mile loop. Your pup can be on the entire trail leashed and can actually get off-leash in two spots – an upper and lower loop. The Lower Loop overlooks the highway and is a bit more noisy and the Upper Loop is quieter. Be aware of other hikers and bikers, as this can be a popular trail. There are 11 trails overall in the 1,500 acre area with an elevation of 200 to 900 ft. It also has a great view of the Garden of the Gods and the sandstone continues throughout the park. Bring your camera. It is located at 3550 W High St. in Colorado Springs.
