Chatfield Dog Off-Leash Area

Chatfield's dog park is the Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA): 69 completely fenced acres at the north end of Chatfield State Park, with two ponds, miles of paved and unpaved walking trails, two parking lots and restrooms. Every handler needs a dog off-leash pass, $3 for the day or $25 for a year, on top of the regular park pass for the car. One pass covers one handler and up to three dogs, and dogs must be under voice control the whole time they're off leash.

What You Need to Get In

• A park pass for your vehicle. The off-leash pass does not cover park entry (Hours & Fees).
• A dog off-leash pass, worn where it can be seen. Colorado Parks and Wildlife requires the pass to be visibly displayed on the dog handler at all times inside the area.
• A leash in your hand, even off leash. You must carry one.
• One waste bag per dog. Owners must pick up and dispose of waste in the off-leash area and everywhere else in the park.

Off-Leash Pass Prices

• Daily pass, $3: one handler and up to three dogs for one day.
• Annual pass, $25: one handler from a household and up to three dogs, good for 12 months from purchase.
• Replacement for a lost pass, $5.

Where to Buy a Pass

Daily and annual passes are sold at the park's Visitor Center, at the park entrance station and at the self-service station. Annual passes can also be bought online through cpwshop.com. Park entrance passes are a separate fee.

The Rules Inside the Fence

1. No more than three dogs per handler.
2. Dogs must be under voice control whenever they are off leash.
3. Leash up from the gate to your car, both arriving and leaving. The off-leash rule stops at the fence.
4. Clean up after every dog.

Leashed Dogs in the Rest of the Park

Outside the fence, leashed dogs are welcome almost everywhere in Chatfield, including the trail network and the campground (six-foot leash in camp). The exception is the swim beach: dogs aren't allowed there, leashed or not.

Sport Dog Training Areas

Chatfield also has an Upland Sport Dog Training Area and a Flat Water Sport Dog Training Area. These are separate from the off-leash area and need a special activity agreement permit. Ask the park headquarters at 303-791-7275 or chatfield.park@state.co.us.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: big, high-energy dogs that need room to run, water dogs that like a pond, and owners who want a long loop walk instead of a small city dog run.

Maybe skip if: your dog doesn't come back reliably when called. Voice control is required, and 69 acres is a lot of ground to chase in. A leashed walk on the paved Chatfield Dam Trail is the easier option.