places to run dogs off leash?

[kpp80202]

I have a couple slightly psycho dogs that I like to take up to the mountains and let them run off leash. I have been going to a few spots north of the shooting spots near Buffalo Creek and west of Bailey away from people and other dogs, but those are about 45-55 minutes from where I live in Littleton. Anyone know of any national forest access (or other public land access) a but closer to Denver where dogs can run free? I have seen a couple roads off 285 between Pine Jct and Bailey that could be promising, but it seems like most areas are fenced off. Thanks!

[mx'r]

285 to Kennedy Gulch road in Conifer. head downhill for a few minutes and there is a really nice dog park there. Keep going downhill for a few more minutes and there is plenty of National Forest there. Reynolds Park is down there as well and has a few thousand acres with nice trails. Be aware, it's hunting season though. Hunters do NOT like dogs chasing deer/elk around. I live up here and it only takes me 25 minutes to hit town.

[Marlin]

Does it have to be in the mountians?

There is one on Bowles Just past Platte Canyon.. Never seen it that busy when I go past.. 1-6 dogs at the most..

There is one at Chatfield also, Been awhile, I think it's just before the rec area. It's fairly big.

There is one up here about 112th and Wadsworth that is huge.

ETA; THere is one in Golden also, That is decent sized also..

[kpp80202]

Thanks. The forest access sounds perfect.

It's a no-go on any dog parks; they aren't good with strangers or other dogs.

[rockhound]

I do not believe that being on National forest land will exempt you from the county leash laws. t he forest is inside the county line then it is under the sheriff's jurisdiction

one possibility of a fine you could incur:

Permitting a dog to run at large is a violation of Park County Resolution 95-11-8

Permitting a dog to chase wildlife or livestock is a violation of the law and carries a penalty of up to $500 with a mandatory 10-day quarantine.

[mx'r]

Reynolds Park is in Jeffco I believe. How do bird hunters get by without a ticket if the law applies in the wild?

[kpp80202]

Looks like I'll need to look up the jurisdictional extent of county law on national property.

Also, the dogs don't chase any wildlife--they just run around and sniff everything in sight.

[rockhound]

MXR,

Jeffco also has the same leash laws for the most part. If your dog is off the leash and they attack another person, livestock, wildlife you can be held accountable.

you are responsible for your dogs actions it really doesn't matter where you are.

In AZ the dog can be legally shot for chasing livestock.

I am all for the dogs having a place to run loose, but just because you are on a forest trail doesn't mean you can do it legally.

[mx'r]

Ok, I think I understand. It's legal to let them run in the wild, but If something bad happens as a result it's a ticket? That's the way it should be. Dog owners should help accountable regardless the area IMO. I have two labs and the only workout they get are in kansas chasing birds[Tooth].

[rockhound]

I don't believe its legal for them to run wild, otherwise the ticket could not be handed out. let the dog run if you must, but you are not necessarily correct in doing so.

the county leash laws apply, i believe to all the lands inside the county limit.

the county has jurisdiction over other laws also, for instance we went camping in the San Isabel forest a few weeks ago. forest service had no burn restrictions, but the county did, even though we were on forest service land we were bound to the county burn restrictions.

[ChunkyMonkey]

I used to think this is a good idea until I almost had to drive 1 1/2 hour back home with a skunked dog in the car. We ended up go to the nearest motel and sneaked the poor dog in to wash her -- because wet skunked dog was somehow a better idea at one point. [Rant2]

[hollohas]

Reynolds Park is in Jeffco I believe. How do bird hunters get by without a ticket if the law applies in the wild?

Hunting is an exception...

[Deckert]

If your dogs don't take kindly to strangers or other dogs than maybe they shouldn't be off the lead at all.

Came real close to shooting some clown's unleashed dog who attacked my dog (on the lead) in the Green Mountain open space a few years back. Had my revolver out and was ready to pop him when one of my kick's slammed him in the head and broke it off.

By your own description, these don't sound like dogs that ought to let run free anywhere.

[rockhound]

If your dogs don't take kindly to strangers or other dogs than maybe they shouldn't be off the lead at all.

Came real close to shooting some clown's unleashed dog who attacked my dog (on the lead) in the Green Mountain open space a few years back. Had my revolver out and was ready to pop him when one of my kick's slammed him in the head and broke it off.

By your own description, these don't sound like dogs that ought to let run free anywhere.


agreed, i am always packin heat when i am hiking, unfriendly dogs off leash around the kiddos could mean one dead dog.

[BigBear]

Rgr, I even carry in an enclosed dog park. The pack mentality is easily carried among several dogs if a fight breaks out.