Denver is home to numerous dog-friendly destinations and activities. From breweries to events, here’s where your furbaby can tag along in the Mile High City!

Dog-friendly parks in Denver

In addition to a dozen off-leash dog parks, Denver boasts hundreds of canine-friendly urban parks. Here are just a few of the green spaces where you can bring your pooch for a leashed outing. 

Confluence Park

As the name implies, Confluence Park lies at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River. You and your pup can enjoy views of downtown and watch kayakers braving the rapids while exploring this beautiful 4-acre park. If your furkiddo is well-behaved, you can hop on the Denver Trolley for a scenic ride along the South Platte River Greenway.

Cheesman Park

Cheesman Park was the city’s first cemetery, and it is believed that there are still 2,000 bodies buried here. That hasn’t stopped people and their dogs from frequenting it though. The tree-lined walking path and open grassy grounds are perfect for leashed strolls. Be sure to stop by the pavilion for a puptacular view of the Front Range!

Sloan’s Lake Park

Sloan’s Lake Park is Denver’s second largest park and home to its biggest lake. A 2.6-mile trail encircles the lake, making this 177-acre park a favorite among walkers, joggers, cyclists, and dogs. After getting a nice workout with your mutt, grab a drink on Joyride Brewing Company’s dog-friendly patio, which is just a bone’s throw from the northwest parking lot.

Dog-friendly breweries in Denver

Denver’s bustling craft beer scene is something that can’t be missed. Fortunately, many of the city’s 150 breweries welcome canine patrons!

River North Brewery

River North Brewery’s Washington Street location offers 16 beers on tap ranging from barrel-aged beers to IPAs. Food trucks are present on certain days, and you’re free to bring your own food or order from nearby restaurants as well. The best part is, dogs are allowed both in the taproom and on the patio!

Alpine Dog Brewing Company

Alpine Dog Brewing Company recently moved to a new location in Uptown, and four-legged customers are welcome on the patio. In addition to a lineup of staple and rotating beers on tap, they also have a few non-alcoholic drinks like kombucha, coffee, and seltzer.

Lowdown Brewery + Kitchen

Owned by award-winning brewers, Lowdown offers not just a selection of quality beer but also a food menu comprising pizza, sandwiches, and more. Enjoy your food and beer with your pup by your side on their spacious and shaded patio.

Where to take pics of your dog in Denver

Got a pup who loves having their picture taken? Don’t miss these furrific locations around the Mile High City for your next photo shoot!  

Colorado State Capitol

The granite steps leading to the main entrance of the Capitol are a popular photography spot—it’s here that you can say you’re officially standing at 5,280 feet above sea level. There are actually three different mile high markers due to disputes over the exact measurement, but it’s a great excuse to take more pictures of your pooch! 

Larimer Square

With its heritage architecture and streetscape, Larimer Square is easily one of the most picturesque areas of Downtown Denver. From the string lights and Colorado flags overhead to the charming shops lining both sides of the street, there are many places to pose your pup in the city’s first designated historic district. And if your furbaby needs to freshen up before their close-up, pop into Dog Savvy for a grooming session. 

River North Art District 

For more street art, mosey on over to RiNo. As you and Fido walk through this vibrant area, you’ll come across vivid murals in the alleys and on the revamped industrial buildings. There’s a lot, so make sure your phone is fully charged. It’s also a good idea to check out this mural map beforehand so you can plan your route.

Union Station 

More than a transportation hub, Denver Union Station is a destination in and of itself. The Beaux-Arts architecture provides plenty of opportunity for Insta-worthy shots, both inside and outside the station. One favorite spot is in front of Terminal Bar in the Great Hall, where four-legged visitors are welcome.

“Love This City” Mural

There are a few “Love This City” murals scattered across town, but this one located at the junction of North Broadway, Arapahoe Street, and Park Avenue West has become the most iconic. With “DENVER” emblazoned in big, bold letters across a polygonal heart, this colorful mural makes a puptastic backdrop for photos. 

Big Blue Bear

Inspired by creator Lawrence Argent's own experience, it's hard to miss this mile-high, blue Denver icon peering into the Colorado Convention Center. Drop by Fourteenth Street between California and Stout to give your pooch a chance to take on their biggest nemesis yet! In pics, anyway!

Dog-friendly event in Denver

Furry Scurry

Mark your calendars for the 30th annual Furry Scurry! The Dumb Friends League’s signature fundraiser, this fun-filled festival includes a two-mile walk, flealess market, and exciting contests and activities. All registrants of the walk will receive cool swag, including an exclusive cooling bandana for canine participants! Your registration fee, as well as any additional funds you raise, will help provide essential care and services for the homeless pets and horses at the League. 

The Furry Scurry is happening on May 6, 2023, 9 AM at Washington Park. Can’t join in person? No problem! You and your canine or feline friend can walk from home or any location you choose between now and May 24. Whether you’re scurrying in person or remotely, be sure to register early for the best prices! 

Animal shelter spotlight in Denver

MaxFund Animal Adoption Center

MaxFund is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter that was established in 1988 to provide medical care for injured, abused, and abandoned animals. When people encounter stray animals in need, they often hesitate to bring them to the vet for fear of having to pay large bills. This is where MaxFund steps in—they take in and nurture these critters until they can find a loving forever home. 

MaxFund also runs a veterinary clinic that offers low-cost services to animals with families; these include vaccinations, spay and neuter, and other outpatient surgeries. To keep up with the latest news and to see the dogs and cats available for adoption, follow MaxFund on Instagram or Facebook!

The most popular dog names of 2023 in Colorado

Guest Author: Amber Spencer-Knowles – Stacker Media

You've done everything on your checklist. Got pet insurance and found a great, affordable veterinarian. Didn't forget to puppy-proof the house and scanned high and low for the best quality dog food. Just one thing's missing: What will you name your new furry family member?

In the past century, man's best friend has had various popular names. Spike, Fido, and Buddy are classic names. But what if you're looking for something more unique? Or, you want to give them a classic name, like Charlie? Whatever you choose to call your puppy pal, you want to make sure it's just right.

What's in a name, you might ask? Sometimes, what you see is what you get. Other times, it's quite the complete opposite. According to the PetHelpful, the ideal dog name should be kept to one to two syllables. Why? You'll get your puppy's attention faster. Another helpful tip: give your furry friend a name you won't get tired of repeating.

Wag! ranked the 50 most popular dog names in Colorado based on its users' data. Find your next pup's name below, or see if your canine companion's name made the cut.

#50. Ruby
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.26%
- National rank: #48

#49. Blue
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.29%
- National rank: #40

#48. Rosie
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.29%
- National rank: #42

#47. Roxy
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.29%
- National rank: #38

#46. Zeus
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.31%
- National rank: #34

#45. Scout
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.33%
- National rank: #59

#44. Loki
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.35%
- National rank: #55

#43. Gus
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.38%
- National rank: #73

#42. Chloe
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.39%
- National rank: #22

#41. Kona
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.41%
- National rank: #76

#40. Harley
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.43%
- National rank: #31

#39. Toby
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.43%
- National rank: #24

#38. Aspen
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.46%
- National rank: Not ranked in the top 100

#37. Coco
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.50%
- National rank: #7

#36. Bentley
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.50%
- National rank: #26

#35. Jax
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.52%
- National rank: #37

#34. Murphy
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.55%
- National rank: #57

#33. Winston
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.57%
- National rank: #46

#32. Finn
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.59%
- National rank: #56

#31. Ollie
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.60%
- National rank: #45

#30. Ellie
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.62%
- National rank: #49

#29. Maggie
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.64%
- National rank: #30

#28. Lily
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.69%
- National rank: #28

#27. Penny
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.70%
- National rank: #27

#26. Riley
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.71%
- National rank: #32

#25. Oliver
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.71%
- National rank: #25

#24. Zoey
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.72%
- National rank: #29

#23. Tucker
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.74%
- National rank: #36

#22. Jack
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.75%
- National rank: #19

#20. Leo (tie)
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.75%
- National rank: #21

#20. Duke (tie)
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.75%
- National rank: #20

#19. Moose
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.76%
- National rank: #61

#18. Molly
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.84%
- National rank: #15

#17. Koda
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 1.93%
- National rank: #44

#16. Nala
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 2.03%
- National rank: #18

#15. Milo
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 2.15%
- National rank: #11

#14. Sadie
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 2.18%
- National rank: #16

#13. Rocky
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 2.22%
- National rank: #13

#12. Buddy
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 2.29%
- National rank: #9

#11. Stella
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 2.32%
- National rank: #17

#10. Lola
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 2.52%
- National rank: #10

#9. Bear
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 2.55%
- National rank: #14

#8. Bailey
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 2.61%
- National rank: #8

#7. Cooper
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 2.65%
- National rank: #12

#6. Daisy
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 2.97%
- National rank: #6

#5. Max
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 3.38%
- National rank: #3

#4. Lucy
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 3.50%
- National rank: #5

#3. Charlie
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 3.86%
- National rank: #4

#2. Bella
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 4.82%
- National rank: #1

#1. Luna
- Share of Colorado's top 50 names: 5.20%
- National rank: #2

Want to see other state's rankings? Check out the top 10 in each of the 50 states.