Dog Parks, Trail, Regulations, & Safety Tips
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Recreation & Scenery Dog Parks & Trails
Boulder is dog heaven with plenty of places for you and your companions to have fun and get exercise. Look here for dog friendly parks and trails, along with information and safety tips.
Dog Safety Tips & Hazards
- Many animals in the Boulder area can pose a threat to your companion including Blacks Bears, Mountain Lions, Porcupines, Coyotes, Skunks, and Rattle Snakes. There are also Deer Ticks in the area.
- Prairie Dogs & Squirrels are cute, but potentially hazardous to your dog because they can carry the plague. For the same reason you should avoid being bitten by Prairie Dogs and Squirrels.
- Heat stroke is a very real hazard to our furry friends. Make sure to rest when your dog needs to and keep them well hydrated. Hikes near water are a great option in the summer. You'll likely find your companion will go nuts for a dunk in the cool water. See more below about hydration.
- Check yourself and your companions for ticks in the spring.
Notes for Active Dogs (and Humans)
- Diet is important for a healthy active animal. Don't take your companion out hungry, but don't overfeed just before activity either. Feeding your pet after a good hike or activity is usually a good idea. A high protein diet will be helpful, especially for young pets or those just getting used to a new level of activity.
- Hydration is critical for any trail animal (and human). Good hydration is consistent hydration. Also, though dogs are susceptible to water-borne illness, trying to get your pet not to take in a little water from a lake or stream is near impossible. A good idea is to bring water and maybe even a bowl for your companion and teach them to come to you for a drink. Staying well hydrated all the time is ideal with an increase in water consumption around activity. If you are thirsty you are already low on water.
- Dogs Get Scared & Stranded. While dogs are often more agile and capable on open terrain that we humans, they also occasionally get scared and will get stuck in a spot they are fearful to try to escape. They can even become paralyzed with fear near drop-offs and such even if you are there with them. In such situations, dogs can become stranded and sometimes need formal rescue.
- Altitude influences dogs the same way it does humans. They need acclimation and a chance to get used to higher altitudes also.
- Dealing with Wildlife. Your pet has a keener sense of smell and sensitivity to the environment than you do. Because of this, your companion can be an indicator of interesting wildlife that you otherwise might have missed. However, make sure your companions are under your control enough that they don't run off and chase the wildlife.
- Remember, your job is to provide your companion with direction and guidance. While dogs have a good sense of danger, it's pretty common for them to get themselves into trouble nonetheless. Also, park rangers and wildlife folks are very concerned about the impact of dogs on the wilderness. Keeping your pet on their best behavior helps keep the trails open to our furry friends.
Dog First Aid Products
The following online locations provide dog/pet first aid kits & products that you may wish to consider owning.
Pet Emergency First Aid: Dogs 
DVD information about first aid for dogs produced by Boulder-based Apogee Communications.
Canine First-Aid Kits - Online Ordering
Other Useful Dog Resources
Dog Management Designations Map PDF
Voice and Sight Dog Tag Program PDF
Find Boulder Colorado: Dog information, safety, friendly trails and dog parks