Dog-Friendly Arvada: Trails, Patios, Parks & Services
Northwest metro, 5,525 feet, one very large dog park and a leash rule that covers everything else.
Arvada sits on the northwest edge of the metro where the Ralston Creek Trail runs from the plains toward the foothills. The rule to know first: City Code Sec. 14-53 keeps dogs on leash on every street, park, trail and open space in the city, with designated off-leash dog parks the only exception. Leash length and fines were not stated in the sources we checked, so check the city's current page.
That one exception is a big one. West Arvada Dog Park on W. 64th Parkway covers more than 10 acres, is run by volunteers and funded entirely by donations, and has two separately fenced areas for small or shy dogs. A current dog license is required to use it. Arvada licenses run through the Jefferson County program administered by Foothills Animal Shelter; the Arvada fee is not confirmed, so check the shelter's page. Just across the city line, Westminster Hills Off-Leash Area adds 420 partly fenced acres under voice control.
After the walk, Olde Town has the patios. Denver Beer Co.'s Olde Town location keeps a heated patio where dogs are always welcome, Colorado Tap House has a dog-friendly lower patio and games area right on the Ralston Creek Trail, and Odyssey Beerwerks allows leashed dogs indoors and on the patio. Two Ponds Pet Lodge boards dogs in indoor-only or indoor/outdoor cabins. Riding RTD's G Line means small pets in closed carriers only. The leash-only foothills routes within a short drive are on our trails near Arvada page.
Arvada at a glance
- CountyJefferson (small portion in Adams)
- Elevation5,525 ft
- Population122,901 (2025 Census estimate)
- Leash lawRequired on all streets, parks, trails and open space (City Code Sec. 14-53); designated dog parks excepted
- Dog licenseRequired, through the Jefferson County program run by Foothills Animal Shelter; also required to use West Arvada Dog Park
- Off-leash optionsWest Arvada Dog Park; Westminster Hills Off-Leash Area (Westminster)
- TransitRTD (G Line): small pets in closed carriers only
Dog-friendly hikes near Arvada
- Ralston Creek TrailArvadaLeash required · 12 mi
- Fairmount Trail to North Table MountainArvadaLeash required · 4.1 mi
- Van Bibber Creek TrailArvadaLeash required · 4.5 mi
Arvada dog questions
The questions we hear most about dogs in Arvada, answered from the city's and county's own pages.
Do I need a dog license to use West Arvada Dog Park?
Yes. The park's own rules state that a current dog license is required for dog park use. Arvada licenses are issued through the Jefferson County program run by Foothills Animal Shelter, so sort that out before your first visit rather than at the gate.
Can my dog be off leash on the Ralston Creek Trail?
No. Arvada City Code Sec. 14-53 prohibits off-leash dogs on any street, park, trail or open space in the city. The Ralston Creek Trail is a leash walk from end to end; the only legal off-leash spot in Arvada is West Arvada Dog Park.
Where is the closest large voice-control area to Arvada?
Westminster Hills Off-Leash Area, run by the City of Westminster just across the city line, is about 420 acres and partially fenced, with dogs allowed under voice control. Westminster posts a $130 fine for waste violations, so carry bags.
Get free quotes from local pros
One short form; independent Colorado boarders, daycares, groomers and trainers reply directly.