Florence River Park - Florence, CO
Florence River Park – A Pet-Friendly Outdoor Gem in Florence, Colorado
Florence River Park is a beautiful pet-friendly destination in Florence, Colorado, offering miles of scenic riverside and shaded trails perfect for dog walking, hiking, and outdoor family adventures. This large park features wide open spaces, manicured lawns, and a serene loop trail that’s great for both dogs and their owners to enjoy leisurely walks or a bit of exercise. The natural surroundings provide plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings and peaceful moments with your canine companion—the park is often described as one of those hidden gems in Colorado.
Dogs are welcome throughout Florence River Park, but they must be kept on a leash to ensure a safe and friendly environment for everyone. Ample shade, picnic tables, covered pavilions, and several trash bins make visits comfortable and convenient. There are also activities for the whole family, including playgrounds, fishing spots, a small ramp for water access, and space for picnics. While there is no dedicated fenced-off dog area, many visitors enjoy the pet-friendly trails and open areas for socialized dogs. Be sure to check your dog’s paws for stickers and watch out for ants, especially around the trail!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs must be kept on a leash while visiting Florence River Park, especially around busy areas and the river.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are picnic tables and benches available throughout the park, especially near pavilions and activity areas.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Poop bags were provided in the past, but availability may currently be inconsistent. It’s recommended to bring your own.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, Florence River Park has clean restrooms for visitors.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park offers playgrounds and open spaces for children, as well as spaces for picnics and other activities.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Absolutely! Several riverside trails and loop paths are available for walking, jogging, and hiking with your dog.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is river access where dogs can swim, but caution is advised around rapids and rocky areas.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the park has plenty of shade from trees and some covered pavilion areas.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? The park is frequently maintained by both city staff and dedicated local volunteers who encourage visitors to pick up after themselves and their pets.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? The park can get muddy, especially in winter and after rain, so prepare accordingly.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Visitors have noted a lot of ants and goathead stickers, as well as mosquitos, so proper footwear and checking your pets is recommended.
- Where is the best place to park? There is accessible parking near the main entrance of the park.
Reviews
A lovely quiet place for a picnic and fishing with a license with a family that loves Jesus and gives glory to God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and a great place for morning church on a Fall Day ❤️
Yet another gem discovered in the Centennial State. Colorado is hands down the most beautiful state I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. From the mountains, to the lakes, to the rivers, to the sunsets and sunrises, this place never disappoints me. I’m blessed to have seen this state and had the pleasure of returning to see it again.
Nice little park.
4 laps = 1 mile loop trail that circles the park, on days I can’t get a full hike in, I come here to get in a few laps. While picking up trash.
Here you have jogging/walking, 3 picnic tables, and a small ramp, for kayaks & large rafts fishing and a loop trail that surrounds that park as well as dog walking. Pick up after your pets! They used to have dog bags out there but as of late they have not.
(Plz leave the tables above the water area)
(PLEASE LEAVE NO TRACE)
there are many trash cans available at your disposal so there is NO EXCUSE for littering, I do report tags and people I see littering.
I volunteer for the city & love to come here to get a few miles in, relax, pick up, as well as sup board or just float.
It is near a water sewage plant so on certain days you can smell that.
The city REALLY needs to anchor the tables down, my husband and I are always pulling them back up where they go. If we see you again, we will report you.
It’s okay to walk dogs but if your dog is not socialized plz keep on a leash and away from the places where people and other sociallized dogs are playing, swimming or relaxing (mainly near the river.)
Parents I clean this park almost everyday so plz be aware that we often find needles, blunts and half smoked weed out there as well as other drug parafonilia and lots of broken glass from alcohol beverages and other glass parafonilia. So again plz be aware of what your kids might find, step on and make sure they have protective footware.
I recommend cheap tennis shoes rather than watershoes for being out in the rapids, they stay on better and navigate the Rocky bottom much better as well as protect your feet.
Also there are ALOT of goathead stickers out there. So check your shoes before going into you car, home as well as your fur babies feet.
FYI The city will be removing the picnic tables if ppl keep taking them down to water. Plz do not ruin it for the rest of us!
#FloranceCityPark please anchor in the tables and put fines in place for littering as well as “keep it clean” or “leave no trace signage” resulting in fines.
LEAVE it CLEANER than you FOUND it. #LeavNoTrace
And most importantly enjoy and have fun! 🙂
Just a short drive out of Colorado Springs with plenty of things to do for the whole family water side. We had a super relaxing day here. Highly recommended.
Beautiful park with nice walking trails along the river. Plenty of shade. It’s about .5 miles around.
Wear sneakers rather than sandals as there are A LOT of ant hills, practically the entire ground is made up of them.
It’s lovely in the evening, but there are a lot of mosquitos.
Beautiful, peaceful and quiet.