Photo credit: Sherrie Stille

Today’s Boulder Dogs of the Day capture pure Colorado happiness: dogs splashing, swimming, and playing in the cool water on a beautiful sunny day with Boulder’s wide-open landscape all around them.

For many Boulder dogs, few things beat a day near the water. The second they see the shoreline, the excitement begins. A tennis ball gets tossed, a stick flies through the air, and suddenly the day becomes one giant game of swimming, retrieving, shaking off, and jumping right back in.

Boulder is famous for its hiking trails and mountain scenery, but the area also has several popular places where dogs and their people can enjoy time near the water.

Boulder Reservoir: Big Water and Wide-Open Views

The Boulder Reservoir is one of the city’s signature outdoor destinations, covering roughly 700 acres and offering recreation ranging from swimming and boating to fishing, running, cycling, and wildlife watching.

Dog access at the Reservoir varies by location and season. Dogs are prohibited through the main gates and along the south shoreline from May 15 through Labor Day. During the off-season, dogs are allowed there but must remain leashed.

The broader Reservoir area remains a favorite for Boulder dog lovers because of its open skies, mountain views, trails, and proximity to other dog-friendly recreation areas.

Coot Lake: One of Boulder’s Favorite Dog Swimming Spots

Just north of the Boulder Reservoir, Coot Lake is a classic destination for dogs who love the water.

Dogs are allowed to swim from the east and south shores of Coot Lake. The west side and wetland areas are protected, and dogs may only be off-leash when properly registered in Boulder’s Voice and Sight Tag Program and under the required level of control.

The 1.2-mile trail around Coot Lake makes it especially appealing. A dog can walk or run with its person, cool off with a swim in a permitted area, and then continue exploring the trail.

For water-loving Boulder dogs, that is about as good as a day gets.

What About Boulder Creek and Other Water Spots?

Boulder Creek is another place where dogs are often seen cooling their paws or splashing in shallow sections, but conditions can change significantly. The City of Boulder notes that the creek is impaired for E. coli and that levels can periodically exceed recreational safety standards, so people should understand current conditions and the risks associated with natural waterways.

Not every Boulder lake or pond is a dog-swimming destination. For example, KOA Lake requires dogs to be leashed and does not permit swimming or wading. Sawhill Ponds also requires dogs to remain on a hand-held leash, with swimming prohibited.

The best approach is always to check current signs and regulations before letting a dog enter the water.

Why Do Dogs Love Swimming So Much?

For many dogs, swimming combines several of their favorite things: movement, play, retrieving, cooling off, and spending time with their people.

Water also gives dogs a different kind of exercise. Swimming engages the entire body while reducing the pounding associated with running on hard surfaces. Some breeds seem almost born for the water, while others simply discover that chasing a floating tennis ball is the greatest game ever invented.

Of course, not every dog is a natural swimmer. Dogs should always be supervised around water, introduced gradually, and never forced to swim.

Today’s Dogs of the Day are showing us exactly why Boulder and dogs make such a perfect combination: sunshine, water, open space, and the freedom to play.

On a beautiful Boulder day, sometimes happiness really is this simple — four paws, cool water, and one more throw of the tennis ball.

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