El Chorro Regional Dog Park is the first fully fenced off-leash dog park in San Luis Obispo County. It features a large 1.3 acre park as well as a separate ¼ acre park specifically designed for small dogs. Larger dogs who have trouble with socialization may use this area if it is empty. Dogs of any size are welcome to use the larger park, although owners of those that are very old, young, or shy may wish to come at quieter times.
Both play areas feature wood chip
surfacing and splash tubs for hot pups. Owners can enjoy shaded
benches and picnic tables and a fully handicap accessible rest room
adjacent to the park. There are also convenient stations available
with bags for dog waste.
El Chorro Regional Dog Park was founded
and maintained by SLO-4-PUPs, one of the project committees under the
jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo Open Space and Trails (SLOPOST).
Volunteers from SLO-4-PUPs are solely responsible for the building
and maintenance of the dog park.
The dog park does not charge its own
fee, although El Chorro Regional Park requests a $3 entry fee on
weekends and holidays from April through September. Annual permits
are available for $30 each. All dogs are welcome provided that they
are licensed, non-aggressive, and not in heat. Owners must remain
with their dogs at all times and clean up after them thoroughly.
Children are welcome in the park but
are advised not to run, as they may be hurt or frightened by a dog
who decides to playfully give chase. The park also invites visitors
to bring snacks for humans or dogs, provided that they do not feed
other visitors' dogs without owner permission.
The park is easily accessible from
Highway 1 near Cuesta College. It is located inside of El Chorro
Regional Park past the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, where there
are designated spaces for dogs visiting the dog park. Many visitors
enjoy taking the time to enjoy the broader park's other attractions
including its hiking trails, where dogs are welcome on-leash.