While we don’t have a ton of dog parks in Grand Junction, what we lack in quantity, we make up in quality, with two large, convenient, very well-maintained public dog parks in Grand Junction. These are on top of several off-leash trails.
There is also one dog park in Fruita, and sort of one in Palisade as well (more on that below).
One is right off the interstate, making it a quick and easy way to let your pup burn off energy during a road trip. The other is located downtown by the Colorado River.
These GJ area dog parks are: Canyon View Dog Park in the north part of town, just off of Interstate 70, and Los Colonias Dog Park, which is near downtown, by the Colorado River.
Both are very spacious, open, and fenced-in with free parking.
In addition, there are some private dog parks, that are part of hotel/RV Park properties. The Grand Valley also has many miles of Bureau of Land Management (BLM), open space trails where your pup can run freely, although the rules state they should be under “voice command.”
Here’s a look at the two dog parks in Grand Junction.
Dog Parks in Grand Junction, Colorado
(The dogs below represents the four Grand Junction area dog parks).
Canyon View Dog Park
This is the “mothership” of Grand Junction dog parks, and so long as it’s not raining, you’re likely to find at least a couple of pups here to play with your pooch, at least, I always see dogs there when I bring my labradoodle, “Presley” to play.
Situated right off I-70, at Exit 28, this dog park is part of the 110 acre Canyon View Park, in the northwestern part of Grand Junction. It’s open from 5 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week.
The dog park is just north of the 4 field baseball/softball complex, with lots of parking directly in front, however sometimes these get a little busy where there is a baseball tournament across the street. There are trees and picnic tables and plenty of shade if you take your dog in the middle of day.
The dog park is just over 3 acres in size, and is comprised of three different fenced in dog areas: a general “dry” area (no water), a more natural, plush area with more vegetation and a small pond for your pooch to cool off in, and a smaller area a little to the west for senior dogs, and those less active.
Upon entering, you’ll find a double gate style entry, (meaning you have to open up two different gates), as a means of not accidently letting another dog out. The fences are six feet hight. There are also clean-up bags provided at the entrance to all three areas. Signs state that children under twelve years of age are not allowed in the park for safety reasons.
There are water fountains (both for humans and dogs), but they may not always be in operation.
The pond in the easternmost, “natural” dog park area typically follows the Grand Valley’s irrigation schedule – meaning that it fill up in April, and is drained in October/November. I don’t know exactly how deep it is, but it’s deep enough where your dog will have to swim (or doggy paddle I guess), in order to get to the order side.
There are soft wood chips spread out all over, and even some fake fire hydrants. A couple of ramps on wooden logs dot the area as well. The main, center, fenced-off section of the three has a walking path that seems to be “doody-free” and safe to walk on.
As I mentioned, there are dogs here every time I go, and weekend afternoons can get especially busy, although there is still plenty of room to run at all three sections, regardless of how many friends are out playing.
Las Colonias Dog Park
Situated in downtown Grand Junction, near the banks of the Colorado River, The Las Colonias Dog Park is easily accessible off of the Riverside Parkway.
It’s just a short walk from the Las Colonias Amphitheater, which hosts concerts by some fairly big names, including the Beach Boys, Snoop Dog, and Walker Hayes, (among others).
This newer park lacks the shade of Canyon View, but makes up for it with wonderful views of the Colorado National Monument.
There are four different fenced-off areas here, including one for older, less active dogs. And as with Canyon View Dog Park, the hours are 5 AM to 11 PM, daily. There are public restrooms nearby.
There is a gravel walking path around the outskirts of the main, center park, and a fire hydrant water feature. Every time I’ve been there, there has been a bucket to collect drinking water for dogs.
Other
Per the City of Grand Junction, dogs must be 4 months or older to use the park. In addition, the city says: “All dogs must be licensed, currently vaccinated and wearing license and vaccination tags as required by City ordinance.”
They also prohibit female dogs in heat, and unsterilized male dogs.
Fruita, CO. Dog Park
Opened in 2023, this is Fruita’s first, and only dog park, and is a big step above the typically tiny hotel style dog parks. The pictures here don’t do it justice, but it is a pretty and nice location. While the dog park borders the main drag into Fruita, it’s shaded and located in a convenient spot next to James Robb State Park on the banks of the Colorado River.
The Fruita Bark Park, as it’s called, is located right next to the popular Dinosaur Journey Museum. (It’s next to the museum’s south parking lot).
Like Canyon View, this park is just a few minutes off of Interstate 70, making it a convenient stop if you’re coming into Fruita/Grand Junction from the west heading east towards Denver.
If coming off of I-70, you’ll go south through the two roundabouts (towards the Colorado National Monument), and take a right at the McDonalds. You get to the dog park by driving through the parking lot of the Dinosaur Journey Museum.
There are two fenced off parks here – one for larger active dogs, and another for older and smaller dogs. The larger section has plenty of vegetation, slopes and ramps for your dog to enjoy. Both the large dog and small dog areas have trees and seating.
Poop bags are provided, and there is a water fountain for dogs and pets.
Off-Leash Area in Fruita
Just five minutes up the road and across the river is Snooks Bottom Open Space. This public area has a walking trail (paved) around a smaller lake in which you can have your dog off the leash. You might even see a bald eagle!
To get to Snooks Bottom, simply go south from Fruita and take the first right after crossing the Colorado River on Kingsview Road. Signage will lead you to Snooks Bottom. There is no entrance fee.
Palisade, CO. Dog Park
The pretty Riverbend Park in Palisade is a long stretch of land over a couple miles in length that hugs the Colorado River.
While there isn’t a dog park here, dogs are allowed off-leash. You can walk the 1.75 mile paved path with your pup running free, exploring the trees and bushes, or hoping in the Colorado River. Dog pick-up bags are provided.
There are huge cottonwood trees here, providing plenty of shade, and the grassy area of the park is huge. In fact, it’s where the annual Palisade Peach Festival is held. There is also a disc golf course here, so you may run into some players, but often times they have a dog with them too.
(By Steve Beauregard. Photos copyright GJFruita.com, except for the Riverbend Park photo, which is courtesy of the town of Palisade, Colorado.)