Cherry Creek State Park Dog Off-Leash Area
Cherry Creek State Park sets aside more than 100 acres in its 12 Mile area for off-leash exercise. It is a large, natural-feeling option southeast of Denver—but it is not completely fenced, and the creek edge has no fence, so reliable voice control matters here.
Choose the north or south access point
Colorado Parks and Wildlife lists two approaches: the south entrance at Parker and Orchard roads, or the north access at 12 Mile North. The park warns that peak-hour waits are common, especially on weekends and holidays. Check current closures before leaving and follow signs to a designated entrance.
Current park conditions and access ↗ · Official park map and brochure ↗
Bring both required passes
A valid dog off-leash daily or annual pass is required in addition to the applicable park-entry pass. The off-leash pass must be visibly displayed on the handler. As verified November 4, 2026, CPW lists the dog-area pass at $3 daily or $25 annually; one handler may bring up to three dogs. Vehicle entry and the required Cherry Creek Water Basin fee are separate, so confirm current totals on the official park page before your visit.
Use voice control, not the fence, as your safeguard
Keep every dog within visual distance and under voice control. Carry one leash and one waste bag for each dog, collect waste, and use only designated access points. Outside the off-leash boundaries, dogs must be leashed. CPW specifically cautions that the area is not fully enclosed and has no creek-side fence.
Address and outing plan
The official park address is 4201 South Parker Road, Aurora, CO 80014. The dog area sits within a busy state park rather than a neighborhood enclosure, so allow extra time for the entrance station, parking and the walk from your chosen access point.
Get directions ↗ · Official dog-area details ↗
Pack for a wide-open off-leash outing
- Bring one leash and one waste bag for every dog, plus extra cleanup bags.
- Carry fresh drinking water; do not treat creek water as a drinking supply.
- Keep the displayed dog-area pass with the handler and the park-entry proof where required.
- Use a long-line or choose a fully fenced park if your dog does not have reliable recall.
- Check closures, posted rules and current fees on the official CPW page before driving.
Make the big run part of a Denver adventure.
Save the destination, pack the right gear and build an outing around your dog's recall and energy.
Plan with PawStreak ↗Compare Denver dog parks → · Explore Denver dog walks → · Back to the Denver guide →