Bannock Bark Parks

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 Ross Park 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 at 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 AMI (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.

The future Capell Park site!

Not open yet...help us build the first fenced, universally-accessible dog park in the area! We are currently raising money to build the fence and landscaping for this one acre city dog park. The site is located on the north end of Capell Park, which is behind Chubbuck City Hall on North Yellowstone Ave. Let the City of Chubbuck know that you can't wait for the dog park to open!

Public lands

US Forest Service and BLM lands are always an option. Local trailheads can be found in Mink Creek, Gibson Jack, City Creek, China Peak (uphill from AMI), 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, livestock and equestrian trail users.

One drawback to off-leash use of public lands are that dogs can pose a danger to wildlife and may be in danger themselves from wildlife. Also, water source areas like Gibson Jack and Cherry Springs are considered sensitive to surface pollution, including contamination from dog feces.

Regional dog park information