Dog walking in La Junta

La Junta

La Junta is a small, but active town, with lots of businesses and large residential suburbs. Dog walkers can enjoy plenty of places to walk Fido, like the Tippy Martinez Softball Field. The field has 12 acres of land, with a sidewalk that encircles the park, and paved paths that wind throughout it, with three different enclosed tennis and basketball courts, a fenced-in baseball field, open space, and a playground. Dogs are welcome in the park and the enclosed fields while on a leash, and can enjoy other amenities like water fountains, clean-up bags, benches, trash bins, and nighttime lights.

Las Animas Center

The neighborhood of Las Animas Center is 16 miles east of La Junta in the town of Las Animas. The small town gains so much tourism from dog lovers thanks to Nelson Park, a dog-friendly area made from a dirt and grassy terrain with shaded sitting areas and fenced-in football field. Pups must remain on a leash inside the area, but can run around in the football area, in the open spaces, or walk along the paved paths. Additional features include water fountains, trash bins, and benches. If you plan on staying in the neighborhood, you and Fido can sleep at the Americas Best Value Inn in Las Animas. The hotel is dog-friendly and allows pets up to 10 pounds for a fee.

Fayette

The neighborhood of Fayette is a suburban neighborhood with rows of residential homes in the town of Rocky Ford, 11 miles from La Junta. La Junta residents visit here thanks to Babcock Park. The park is a large one that sits along the Catlin Canal with open fields surrounding the park. There is a paved path that loops the area, with over 1.8 miles of walkable paths and access to the canal for fishing and boating. Other areas include open spaces, enclosed ballfields, and a picnic area for visitors. Leashed pups can also enjoy water fountains, benches, and nighttime lights, trash bins, and restrooms.

North Las Animas

North Las Animas is a rural neighborhood, with few residential homes and activity that is 19 miles from La Junta in Las Animas. The John Martin Reservoir State Park draws in most of the town's visitors, with over 26 square miles of land that surrounds the reservoir, offering multiple outdoor activities like camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and horseriding. The best part of the state park is that dogs are allowed, and are not required to be on a leash. Both of you have access to additional amenities like water fountains, open spaces, paved walkways, trash bins, and benches.

Cheraw

Cheraw is a small, but outdoor-active town with lots of hiking and camping routes, and sits 12 miles northwest of La Junta. The area is home to the Rocky Ford SWA, a state park that encompasses most of the eastern woods along the Arkansas River. There are over 5.2 miles of paved and asphalt trails, with benches and trash bins in the parking area. You and your pup can also head to Ryan's Pond, a place known for great fishing, swimming, and has 1.4 miles of trails that loop around the pond. Dogs must remain on a leash inside both areas, and don't forget to bring clean-up bags and water!