Grand Junction’s Leash Your Dog Debate Is Heating Up

Warmer weather, increased outdoor activity, and suddenly, dog etiquette is back under the microscope in Western Colorado. Grand Junction’s rules about keeping dogs on a leash are clear; the real question is: why does it feel like fewer people are following them?

Is there a leash law in Grand Junction? Yes, there is, and the city goes the extra mile to post lots of signs about it. Here’s what the law says.

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What the Law Says (and Where Off-Leash Is Actually Allowed)

Read More: An Open Letter to Colorado and Its Pets

In Mesa County and Grand Junction, dogs are required to be leashed in most public spaces. This includes parks and shared-use trails. Typical leash length is 10 feet. The city code says any dog off its owner’s premises shall be under leash control by its owner. Off-leash is usually limited to area dog parks or select Bureau of Land Management areas. Pets are also required to be leashed in the Colorado National Monument, where they are only allowed on paved areas and not on trails.

Why Tensions Are Rising—and What’s Really at Stake

A study of Colorado's trail systems shows that off-leash dogs are one of the most common sources of user conflict. What seems like a minor annoyance can quickly escalate, resulting in safety concerns, dog fights, startled cyclists, startled runners, or children being knocked over.

In Mesa County, escalating fines await repeat offenders. Still, Grand Junction residents say enforcement is inconsistent, leaving trail users to navigate these situations alone, which causes the increase in tense, in-the-moment confrontations instead of clear accountability.

The Unwritten Rules Locals Wish Everyone Followed

Read More: Off-Leash Dogs In Colorado Could Cost Owners Big Fines

I have seen this argument flare up more than once at the park I visit in Grand Junction. People come to the park, decide it is not crowded, and they take the dog off the leash. That’s not the law, and people who share the space do not seem shy about reminding others. On the hiking trails, responsible dog behavior protects wildlife and ensures safer hiking for everyone. As more people hit the trails this spring, what are you noticing? Are we getting leash lazy?