DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS IN PARKER, CO

Southeast of Denver, this Douglas County town of 58,000 sits at 5,900 feet elevation where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountain foothills. High altitude creates intense sun, low humidity, and rapid temperature swings between day and night. Summer afternoons reach the upper 80s before cooling to the 50s overnight, while winter brings alternating snow and sunshine. The area's rolling terrain includes natural grasslands and rocky outcrops. Parker's rapid growth since 1990 transformed ranch land into subdivisions attracting young families fleeing Denver's urban core. Spring weather remains unpredictable, with late-season snowstorms possible into May.