Colorado dogs live the ultimate dream life. From conquering mountain peaks to splashing in crystal-clear lakes, these adventurous pups get to experience the state’s natural beauty like no other. But sometimes all they really want is to head to a local dog park and romp around with the other pups, chasing squirrels and “writing letters”.

With this in mind, let’s explore the 7 most paw-some dog parks in the Denver metro area!

Boulder: Valmont Dog Park

Don’t have a green tag? No worries! Boulder’s Valmont City Park boasts a three-acre canine playground perfect for letting your pup run wild. Fenced in to keep your furry friend safe from the street and pump track, the park also offers a separate area for smaller dogs. With rolling hills, shady spots, and stunning views of the Flatirons, it’s a dog’s dream. And let’s not forget the social aspect: you’ll likely meet plenty of four-legged friends to play with. Open from sunrise to sunset and completely free, it’s a local favorite for a reason.

Golden: Tony Grampsas Dog Park

Tucked away in the shadow of North Table Mountain, Tony Grampsas Dog Park feels like a hidden gem. This 2.5-acre oasis boasts lush greenery, winding trails, and a secluded wooded area, perfect for adventurous pups. While your furry friend explores, relax at a picnic table and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. To find this dog-friendly retreat, head past the baseball fields at Tony Grampsas Memorial Sports Complex. The park is free and open from sunrise to sunset. But be prepared for muddy conditions after rain or snow.

Aurora: Cherry Creek Dog Off-Leash Area

Is your pup a water enthusiast? Then look no further than the 107-acre off-leash dog park at Cherry Creek State Park. This expansive area offers direct access to the creek, perfect for splashing and cooling off. With varied terrain and trails to explore, there’s something for every dog. While this park is a canine dream, be prepared for crowds and fees. There’s a $9 park entry fee, plus a $2 fee for the off-leash area (or a $20 annual pass), and a 3-dog limit per handler. Once inside, you can leash up your pup and enjoy the surrounding trails and wildlife. Open from 5 AM to 10 PM, this park is a very popular spot, so plan accordingly.

Castle Pines: Glendale Farms Dog Park

Glendale Farms in Castle Pines is a dog lover’s dream! With a spacious 17-acre off-leash area and a scenic 1.6-mile leash-required loop, there’s something for every fur baby. This laid-back park is perfect for burning off energy or enjoying a leisurely stroll. Located near Sky Ridge Medical Center, it’s easily accessible from I-25. If you’re training a puppy, check out the obstacle course featuring a staircase ramp and barrel. Just remember, the park is primarily dirt, so it can get muddy when it rains. Glendale Farms is open one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset, and it’s completely free!

Lakewood: Forsberg Park

Looking for a place to let your pup burn off energy? Forsberg Park in Lakewood is a great option. This 2.5-acre park offers two separate fenced areas, so you can choose the perfect space for your dog. Enjoy stunning views of Green Mountain and Red Rocks Amphitheatre while your fur baby plays. There’s even a small obstacle course to keep them entertained. While there’s a drinking fountain for dogs, it’s best to bring your own water during winter as the fountain is shut off. Open from 5 AM to 10 PM and completely free, Forsberg Park is a local favorite.

Littleton: Chatfield State Park Off-Leash Dog Area

Your pup will love exploring the wide-open spaces and refreshing ponds at Chatfield State Park’s off-leash area. With 69 acres of both gravel and paved trails, your dog can run and play to their heart’s content. If you’re a bird dog enthusiast, there are also 16 acres of upland terrain and eight acres of flatwater for training, though a special permit is required. While there’s an $8 fee to enter the park (plus a $2 fee for the off-leash area (or a $20 annual pass)), you’ll enjoy a well-maintained environment.  Remember, only three dogs per handler are allowed.

Westminster: Westminster Hills Off-Leash Dog Park

Located at the corner of 105th Avenue and Simms Street, Westminster Hills Off-Leash Dog Park offers a sprawling 420-acre space for your pup to roam freely. This peaceful retreat, part of the 15,000-acre Colorado Hills Open Space, provides ample room for fetch, leisurely walks, and even a refreshing dip in the small pond. While the park offers benches, a shade shelter, and a dog drinking fountain, it’s important to note that the fencing is partial, so a lead and/or voice commands are essential. Be prepared for crowds, especially around 5 PM. Open from sunrise to sunset, this park is a free haven for dogs and their owners.

Ready to hit the dog park with your best friend? 

Dog parks are a fantastic way to socialize your pup and let them burn off energy. But even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. A sudden tumble, a playful scuffle, or an unexpected illness can quickly turn a fun day into a stressful one. That’s why pet insurance is so important. It provides peace of mind knowing you can focus on your pet’s recovery without worrying about overwhelming vet bills. Pet Insurance Review can help you find the perfect plan to protect your furry friend. Get a free quote today and ensure your fur baby is covered for life’s unexpected twists and turns.

Two police officers were shot Wednesday morning while responding to reports of shots being fired in a Thornton home. The threat was cleared around 10:37 a.m., police said.

Before 9 a.m. Wednesday, gunshots rang out through the Orchard Farms subdivision in northern Thornton just off of Colorado 7 and York Street. The fairly new subdivision is surrounded by fields, horses and farms.

Thornton officers responded to reports of gunshots coming from a house in the 16000 block of Columbine Street on Wednesday, according to an 8:54 a.m. statement from the police department.

Shots continued to be fired from inside the home for at least an hour after officers arrived, police said.

Two Thornton officers were shot and received medical treatment on scene, the police department said in a 9:31 a.m. update.

This is a developing story and will be updated. 

Sign up to get crime news sent straight to your inbox each day.

Originally Published: October 9, 2024 at 9:44 a.m.

The Denver Broncos kept the momentum rolling as they steamrolled the Las Vegas Raiders, 34-18, on Sunday. The Denver defense hammered the Raiders so severely that they made a quarterback change, and Bo Nix had his best statistical game as a pro.

When the Broncos are firing on all cylinders, they have the confidence to beat any team in front of them, as proven by their three-game win streak. Denver continues to climb NFL.com’s Power Rankings and has reached the top 15, climbing six spots heading into Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Here’s Eric Edholm’s analysis of the Broncos hitting No. 14, and the sideline interaction between Nix and head coach Sean Payton. 

“Pat Surtain II intercepted both Raiders quarterbacks on Sunday, running the first pick back 100 yards for a touchdown when the Broncos’ offense was still stuck in a rut. That tied the game at 10 apiece, and the Broncos found their groove soon after. Denver’s defense and special teams really set things up nicely with field position in the second half. There’s the potential for things to go awry with a banged-up offensive line heading into a big divisional game against the Chargers, but I wasn’t worried after seeing the Bo Nix-Sean Payton sideline discussion or hearing Payton’s Ferris Bueller quote after the game. First of all, it was funny. Secondly, this is how Payton shows love, I think. He knows that things have turned around to the point where this could be one of the more interesting Broncos seasons in years. If Nix responds, we’ll know he is the right guy for this team. It’s hard not to already think he’s that guy, with the rookie boasting mostly solid play through five games,” Edholm wrote.

What happens next on the Broncos beat? Don’t miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second, sign up for our free newsletter, and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

Patrick Surtain ll proved once again that he’s the best corner in the NFL today despite what Pro Football Focus might have you believe. Surtain doesn’t get the love he deserves partly because opposing quarterbacks don’t throw in his direction, and Gardner Minshew and Aiden O’Connell were reminded of why.

Those two interceptions, one being a 100-yard pick-six, put Surtain in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation where he belongs. The defense continues to play at a high level and keep the Broncos competitive, while the offense continues to gel and improve.

Nix showed his competitive fire when he and Payton had a heated discussion on the sideline after Troy Franklin’s dropped touchdown pass. Some may see this as a problem coming from a rookie signal-caller, but Nix showed more competitive spirit and passion for the game than Russell Wilson ever did in Denver.

The willingness to push back and let your coach know you have confidence in yourself is healthy for the coach-quarterback relationship. It’s a massive breath of fresh air from Wilson’s passive and meek attitude that led to his losing favor in the locker room.

Nix is improving each week, and Sunday was no different as he threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. If he and the offense start hotter, this team will be formidable regardless of who it lines up against.

The Broncos will face another AFC West foe at home this week, in the Los Angeles Chargers, who are coming off their bye. If the Broncos can get after a banged-up Justin Herbert and continue to develop on offense, they’ll put themselves in a great position to challenge for the division title. 

Follow Mile High Huddle on X and Facebook and subscribe on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!