Dog-Friendly Evergreen: Trails, Patios, Cabins & Services
Foothills town at 7,162 feet with big Jeffco Open Space parks, a county leash rule and no legal off-leash area since 2017.
Evergreen is unincorporated Jefferson County at 7,162 feet, which changes two things. First, the leash rule is the county's: all dogs must be on leash or securely confined at all times off your property, with off-leash tickets starting at $50 per dog. On Jeffco Open Space land, which here means Elk Meadow, Alderfer/Three Sisters and Mount Falcon, the leash must be 10 feet or less and the fine is $75. Second, there is no legal off-leash area in Evergreen. Elk Meadow's 107-acre off-leash area was closed indefinitely by Jeffco Open Space on April 4, 2017 over erosion and waste. A replacement membership dog park near Fillius Park was proposed in 2022, but we found no confirmation it has opened, so check the Evergreen Park & Recreation District's current page. The nearest sanctioned option is Beaver Ranch Park in Conifer.
Licenses are required for dogs four months and older through Foothills Animal Shelter. Evergreen lies outside RTD's service area, so plan on driving. With 80 inches of snow a year and summer thunderstorms, flatland dogs tire faster up here; carry water.
Dog-friendly stops: Lariat Lodge Brewing's patio and Red Rocks Beer Garden's patio, leashed dogs welcome. Bergen Bark Inn handles boarding and daycare, and Chief Hosa Campground and Staunton State Park Campground both hold dogs to a six-foot leash. Colorado Bear Creek Cabins charges a $50 pet fee per unit per stay. The leash-only trail list is on trails near Evergreen.
Evergreen at a glance
- CountyJefferson (unincorporated)
- Elevation7,162 ft
- Population9,307 (2020 Census; no annual estimate for the CDP)
- Leash lawOn leash or securely confined at all times (unincorporated Jeffco; tickets from $50 per dog); Jeffco Open Space parks: leash 10 ft or less, $75 fine
- Dog licenseRequired for dogs 4 months and older through Foothills Animal Shelter; no-license fine $50
- Off-leash optionsNone in Evergreen; Beaver Ranch Park Bark Park in Conifer is the only sanctioned area in unincorporated Jeffco
- TransitOutside RTD's service area; no fixed-route transit (unconfirmed)
Dog-friendly hikes near Evergreen
- Alderfer/Three Sisters – Sisters and Ponderosa LoopEvergreenLeash required · 2.8 mi
- Bergen Peak via Elk Meadow ParkEvergreenLeash required · 9.4 mi
- Castle Trail to the Walker Home Ruins – Mount Falcon ParkEvergreenLeash required · 2.6 mi
- Bear Creek Trail – Lair o' the Bear ParkEvergreenLeash required · 3 mi
- Evergreen Lake TrailEvergreenLeash required · 1.5 mi
Evergreen dog questions
What changed at Elk Meadow, where you can still go, and what the altitude means for a visiting dog.
Is the Elk Meadow off-leash area open again?
No. Jefferson County Open Space closed the 107-acre off-leash area indefinitely on April 4, 2017, citing overuse, erosion and waste, and Elk Meadow is now a leash-only park with a 10-foot leash limit and $75 fine. The proposed replacement park near Fillius Park has not been confirmed open; check the park district's current page.
Where is the nearest legal off-leash dog park to Evergreen?
Beaver Ranch Park Bark Park at 11372 County Road 97 in Conifer. The Jefferson County Sheriff's animal control page identifies it as the only off-leash dog park in unincorporated Jefferson County. Everywhere else, including Evergreen Lake and the open space parks, is leash required.
Does altitude in Evergreen affect visiting dogs?
Evergreen sits at 7,162 feet and Bergen Peak tops 9,700 feet, so a dog coming up from the plains can tire faster and need more water than usual. Build up distance over a few outings, avoid midday heat and afternoon storms, and talk to your vet if your dog has heart or breathing issues.
Get free quotes from local pros
One short form; independent Colorado boarders, daycares, groomers and trainers reply directly.