Does your dog enjoy swimming? Here’s a roundup of the best places to take your dog swimming along the Front Range.

Indoor Pools for Dogs

The benefits of indoor dog swimming pools include clean water and year-round availability. In addition, these pools are convenient because they have ramps, which make it easy for dogs to get in and out of the water.

CRCG (Canine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Group)

Specialties: Animal rehabilitation services and Colorado’s first and largest indoor recreational dog swimming pool.

Recreational Swim Info: The Englewood location has a 26’ x 18’ pool. The Broomfield location has a 41’ x 21’ pool. Reserved 30-minute swims are available seven days a week.

First visit: The initial visit includes an orientation to give you an overview. Your dog will wear a canine life vest during the first swim session. The staff goes into the pool with your pup to teach your dog how to use the ramp out of the pool.

Water Quality: Their water management system filters, heats, and sanitizes the water through a circulation pump, a specially designed in-line electric heater, and a high-rate sand filter system.

Tip: You will get wet when your dog shakes. They provide towels, and you will need them. Bring dry clothes and shoes to change into for the drive home.

Locations:
Englewood Clinic
3760 South Lipan Street
Englewood, CO 80110
303-762-SWIM (7946)

Broomfield Clinic
8855 W. 116th Circle
Broomfield, CO 80021
303-762-SWIM (7946)

Website: https://dog-swim.com/

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Canine Fitness and Fun Center

Specialties: Dog boarding, daycare, pool

Recreational Swim Info: 25′ x 13′ pool. Dogs are only allowed in the pool area by appointment. Group or private swims are 30 minutes.

First visit: First-time swimmers will be fitted with a canine life vest and monitored with individual attention for their safety. 

Water Quality: The water is treated with a special low dose of chemicals to keep bacteria at bay.

Location:
5390 E Evans Ave
Denver, CO 80222
720-902-7298

Website: https://www.caninefitnessandfuncenter.com/

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The K9 Body Shop

Specialties: Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and recreational swimming for pets

Recreational Swim Info: 9′ x 17′ pool. Dogs can swim with the supervision of K9 Body Shop staff or with their owner. Clients are allowed in the pool with their dogs. The appointments are 30 minutes long, and they get the pool to themselves. There can be multiple dogs from the same family or friends, but there is a limit of 4 at a time. 

First visit: During the first visit, the staff ensures the owner and the dog are safe in getting in and out of the pool, shows them how to use the facility, toys, etc., and how to clean up and prep for the next person. They also give various options for playing with your dog in the water, whether you have an experienced swimmer or a new one who needs practice swimming.

Water Quality: There is a heater and filter system in the pool. The filter is primarily silver and copper anodes to kill bacteria and algae. They leave a very low chlorine level of just .5, which is needed to activate the anodes.

Location:
12500 W 58th Ave. #100
Arvada, CO 80002
720-447-7268

Website: https://thek9bodyshop.com/

k9cation

The new location in Longmont/Firestone has an indoor pool and the location in Hudson has an outdoor pool.

Recreational Swim Info: Both pools are 48′-50′, wih 40′ regulation docks, complimentary paddle boards, all sizes of doggie life vests, air retrieve/hydro rig, and wash off stations, and changing rooms.

Locations:
Brighton, Hudson
1644 CR 47, Hudson, CO 80642

Firestone, Longmont
10848 County Road 19, Fort Lupton, CO 80621

Website: https://www.k9cation.com/

Outdoor Swimming for Dogs

Over the years, it has become more challenging to find outdoor swimming holes. As the Denver metro area has grown, this expansion has led to overcrowding at State Parks. However, if you have the flexibility to visit during off-hours, your dog will have more room to play.

In addition, blue-green algae have become a concern in recent years and can be toxic for dogs. For this reason, it’s important to heed local warnings and, if in doubt, choose an indoor pool instead. A toxic algae page on the Colorado Environmental Health website reports current conditions. Water conditions change quickly, so when in doubt, stay out!

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Cherry Creek State Park

The off-leash area of Cherry Creek State Park is a 107-acre fenced field with water access. The park has done a fantastic job upgrading the infrastructure while maintaining the feeling of being in nature. The creek is a big hit with water-loving dogs, and sunsets can be spectacular.

Daily State Park Pass plus Dog off-leash pass required.

Tip: Give yourself enough time because the wait to get into the dog area parking lot can be long. Also, off-leash parks are more fun if your dog plays well with others. You will be sharing the area with lots of other happy pups!

Location:
Cherry Creek ​Dog Of​f Leash Area (DOLA)
S Entrance Rd, Aurora, CO 80015

Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/CherryCreek/Pages/DogOff-LeashArea.aspx

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Chatfield State Park Dog Park

Sixty-nine acres of fenced open space for your dogs to exercise, including two ponds and miles of paved and unpaved walking trails.

Daily State Park Pass plus dog off-leash pass required.

Be aware: There have been complaints about cacti being a problem. It’s Colorado, so that’s to be expected, but be mindful of where your dog runs.

Location:
Chatfield Dog Park
Littleton, CO 80125

Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/chatfield-state-park/chatfield-state-park-activities-and-trails

The Housewolf Pack, Erie

Seasonal outdoor swimming and dock diving. They are by appointment only. All bookings are private.

Website: https://www.thehousewolfpack.com/dock-diving

Skiptown Denver

They don’t have a pool but Skiptown’s off‑leash indoor and outdoor dog park includes a splash pad, along with turf, tunnels, shaded seating, and natural play elements. The bar area is strictly 21+ for humans, serving cocktails, beer, wine, and coffee, while your pup plays nearby.

Location: 3833 Steele Street #1332 (RiNo neighborhood)
Denver, CO 80205
Phone: 720-706-1163

Website: https://skiptown.io/our-services/dog-bar-and-dog-park/

Location: Erie on Hwy 52 between County Line Road and County Road 3

Website: https://www.thehousewolfpack.com/

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End-of-season public swimming pools

For one glorious weekend a year, some outdoor public pools welcome dogs for a swim before they’re drained for the season. So as summer winds down, check with your city pool to see if they’re hosting one of these splash-worthy events.

Doggie Dip, Arvada

While the exact dates for 2026 haven’t been announced yet, the event typically takes place in mid to late August. In previous years, sessions have been held at:

Secrest Recreation Center 
6820 W. 66th Ave.
Arvada, CO 80003

Dog-a-Pool-Ooza, Denver

The date for Dog-a-Pool-Ooza 2026 in Denver has not been officially announced. Historically, this event is held in mid to late August.

Locations: Berkeley and Cook Park Pools

Berkeley Park Pool
5105 W 46th Ave, Denver, CO 80212

Cook Park Pool
7100 Cherry Creek So. Dr., Denver 80224

Denver Parks and Rec Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denverparksrec/

Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day, Water World, Federal Heights

The dates for 2026 haven’t been announced yet, but the event typically takes place in early September.

Water World
8801 North Pecos Street
Federal Heights, CO 80260
Website: https://www.waterworldcolorado.com/event/bow-wow-beach-doggie-day-2025/

Doggie Splash and Pet Expo, Highlands Ranch

The dates for 2026 haven’t been announced yet, but the event typically takes place in early September.

Westridge Recreation Center
9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd
Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129

Website: https://hrcaonline.org/Events/Details/doggie-splash

Wag N’ Romp, Lone Tree

The dates for 2026 haven’t been announced yet, but the event typically takes place in early September.

Cook Creek Pool
8711 Lone Tree Pkwy
Lone Tree, CO 80124

Paws for a Dip, Thornton

The dates for 2026 haven’t been announced yet, but the event typically takes place in mid-August.

Thornton City Pool
2141 E 95th Ave
Thornton, CO 80229
Website: https://www.thorntonco.gov/community-culture/festivals-events/paws-dip

Dog Daze at the Bay in Broomfield has not been scheduled for 2026. In 2024, the event was canceled due to ongoing renovations at The Bay Aquatic Park, which are expected to continue until July 2025 . The Bay Aquatic Park will be opening to the public on Monday, July 7, but it’s uncertain whether the event will resume. For the most current information, check the City and County of Broomfield’s website

Doggie Plunge at Pirates Cove Water Park, Englewood event has been discontinued.

Doggy Dip at Deer Creek Pool at Deer Creek Pool in Littleton is not currently scheduled for 2026. It was previously hosted by the Foothills Park & Recreation District but appears to be discontinued.

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Coot Lake, Boulder

Coot Lake is a beautiful spot to fish, walk, or let your dog swim. The trail around the lake is about 1.2 miles long.

• Dogs are allowed to swim on the east and south shores only. Dogs are not allowed on the west side or in any of the wetland areas.
• Dogs are only permitted off-leash if registered as Voice and Sight Tag Program participants.
• Since this is low-altitude, check the website for green algae updates. https://coepht.colorado.gov/toxic-algae

Location:
6247 63rd St
Boulder, CO 80301

Website: https://bouldercolorado.gov/locations/coot-lake

Union Reservoir, Longmont

If you’re willing to drive north to Longmont (about an hour from Denver, depending on where you live), there’s a dog off-leash area on the south side of the Union Reservoir.

The Daily Vehicle Fee is $10. Daily Weekend Vehicle Fee is $15.

Location:
461 County Road 26
Longmont, CO 80504

Website: https://longmontcolorado.gov/union-reservoir-nature-area/activities-at-union/

Swimming at high-altitude lakes or creek

Dog swimming may be an option on high-country hikes but research your route beforehand. Respect leash laws and always clean up after your dog. This means packing out dog poop! Respect nature, and don’t let your pup trample alpine tundra and wildflowers. If birds or other wildlife are using the water, refrain from letting your dog take a dip. Check for toxic algae updates here: https://coepht.colorado.gov/toxic-algae

Would you love an adventure photoshoot with your dog at one of these locations? Head over to my contact page so we can start the process.

About Karen Hoglund Photography