Inside Durango city limits, your dog has to be on a leash. There is one big exception, the city's off-leash area at the base of Smelter Mountain. There is also a looser rule on the federal land that surrounds town. The city says leashing is the law under Section 4-41 of its Code of Ordinances (City of Durango). That section makes it unlawful to fail to restrain a dog by physical means from running at large inside the city. Areas officially designated for off-leash activity are the exception (Municode). In plain terms, a dog that is off its owner's property without a leash or other physical restraint is a violation.
Where can my dog run off leash in Durango?
- Where: the Smelter Mountain Off-Leash Dog Area, which the city calls Durango's designated park for off-leash dog recreation (City of Durango)
- Address: 21850 Hwy 160 West, per the city
- Getting in: walk-in access is 0.1 miles west of the corner of Highway 160 West and Highway 550, on the south side of 160 West, and the dirt parking lot is small
- Aggressive dogs are not permitted
- Dogs must be under visual supervision and voice control at all times, and owners are legally responsible for any injury or damage their dog causes
- Owners must leash their dogs when entering and leaving the area
- Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and wearing a collar with ID tags at all times
- Owners dispose of pet waste and garbage properly (City of Durango)
Our answer on where the dog parks are in Durango covers the other spots locals use. The license answer explains how to get the tag the off-leash rules require.
Do trails, parks and the river follow the same rule?
Yes, with a few details. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout Durango's parks, open space and trails. The city's open space page says all dogs must be leashed on city lands and trails, except in the off-leash area (City of Durango). The river is where people slip up. Water-loving dogs are welcome on the Animas River and at Lake Nighthorse, except at the swim beach. When a dog is not in the water or on your paddleboard, it must be leashed on land (City of Durango). Two places are closed to dogs altogether: Oxbow Preserve and Greenmount Cemetery.
What about national forest land around Durango?
The rules loosen. The city says dogs are allowed under voice control on the federal lands around Durango. The San Juan National Forest asks you to keep your dog under control at all times and recommends a leash. In the Forest Service's words, a dog that barks excessively, acts aggressively or chases animals is not under control. In campgrounds and recreation areas the forest asks for a leash of 6 feet or shorter. Dogs are not welcome inside visitor centers (USDA Forest Service). Walk from a city trail onto forest land and the rule changes at the boundary, so carry a leash anyway.
Who enforces the leash law, and what changed in 2026?
The city does, directly. It announced that it would take over animal control enforcement inside city limits on January 1, 2026. The La Plata County Humane Society had done that work under contract. The city said the change answered community concerns, especially about loose dogs on the Animas River Trail. It planned to move the contract money into expanded patrols by its Open Space Ranger Program (City of Durango). To report a problem, call Central Dispatch at 970-385-2900.
What is the dog-at-large rule outside city limits?
It belongs to the county. La Plata County's code, Chapter 10, defines a dog at large as one that is off its owner's premises and not under physical restraint or immediate command. Working dogs are an exception. The Sheriff's Office enforces the code for properties outside city and town limits. The county also has a nuisance-barking rule: noise that lasts 20 continuous minutes is a nuisance on its own (La Plata County). The county's wording, "immediate command," reads looser than the city's physical-restraint wording. It still ends at the property line.
For vets, trainers and the rest of the local pet scene, see the pet owners guide. The directory also lists dog trainers and veterinarians.