Best Dog Walking Parks in Bozeman, MT

Best Dog Walking Parks in Bozeman, MT

Bozeman, MT is a paradise for dog lovers, packed with parks, trails, and picturesque spots where pups can roam, sniff, and splash to their heart’s content. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best dog-friendly places around town.

Top Off-Leash Parks in Town

1. Burke Park (Peet’s Hill)
   Located at S Church Ave & E Story St, this centrally located, 45-acre space features trails, stunning 360° views of the valley and Bridger Mountains, benches, and restrooms. It’s especially popular at sunrise and sunset. While leash rules apply off-trail, it’s still a local favorite for walking dogs.

2. Cooper Park
   Found near S 8th Ave & W Koch St, Cooper Park allows off-leash play. It features shady mature trees, benches, picnic tables, and a water fountain. It’s a great in-town option for relaxed strolls and dog socializing.

3. Centennial Park
   Located at N Tracy Ave & W Cottonwood St, this park is off-leash only from 5 to 9 am. After that, dogs must be leashed. It’s ideal for early morning walks and quiet neighborhood meet-ups.

4. Canine Beach and Lewis & Bark Dog Park (Bozeman Pond)
   Situated near Fowler Ave on the west end of Bozeman Pond, this park includes a fenced beach area with docks for swimming, a small-dog section, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and other recreational features. It’s one of Bozeman’s most comprehensive dog parks.

Regional and Westside Favorites

5. Gallatin County Regional Park
   Located at Oak St & Davis Ave, this park features a fenced off-leash section with a swimming pond, dock-diving area, agility equipment, trails, a playground, picnic spots, and even a sledding hill. The gravel trail loop is about 3.5 miles. Outside the off-leash zone, dogs must be leashed. Bring water and be prepared for muddy paws.

6. Snowfill Recreation Area
   Found at 3070 McIlhattan Rd, Snowfill is a 38-acre fully fenced area with a 1.9 to 2-mile loop trail, benches, dog water fountain, and restrooms. It's a popular year-round destination known for its freedom to roam and beautiful views.

7. Maxi Park / West Paw Play (Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter)
   Located at 1549 E Cameron Bridge Rd just west of town, this 15-acre, fully fenced park includes separate sections for big and small dogs and agility equipment. It’s managed by the local animal shelter, which has plans to expand the area to 40 acres in the future.

8. Highland Park Fenced Dog Park
   Found near the Softball Complex off Highland Blvd, this small fenced area is a good option for quick fetch sessions or letting your dog run in a secure environment.

Off-Leash Trails Near Town

These trails aren’t designated dog parks, but dogs under voice control are commonly allowed off-leash.

• Peet’s Hill and the “M” Trail offer short hikes with great views. The “M” route is steep while the loop path is easier and around 2 miles.

• Drinking Horse Mountain Trail is a scenic 2-mile loop with moderate elevation gain.

• Sourdough Canyon Trail spans 6 to 9 miles alongside a shaded creek, making it perfect for hot summer days.

• Sypes Canyon Trail runs 5 to 6 miles with creek access and views of the valley. It can connect to the Bridger Foothills Trail.

• Triple Tree Trail is a roughly 5.5-mile moderate loop. Dogs technically must be leashed, but many are allowed off-leash under control.

Leash Laws and Etiquette

Leashes are required in all public areas unless an area is explicitly marked as off-leash. Fines for leash violations begin at $100 and increase for repeat offenses. Even in off-leash areas, dogs must be under voice control at all times. Digging, chasing wildlife, and bringing dogs in heat are not allowed.

Etiquette Tips

Carry waste bags and use provided disposal stations. Leash your dog when entering and exiting fenced areas. Respect other park users, including leashed dogs, runners, and bikers. Make sure your dog responds to voice recall before allowing off-leash access. Be aware of seasonal concerns like mud, ice, and hot temperatures.

Seasonal and Usage Guide

In summer, Snowfill and Canine Beach are best. In winter, Snowfill is great for sledding, and the M Trail is popular for snowshoeing. During spring and fall, Gallatin Park, Triple Tree, and Sourdough Canyon offer scenic routes with less traffic—just watch for mud.

Bozeman offers a wide variety of dog-friendly spaces, from city parks to foothill trails. Whether your dog loves swimming, hiking, or just laying in the grass, there’s a place here to match their energy. Respect the rules, come prepared, and you and your pup will have plenty to explore together. Let me know if you’d like maps, seasonal recommendations, or suggestions for dog-friendly places to grab a bite afterward.