Is this the same place as Romero Park?

Same grounds. The River Trail Trailhead name covers the two fenced dog runs and the trail access at Romero Park, which also holds pickleball courts and dirt walking trails.

How does this differ from Frenchy’s Field on the same trail?

Only this end has fenced off-leash runs. Frenchy’s Field sits a few miles east on Agua Fria Street and is a leashed paved loop with no enclosure.

Is there water at the runs?

No fountain inside the gates. Reviewers are blunt about bringing a jug, and the dry high-desert air pulls it out of a working dog fast.

What is the trail like from here?

Flat and out-and-back along the Santa Fe River with mountain views. One reviewer wished for a loop instead of retracing the same path back to the car.

All Dog Parks

River Trail Trailhead & Dog Park

Twin fenced runs that open onto the Santa Fe River Trail

3 · Our score

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Fenced Off-leash Parking

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River Trail Trailhead & Dog Park, photo 2

River Trail Trailhead & Dog Park, photo 3

About this park

River Trail Trailhead & Dog Park is the dog-park half of Romero Park on the west side of the city: two large fenced runs that open directly onto the Santa Fe River Trail. A dog can burn off energy inside the gates, then head out along the river corridor with mountain views, a two-for-one that few parks in the city offer.

Amenities

Fenced Off-leash Parking Large-dog area Small-dog area

River Trail Trailhead & Dog Park reviews

What visitors consistently say

The highlights

Visitors love the combination of two large dedicated runs plus direct trailhead access to the Santa Fe River. Mountain views from the trail and room to roam make it a favorite for owners who want both off-leash time and a longer walk.

The community

Traffic is light and the vibe is quiet. One traveler ran into an unspoken one-owner-at-a-time custom at the River Trail runs and left frustrated, so a dog looking for playmates may do better elsewhere in town.

Best for

Large dogs High-energy

Before you go

Bring your own water; there's no drinking fountain inside the runs, and high-desert exercise dehydrates dogs fast. If the park looks empty, that's normal: some regulars prefer to use the runs one owner at a time.

Frequently asked

Is this the same place as Romero Park?: Same grounds. The River Trail Trailhead name covers the two fenced dog runs and the trail access at Romero Park, which also holds pickleball courts and dirt walking trails.
How does this differ from Frenchy’s Field on the same trail?: Only this end has fenced off-leash runs. Frenchy’s Field sits a few miles east on Agua Fria Street and is a leashed paved loop with no enclosure.
Is there water at the runs?: No fountain inside the gates. Reviewers are blunt about bringing a jug, and the dry high-desert air pulls it out of a working dog fast.
What is the trail like from here?: Flat and out-and-back along the Santa Fe River with mountain views. One reviewer wished for a loop instead of retracing the same path back to the car.