Be a Sand Creek B.A.R.K. Ranger

Two humans walk two B.A.R.K. Rangers on leashes on a trail

NPS photo

Bring your furry friend to the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site and take the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge!

B.A.R.K. Ranger

Bag your pet’s poop

Dispose of bagged dog waste in the nearest garbage can. Leaving poop in bags on the trail is considered littering.

Always leash your pet

Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 m). Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest,
and best-trained dogs, causing them to behave unpredictably or bark excessively.

Know where to go

The Contact Station is only open to service animals. Pets should not be left unattended. Both hot and cold days pose a threat to pets in vehicles. Don’t leave pets alone in a car while hiking. Choose a pet friendly hike or come
back another day. 

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Why do I need to follow B.A.R.K. Ranger rules?

• Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost and from potential outdoor hazards, like small cactus plants.
• Many people, especially children, are frightened by dogs, even small ones. Leashes protect the experience of other visitors who may be afraid, allergic, or who do not want a dog approaching them.
• Dog waste is not a natural fertilizer. Dogs can carry disease such as parvovirus, giardia and roundworms into the park’s wildlife populations. 
• Your dog is more likely to pick up ticks when off trail.
• Going off trail can damage or kill plants.
• Creating unauthorized trails encourages other people to use these trails, worsening soil compaction.
• The scent left behind by a dog can signal the presence of a predator, disrupting or altering the behavior of park wildlife.

Park Rules & Regulations

Pets are allowed at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. Please help us protect park visitors and park resources by following these rules, which can be found in the Superintendent's Compendium:

1. Dogs must be leashed. 36 CFR 2.15 (a)(2)
2. You must be in physical control of your dog at all times. 36 CFR 2.15 (a)(2)
3. You must pick up your dog's waste AND dispose waste in a receptacle. 36 CFR 2.31(a)(5)
4. Dogs are not allowed to make noise that is unreasonable considering location. 36 CFR 2.15(a)(4)
5. Dogs must not dig holes or urinate on memorials. 36 CFR 2.31(a)(3)
6. Dogs must not chase or harass other animals. 36 CFR 2.31(a)(3)

Details

Duration

5-15 Minutes

Activity

Hands-On

Learn what it means to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger and take the pledge!

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are welcome to visit Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site with some restrictions.

Walking animals along the park's trails is a favorite activity for many owners. But exposure to unfamiliar people and surroundings can cause unusual or even aggressive behavior in some pets. 

Owners are responsible for their pet's care and conduct while on park grounds. To provide for the safety and enjoyment of pets, owners and fellow visitors, we request that pet owner comply with the following rules when visiting Sand Creek Massacre with their animals:

• Pets must be on leash and under control at all times when outside their owner's vehicle. There are no designated areas for leaving pets unattended and tied to an object.
• Pets are allowed in all outdoor areas of the park open to the public. Pets are not allowed inside any public use buildings. Only service animals or those in training to become service animals are allowed inside buildings with their owners or trainers.
• Owners are responsible for removing any pet excrement left by their animals in the park's exhibit areas, trails, and all green spaces intended for public use.
• Respect park wildlife. 

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

Pets are welcome in all outdoor spaces including grounds, trails, parking lots, and picnic areas, but are not allowed inside park buildings.

The trail system features compacted surfaces and is largely accessible for wheelchairs. There are some small sections with steeper grades.