Dog-Friendly Hikes near Lakewood, CO
Lakewood is leash-only on every trail, with one city dog park for 157,000 people, so the foothills parks on its western edge are where dogs get their miles.
The City of Lakewood requires dogs on leash on all trails and in all parks except the Forsberg Iron Spring dog park. That covers the Green Mountain Loop at William F. Hayden Park, the west metro's default 6.6-mile dog workout, and Bear Creek Lake Park, which charges a vehicle entrance fee and keeps dogs out of the swim beach while leaving Bear Creek open for wading. Across Rooney Road, Red Rocks is Denver Mountain Parks: a six-foot leash, pets welcome in the amphitheatre during non-event hours, and the Trading Post Trail loop through the monoliths.
Green Mountain's lots at Florida, Alameda, Utah and Rooney fill on weekend mornings but turn over. Bear Creek Lake Park backs up at the entrance station on summer weekends. The Trading Post lot is shared with the amphitheatre; on concert days the park changes character by mid-afternoon.
Jefferson County prohibits dogs on the Mt. Morrison Trail across the road from Red Rocks. Green Mountain is one of the first foothills trails to dry out in winter and one of the harshest on a July afternoon: no shade, no water, and rattlesnakes in the tall grass from May to September.
- Green Mountain Loop – William F. Hayden ParkLakewoodLeash required · 6.6 mi
- Mount Carbon Loop – Bear Creek Lake ParkLakewoodLeash required · 6.6 mi
- Trading Post Trail – Red Rocks ParkLakewoodLeash required; no dogs on the Mount Morrison Trail · 1.7 mi
Leash rules come from each land manager's published regulations on the date shown on the trail page. Rules change seasonally; check before you go.
Hiking with dogs near Lakewood: FAQ
Where can dogs go off leash in Lakewood?
Only at the designated dog park at Forsberg Iron Spring Park on West Alameda Parkway. Every other Lakewood park and trail, including Green Mountain and Bear Creek Lake Park, is leash-restricted, and the city's ordinance treats a dog dragging its own leash as a violation.
Are dogs allowed at Red Rocks?
Yes, on a leash, in the park and the amphitheatre during non-event hours. Denver Mountain Parks rules apply, so the leash is six feet or less and you must clean up. Dogs are prohibited on the Mt. Morrison Trail, which Jefferson County manages from the Matthews/Winters side of the road.
Does Green Mountain have water for dogs?
No. There is no water and almost no shade on the Green Mountain Trail loop, so carry everything the dog will drink. In summer the mountain's south-facing grass heats up quickly, so go at dawn. For creek access nearby, Bear Creek Lake Park's trails follow Bear Creek and Turkey Creek.