It’s well-known by locals and many of our visitors that Parkites love their pets, and often view them as part of the family. This sentiment is particularly true when it comes to dogs.
Over the past few decades, Park City has unofficially become Bark City, and as the name suggests, the town offers owners and their pooches tons of open spaces and welcome places to play and hang-out together. Here are a few of the most popular of these dog parks, nature trails, and dog-friendly establishments:
DOG PARKS (Fenced-in)
Quinn's Junction Dog Park
Located at the Park City Sports Complex, next to the Park City Hospital, this large, fenced-in dog park is perfect if you want to take your dog for a run or meet another furry buddy.
Trailside Dog Park
Trailside Dog Park has two separate sides that accommodate small and large dogs. Both have sodded and natural surfaces and there are numerous benches for owners to rest on while their dogs enjoy the park.
Local Insight: At Trailside Park, there is a mile long, off-leash trail where your dog can run free.
The Woods at Parley's Lane Dog Park
The Woods at Parley's Lane provides a small, yet beautiful spot for your pet to play off-leash. This half-acre dog area has training/exercise features to keep your four-legged friend fit and healthy. While your pet burns some calories, you can rest on the benches provided.
What to Know: You can also use the local trail that abucks the dog park.
Willow Creek Dog Park
Willow Creek Dog Park is an enclosed 2.4-acre fenced area with a 1/3-mile soft surface trail and a 24,000-square-feet "fetch" space. In addition, this dog park features a large dog pond with both a zero-entry point and a floating dock, allowing your pup hours of recreation.
Run-A-Muck
Located directly below the Utah Olympic Park, the Run-A-Muk dog park provides fenced-in, no-leash freedom for you and your four-legged companion. As your dog plays in the fields and sagebrush, you too can get some exercise walking along the extensive trail.
What to Know: Perfect for young families, as the terrain is gentle and flat.
NON FENCED-IN AREAS
Library Field
Your pup has free range on this large, expansive field next to the Park City Library. This is a local favorite spot, as it's near Main Street, allowing for an easy walk to a pet-friendly restaurant.
Round Valley
This 2,200 acres of open space is the perfect place to hike, run, or bike with your dog. Leashes are required at trailhead/parking areas but can be removed once you’re past the entrances.
Local Insight: During busy times, like holidays or festival days, keep you and your furry companion on the main double-track trails to avoid bike-dog collisions.
JUST OUTSIDE OF TOWN
The Gateway
Spanning two city blocks, The Gateway is located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. This dog-friendly outdoor mall boasts a splash pad, creek, and fountain that your little critter can use to cool off and have some fun.
Aquatic Dog Pool
Just southeast of downtown Salt Lake City, you will find the Dogmode Aquatic Fitness Center. Inside the facility is a 45 feet long, 20 feet wide salt water, temperature-controlled pool specifically built for your furry water baby. There is also an outdoor fenced area to allow your little swimmer a place to rest and take potty breaks, if needed.
LOCAL RESTAURANTS with Dog-Friendly Patios
Many restaurants around Park City allow dogs on their patios during the summer and autumn months. Some of these include: Hearth and Hill, Red Rock Brewing, Fuego, Este Pizza, High West Distillery, Collie’s Sports Bar, The Bridge Cafe, Tekila Mexican Grill, Java Cow Ice Cream, Drafts Burger Bar, Silver Star Cafe, Baja Cantina.
RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER ETIQUETTE
While Parkites love dogs, part of this admiration includes being a responsible dog owner and taking care of your pet.
Here are three etiquette rules to always try to follow:
1) Dogs must be leashed at trailheads and in parking lots, and all other areas that are not designated as off-leash areas or dog parks.
2) Bring doggie poop bags to pick up your dog's mess and keep the environment clean.
3) Make sure that you and your dog yield to other trail users.
By abiding to these simple guidelines, you and your four-legged friend will be happier, healthier and safer.
Local Insight: Utah has a desert climate, dry with low humidity. Be sure to bring water for both you and your pup whenever you head out, regardless of how short the excursion may be.
