The equation for a perfect summer day is simple for pups: a sandy pet-friendly beach, water for a refreshing swim, shade, and snaccs. Whether your dog is a beach bum or a bone-a-fide star swimmer, the joy of a refreshing dip in the scorching heat is unmatchable. Plus, swimming is a fun, joint-friendly exercise that keeps your doggo happy and healthy. We sniffed out some options for dog-friendly swimming holes near Denver.
Getting Ready for a Swim
Before heading out for a glorious swim, make sure you pack all of the essentials to make it a pleasant trip for you and pup. We know you don’t leave the house without water, poop bags, toys, and treatos. For a special swimming adventure in the heat, we recommend packing an umbrella (because Denver isn’t exactly known for our shade trees), dog sunscreen, towels, and a life jacket.
Denver Swimming Holes
Sniff out these Denver dog swimming spots for a splish-splashin’ good time.
Union Reservoir
Wanna work on your synchronized swim routine with your best fren? Head to Union Reservoir in Longmont, which features a gorgeous sandy coastline with trees and mountain views. Dogs can freely roam off-leash and swim in designated areas on the south side of the reservoir. Entrance fees are $10 per car on weekdays and $12 on weekends. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are also available.
Chatfield State Park
A pooch paradise, Chatfield State Park boasts 70 incredible acres of fully-fenced open space, natural grass, gravel paths, sandy areas, and two swimming ponds in their dog park. Dogs are also allowed in boats! Pup yeah. Entrance fees are required for both the park and the dog park. It’s $10 for a daily vehicle pass (plus $3 for the dog park) or $80 for an annual pass (plus $25 for annual dog park pass). Daily self-service pay stations for the off-leash area passes are available at the Owl Glenn and Steven’s Grove parking areas. Pawlease limit dogs to 3 per hooman, and make sure you have a leash and waste bag on you at all times.
Cherry Creek State Park
Home to almost 110 acres, Cherry Creek State Park is canine bliss. With a swimming creek, open fields, and trails, this Aurora park is the popular kid of dog parks, so try to get there early or be puppared to wait. A State Park pass or daily fee is required. Please note, stream stabilization is occurring at the 12-mile off-leash area. Check the Cherry Creek Park Phase 3 Work Notice site for construction and park access pupdates.
Westminster Hills
Looking for a park worthy of your MVP (Most Valuable Pup)? Check out the 420 acres of Westminster Hills. Offering scenic mountain views, plenty of shade, benches, and a swimming pond, this park is a perfect spot for a picnic and getaway. Westminster Hills is free, so it’s also a great option for dog pawrents on a budget.
Bonus: Indoor Denver Dog Pools
Is pupper more of an indoorsy guy? We don’t blame him. Here are some indoor Denver dog pools.
K9 Body Shop
Looking for relaxation and rehabilitation? K9 Body Shop in Arvada offers recreational swimming in their indoor pool, physical therapy services, water therapy, and water treadmills. Trained, certified canine physical therapists work with dogs to improve their quality of life and support pooches with arthritis, chronic pain, and muscle weakness. Recreational swims are $50 for an initial swim with staff, then $16 going furward for swims with pup’s hoomans.
Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group
With locations in Englewood and Broomfield, there’s no way your doggo won’t make new frens while splashing in one of Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group’s dog-friendly indoor pup pools. After an initial orientation visit, open and reserved recreation swimmies are available in 30-minute increments for $45. Only one dog parent at a time is allowed. They have life vests for pup, too! Pawlease call ahead to confirm availability.
We hope that you and your doggy paddler have a blast bonding during swim time. What are pup’s fave swimming holes near Denver? Comment below or let us know in our Dog-Friendly Denver Facebook Group.
Featured photo: Anthony Duran
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Denver Facebook Group.
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