Our four-legged pals are some of our best friends and closest companions. We take them on walks and hikes and occasionally let them join us for coffee, drinks, or a weekend of camping. But not everywhere we go is deemed dog friendly.
As the warm weather soon turns to fall, we put together a list of fun places in and around Cherry Creek to take our furry friends. Don’t forget to pack extra water and doggie bags to pick up pet waste.
Please keep in mind that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, unless in a designated off-leash area, according to the city of Denver.
Hiking
Like us, our dogs need exercise too. While neighborhood walks are fine, most Coloradans love adventure. A great way to combine spending time with your dog, hitting that 10,000-step goal, and finding adventure is exploring nearby trails.
First on our list are the Cherry Creek Park and Cherry Creek Trail. Running along Cherry Creek and the backside of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, this trail spans from Denver to south of Parker. If you and your four-legged friend want a short but pretty walk, we suggest starting at the park behind the shopping center and making your way toward Colorado Boulevard. Along the roughly 1-mile walk (2 miles round trip), you’ll come across a beautiful creek, Pulaski Park and the City of Brest Park at the end.
Another great park worth visiting is Cheesman Park. The 1.5-mile inner loop or 2-mile outer loop is a popular option for trail running, walking, biking, and of course, walking your dog. The beautifully landscaped park also boasts large trees perfect for sitting in the shade.
Another hiking suggestion is visiting the Cherry Creek State Park. This roughly 20-minute drive from the Cherry Creek area is well worth it for you and Fido. The state park features a 107-acre off-leash area with water access for canines to enjoy. A vehicle day pass will run you $11.
Dog-friendly patios
If lunch or drinks on the patio are more your speed, be sure to visit Watering Bowl. Staking claim as Denver’s best “pawtio,” this dog-friendly patio is attached to a bar serving up a variety of drinks, including Rescue Brews named after popular dog breeds like Labrador Lager and Great Dane IPA. All well-behaved dogs are welcome to hang with their owners here and meet new friends. In the warmer months, Watering Bowl typically has kiddie pools for dogs to cool off in too.
Another dog-friendly patio option is the Cherry Creek Beer Garden attached to the Moxy hotel. Located at 240 Josephine St., this patio offers craft beer, sharable plates, a variety of seating options and games. This local hot spot tends to get busy on the weekends, so we suggest arriving early to find a shaded spot for your dog.
Other dog approved options include patios at Cherry Cricket and Chopper’s Sports Grill. With plenty of shade covering, Cherry Cricket or Chopper’s Sports Grill’s patios are great options for hot days.
Places to stay
Weekend staycations are a great way to mix up the week for both you and your dog, and if you really want to elevate your local dog dates game, consider booking a room at a pet-friendly hotel. The Moxy hotel allows one dog per room up to 60 pounds, according to its website, with a $100 non-refundable fee. Another Cherry Creek hotel, Halcyon, will host you and your four-legged pal for an additional $75 amenity fee.
