Dog-Friendly Durango: Trails, Patios, Campgrounds & Services
The site's Western Slope hub at 6,532 feet, with a firm in-town leash law, national forest on every side and patios that expect a dog under the table.
Durango sits at 6,532 feet in La Plata County, and its leash rule is firm: City Code Sec. 4-41 requires dogs on leash in town and on every city trail, including the natural-surface routes at Horse Gulch and the full length of the Animas River Trail. Dogs must be leashed on land at Lake Nighthorse and are barred from its swim beach, Oxbow Preserve and Greenmount Cemetery. First-offense fines were reported at $40 for altered dogs and $60 for intact dogs, a 2014 figure, so check the city's current page. Step onto the San Juan National Forest surrounding town and voice control is legal.
The only in-city off-leash area is Durango Dog Park at the base of Smelter Mountain on US-160 West; dogs there must be licensed, vaccinated and wearing ID, and leashed going in and out. Licenses are required annually or every three years through the La Plata County Humane Society. Durango Transit does not carry pets at all, service animals only, the strictest transit rule among our 12 cities.
Patios are the norm downtown. 11th Street Station welcomes leashed dogs and puts out water bowls, Grassburger advertises a pet-friendly patio, and Ska Brewing's beer garden takes dogs on a leash. Durango Pet Resort boards dogs and cats, and Junction Creek and Haviland Lake campgrounds on the national forest require dogs to be leashed and never left unattended. Trail-by-trail rules are on trails near Durango.
Durango at a glance
- CountyLa Plata
- Elevation6,532 ft
- Population19,733 (2025 Census estimate)
- Leash lawLeash required in town and on all city trails (City Code Sec. 4-41); reported first-offense fines $40 altered / $60 intact
- Dog licenseRequired annually or every three years through the La Plata County Humane Society
- Off-leash optionsDurango Dog Park at Smelter Mountain; San Juan National Forest under voice control
- TransitDurango Transit: no pets; service animals only
Dog-friendly hikes near Durango
- Animas River TrailDurangoLeash required · 8.2 mi
- Horse Gulch – Telegraph TrailDurangoLeash required · 2.75 mi
- Animas Mountain LoopDurangoLeash required; seasonal closure Dec. 1–April 15 on BLM land · 5 mi
- Colorado Trail – Junction Creek to Gudy's RestDurangoVoice control permitted on National Forest; leash in the parking area · 7.6 mi
Durango dog questions
Leash enforcement, the dog park and getting around Durango with a dog, answered from the city's pages.
Can my dog be off leash on the Animas River Trail?
No. Durango's leash law applies to all city trails, paved and natural-surface, and the city's own dog page says dogs need to be leashed when on land along the Animas River. The city has stepped up enforcement on the river trail, so expect to be ticketed if your dog is loose.
Where can my dog run off leash near Durango?
Durango Dog Park at the base of Smelter Mountain on US-160 West is the only off-leash area inside the city; dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and tagged, and leashed entering and leaving. Beyond city limits, dogs are allowed under voice control on the federal lands surrounding Durango, including the San Juan National Forest.
Can I bring my dog on Durango Transit?
No. Durango Transit lists pets among prohibited items and allows only service animals on its vehicles. If you are visiting without a car, plan to walk the Animas River Trail on leash or arrange a ride to the trailheads and the dog park.
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