Where to take your pooch...
Most public city and county parks in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area allow dogs if they are on-leash. No dogs are allowed at the Ross Park pool/skate/zoo complex on South 2nd in Pocatello. The list below provides information about places where you can legally take your dogs off-leash. Responsible pet owners help dog-friendly locations stay open to pets, so please scoop those poops and keep Fido away from people-only activities and wildlife. Have fun!
Bartz Field (Idaho State University campus)
Bartz Field, located on Bartz Way (behind Reed Gym on the ISU campus) next to the new Stephens Performing Arts Center, is open to off-leash use by dogs. This is an unfenced park with bag dispensers and trash cans. The nearby ISU Red Hill area and cross-country course by On (Alan Ricken Drive) also offer nice walks and great views; these other areas don't have bags, so bring your own.
Edson Fichter Nature Area
The Portneuf Greenway offers paved walking/biking trails throughout the Pocatello valley, terminating at Edson Fichter at their southern end. Edson Fichter Nature Area (owned by Idaho Fish and Game) has become a favorite off-leash dog area due to river access and 9 ac of open space (unfenced). The trailhead is behind the Indian Hills Elementary School soccer fields. A new bag dispenser and trash can has been added - please make an extra effort to pick up after your pet here, since pet waste has become an issue at this site.
Public lands
US Forest Service and BLM lands are always an option. Local trailheads can be found in Mink Creek, Gibson Jack, City Creek (partially city owned), China Peak (off Barton Rd), etc. Forest Service policy says that while in parking lots, trail heads and camping areas, dogs should be on-leash. National Park Service lands usually require dogs to be on-leash at all times (e.g. City of Rocks, Yellowstone). While on public lands, be aware that you are likely to encounter and must share the trail with runners, hikers, cyclists, skiers, off-road vehicles, equestrian trail users and livestock.
One drawback to off-leash use of public lands is that dogs can pose a danger to wildlife and may be in danger themselves from wildlife. Please do not let your pets harass or harm wildlife. Also, water source areas like City Creek, Gibson Jack and Cherry Springs are considered sensitive to surface pollution, including contamination from dog feces.
Regional dog park information
Boise City Dog Off-Leash Areas
Island Park - Off-leash area on island in Salmon River off Highway 93 (Main Street) next to skateboard park. Bounded by water, with one side fenced. Bag dispenser onsite.
Moscow - 5 ac fenced dog park adjacent to Animal Shelter on White Ave.
Utah Dog Parks
Let us know if we've missed a dog-friendly park in the area!
Other links...
Pocatello Animal Shelter and Animal Control
Bannock Humane Society
Pocatello Kennel Club
City of Pocatello
City of Chubbuck
Idaho State University