Ralston Creek Trail

Dog-friendly hike near Arvada · Ralston Central Park, 9000 W 64th Ave (Garrison St), Arvada

Illustration of Front Range foothills trail

Illustration of the region, not this trail.

Dogs on this trail

Arvada City Code Sec. 14-53 prohibits dogs off leash on any street or public place including parks, trails and open space; leashed dogs are welcome in Ralston Central Park but not on the splash pad.

Source: City of Arvada Parks · checked 2026-10-24. Rules change; confirm before you go.

  • Distance12 mi
  • Elevation gain723 ft
  • Leash ruleLeash required
  • Water on trailRalston Creek along the route
  • SeasonYear-round; paved and plowed
  • ParkingFree lot at Ralston Central Park and at several parks along the route
  • FeeFree
  • RestroomsRestrooms at Ralston Central Park (seasonal)
  • Managed byCity of Arvada Parks

Arvada's longest trail follows Ralston Creek about 12 miles from the city's east side up past Tucker Lake to the Blunn Reservoir overlook, linking a string of neighborhood parks and open spaces. The creek is the point for dogs: shallow access in many places, cottonwood shade on the lower half, and quiet suburban stretches between parks. The west end adds hills and views. Arvada is leash-only on all trails and parks (the West Arvada Dog Park is the off-leash exception). A practical everyday trail for city dogs; start at Ralston Central Park and pick a distance.

Heading out of town?

Find boarding, daycare and groomers across Colorado.

Dog boarding by city

After the hike

Odyssey Beerwerks

5535 W 56th Ave #107, Arvada, CO 80002

The brewery describes itself as dog-friendly and says dogs are welcome; a regional magazine reports leashed dogs are allowed indoors and on the patio.

  • indoor ok
  • patio

Arvada · verified 2026-10-24

Denver Beer Co. – Olde Town Arvada

5768 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002

Denver Beer Co. says dogs are welcome on the patio, always; this location has a heated patio.

  • patio

Arvada · verified 2026-10-24

More trails near Arvada

All dog-friendly hikes near Arvada → · Arvada dog guide