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
- Outdoor Swimming for Dogs
- Cherry Creek State Park off-leash area
- Chatfield State Park Dog Park
- End-of-season public swimming pools
- Doggie Dip, Arvada
- Dog Daze at the Bay, Broomfield
- Wag N’ Romp, Lone Tree
- Paws for a Dip, Thornton
- Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day, Water World, Federal Heights
- Doggie Plunge at Pirates Cove Water Park, Englewood
- Union Reservoir in Longmont
- Swimming at high-altitude lakes or creek
Indoor Pools for Dogs
The benefits of indoor dog swimming pools include clean water and year-round availability. In addition, pools are convenient because they have ramps so dogs can easily get in and out of the water.
CRCG (Canine Rehabilitation & 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/
Canine Fitness & 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 20 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/
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 to learn.
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/
Outdoor Swimming for Dogs
Over the years, it has become more challenging to find outdoor swimming holes. As the Denver metro area has grown, it’s led to over-crowding at State Parks. If you have the flexibility to visit during off-hours, your dog will have more room to play.
Blue-green algae have also been a factor in recent years and can be toxic for dogs. 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!
Cherry Creek State Park off-leash area
The off-leash area of Cherry Creek State Park is a 107-acre fenced field that has water access. They have 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 waits can be long to get into the dog area parking lot. 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 Off Leash Area (DOLA)
S Entrance Rd, Aurora, CO 80015
Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/CherryCreek/Pages/DogOff-LeashArea.aspx
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/placestogo/parks/Chatfield/Pages/DogOff-LeashArea.aspx
End-of-season public swimming pools
For one glorious weekend a year, some outdoor public pools offer dog swimming before they drain them for the season. Check with your city pool towards the end of summer to get the scoop.
Doggie Dip, Arvada
2024 dates to come
Secrest Recreation Center
6820 W. 66th Ave.
Arvada, CO 80003
Dog Daze at the Bay, Broomfield
The Bay Aquatic Park
250 Spader Way
Broomfield, CO 80020
Website: https://www.broomfield.org/608/Dog-Daze-at-the-Bay
Wag N’ Romp, Lone Tree
2024 dates to come
Cook Creek Pool
8711 Lone Tree Pkwy
Lone Tree, CO 80124
Website: https://cityoflonetree.com/cityevents/wagnromp/
Paws for a Dip, Thornton
2024 dates to come
Thornton City Pool
2141 E 95th Ave
Thornton, CO 80229
Website: https://www.thorntonco.gov/festivals-events/Pages/paws-dip.aspx
Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day, Water World, Federal Heights
Water World
8801 North Pecos Street
Federal Heights, CO 80260
Website: https://www.waterworldcolorado.com/event/bow-wow-beach-doggie-day/
Doggie Plunge at Pirates Cove Water Park, Englewood
Sadly, this event has been discontinued.
Union Reservoir in 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.
Location:
461 County Road 26
Longmont, CO 80504
Website: https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/4/51
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.
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 the photographer: Karen Hoglund is a professional pet photographer based in Denver, CO. She specializes in dog and cat portraits that are works of art for your home. Each photoshoot is created uniquely around your pet’s needs so they’ll feel at ease. For more information, please call 720-238-3337, visit Karen’s portfolio, and follow Karen on Facebook or Instagram.
