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Stephen's Park

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 Vail, 81657

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About

Stephens Park is a Town of Vail park in the Intermountain neighborhood of West Vail, set along Gore Creek. It is one of only two town parks where dogs may run off leash, which makes it the obvious stop for visitors traveling with a dog.

It also suits families: a playground rebuilt in 2020 sits beside the off-leash area, with picnic tables nearby and the creek running past.

Dogs off leash

Dogs may be off leash under voice control everywhere in the park except the playground. The only other town park with the same rule is Bighorn Park in East Vail. Elsewhere in town, including Vail Village and the bike paths, dogs must be leashed. Pick up after your dog; waste washes into Gore Creek.

The playground

The town renovated the 25-year-old play area in 2020, keeping some of the original wooden structures and adding new slides, swings, rope and log climbers and an oversized spruce-stump climbing feature. Sculpted horsetail plants, chosen with Vail's Art in Public Places program, surround it.

Facilities

The park has picnic tables, a parking lot and public restrooms. Check current hours or closures with the Town of Vail before a special trip.

Sources: Discover Vail: parks and playgrounds, Vail Daily: playground renovation. Checked September 23, 2026.

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Contact Information

Company Name
Stephen's Park
Location
2470 S Frontage Rd W
Vail, 81657

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About Stephen's Park

Quick answer: Stephen's Park is a business at 2470 S Frontage Rd W, Vail, CO 81657. Stephens Park in West Vail: an off-leash dog park on Gore Creek with a renovated playground, picnic tables, restrooms and parking.

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Stephens Park is a Town of Vail park in the Intermountain neighborhood of West Vail, set along Gore Creek. It is one of only two town parks where dogs may run off leash, which makes it the obvious stop for visitors traveling with a dog.

It also suits families: a playground rebuilt in 2020 sits beside the off-leash area, with picnic tables nearby and the creek running past.

Dogs off leash

Dogs may be off leash under voice control everywhere in the park except the playground. The only other town park with the same rule is Bighorn Park in East Vail. Elsewhere in town, including Vail Village and the bike paths, dogs must be leashed. Pick up after your dog; waste washes into Gore Creek.

The playground

The town renovated the 25-year-old play area in 2020, keeping some of the original wooden structures and adding new slides, swings, rope and log climbers and an oversized spruce-stump climbing feature. Sculpted horsetail plants, chosen with Vail's Art in Public Places program, surround it.

Facilities

The park has picnic tables, a parking lot and public restrooms. Check current hours or closures with the Town of Vail before a special trip.

Sources: Discover Vail: parks and playgrounds, Vail Daily: playground renovation. Checked September 23, 2026.

Dog Parks

Amenities at Stephen's Park

  • Off-leash dog area (unfenced)
  • Playground
  • Shelter with covered picnic tables
  • Restrooms
  • Charcoal grills
  • Open turf
  • Gore Creek frontage
  • Parking

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Stephens Park?
At 2470 South Frontage Road West, Vail, CO 81657, in the Intermountain neighbourhood of West Vail, along Gore Creek. It is a Town of Vail park, the West Vail dog park.
Can dogs be off leash at Stephens Park?
Yes. Stephens Park in West Vail and Bighorn Park in East Vail are the two Town of Vail parks with an off-leash program: dogs may be off leash under voice control, except in the playground area, where they must be leashed. Everywhere else in town, Vail Village, Lionshead, the bike paths and all other town parks, dogs must be leashed.
Is the off-leash dog area fenced?
No. It is an unfenced grassy area between the South Frontage Road and Gore Creek, which is why the voice-control rule matters, a dog that will not come when called is not ready for this park. Dogs can reach the creek and cool off in it. The Town did install a split-rail fence along the Frontage Road in 2024 as a safety barrier between the road and the park; it is not an enclosure and does not contain dogs.
Is there a playground?
Yes, beside the off-leash area. The Town renovated the 25-year-old play area in 2020 ($450,000 contract, built by RA Nelson, to current safety guidelines with ADA accessibility): renovated wooden structures, new slides and swings, rope and log climbers, and a large climbing feature shaped like an oversized spruce stump. Around it stand 20 oversized steel horsetail plants by artist Ben Roth, created with Vail's Art in Public Places program and installed in spring 2021. Dogs must be leashed in the playground area.
Does it cost anything, and do I need to book?
No. Stephens Park is a free Town of Vail public park, and there is nothing to book for a casual visit, no tickets, no operator, no reservation. If you want to host a gathering, the Town makes its parks and picnic shelters available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is there somewhere to picnic, and are there restrooms and grills?
Yes to all three. The Town's picnic inventory for Stephens Park lists 2 covered tables (and no open tables), restrooms, and charcoal grills, with parking about 100 feet away. Charcoal is not provided; Town staff remove used charcoal.
What are the park's hours?
The Town of Vail does not publish set hours for Stephens Park; it is an open public park in West Vail, so follow any signs posted at the park.
Where do I park?
In the park's own parking lot on South Frontage Road West, the Town's inventory puts the closest parking about 100 feet from the picnic tables. The park sits in a residential West Vail neighbourhood, so follow the posted signs.
What are the dog clean-up rules?
Clean up after your dog, every time. The Town warns that dog waste left in the environment transmits bacteria such as E. coli into Gore Creek, which runs alongside this park. Pickup bags are provided around town, but the Town's advice is to never leave home without one. Never leave a dog unattended, especially inside a vehicle.

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