The short answer to "where are the dog parks in Durango?" is one word: Smelter. The city keeps a single official off-leash area. It sits at the base of Smelter Mountain on the west edge of town, with a small dirt parking lot. Every other city park, trail and open space requires a leash. We checked the city's pages and the local trail group's page on October 22, 2026. Below you will find how to get in, what the city requires, whether the mountain trail above it is open to dogs, and where else your dog can go.
Where is the Durango off-leash dog park?
The city's designated off-leash area is at 21850 Highway 160 West, at the base of Smelter Mountain. The city lists it as a natural-surface area with access to the Animas River Trail and the river (City of Durango). Getting in takes a little attention:
- Pedestrian access is 0.1 miles west of Highway 160 West and Highway 550, on the south side of Highway 160 West
- Parking is a limited dirt lot, so arrive early on busy weekends
- Like all Durango parks and open spaces, it closes at midnight
- The city describes open terrain with views and direct access to nearby trails. The page mentions no fence and no acreage
What are the rules at the off-leash area?
The city's page for dog owners spells out what it expects:
- Aggressive dogs are not permitted
- Every dog must be under visual supervision and voice control. Owners are legally responsible for any injury or damage their dog causes
- Leash your dog when entering and leaving the area
- Dogs must be properly licensed and vaccinated, and must wear a collar with ID tags at all times
- Pick up waste and dispose of garbage properly
That licensing line matters. If your dog has no tag yet, our answer on how to license a dog in Durango walks through fees and where to go. Voice control means what it says. A dog that ignores your call is a risk to every other dog in the area. A local trainer can help with that, and our directory lists several, including Durango Family Dog Training.
Can you take a dog up the Smelter Mountain Trail?
Check first. Durango Trails describes the base of Smelter Mountain as the city's off-leash dog area, open year-round. The same page covers the trail above it. The trail is 1.1 miles with about 1,000 feet of climbing. It is closed to bikes, and it closes for wildlife from December 1 to April 15. On October 22, 2026, the trail's notes line read "Open 10am-2pm. No dogs!" That note may reflect a temporary restriction, and the city's page does not mention it. Call Parks and Recreation at 970-375-7321, or read the Durango Trails page, before you load a dog into the car. Durango Trails also gives driving directions to a dirt parking area on Smelter Place, off County Road 210 (Durango Trails).
Where else can dogs go in Durango?
Everywhere that is not the off-leash area runs on one rule: keep your dog leashed. The city says leashed dogs are welcome throughout its parks, open space and trails. The leash rule is City Code Section 4-41. A few places need extra care:
- Animas River and Lake Nighthorse: water-loving dogs are welcome, but not at the swim beach. On land, they must be leashed unless they are swimming or paddling with you
- Oxbow Preserve: no dogs allowed, so the wildlife can be enjoyed undisturbed
- Federal lands around Durango: dogs are allowed under voice control. The city links a map of public lands
- Chapman Hill ski area: the city asks uphill travelers to leave unleashed dogs at home, because dirty snow melts faster (City of Durango)
- More ideas: our guide for pet owners and our guide to parks and trails for residents list the rest
What does the city say about pet waste and leashes?
- Bags and garbage receptacles are provided throughout parks and trailheads, but carry extra bags anyway
- Pick up any filled bag you set aside on the trail. Dog waste does not break down like wild animal waste
- The city cites the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: pet waste can carry germs that make people and pets sick
- Leashing protects your dog and the wildlife that lives in the open space, per the city
- Durango Trails calls off-leash dogs the number one source of trail conflict on City Open Space (Durango Trails)