Frank S. Ortiz Dog Park is a broad, unfenced off-leash landscape on Santa Fe’s northwest side. Instead of a small fenced run, it offers high-desert arroyos, hills and miles of informal trails across more than 130 acres. The open terrain rewards dogs with reliable recall and visitors prepared for sun, dust and uneven ground.
Plan your visit
- Address: 160 Camino de las Crucitas, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
- Dog-area access: Use the large parking lot entrance on the southwest side of Camino de las Crucitas at Buckman Road.
- Off-leash boundary: The park is designated for off-leash use but is largely unfenced. Carry a leash, keep your dog in sight and use the park only if your dog responds reliably.
- Terrain: Expect exposed high-desert trails, arroyos, hills and rough ground rather than a level neighborhood dog run.
- Water and comfort: Water stations and seating have been added over time, but bring drinking water for both you and your dog. Shade is limited.
- Parking: A large on-site lot serves the dog park.
Find the dog park entrance
The street address covers a large open area. Approach from Camino de las Crucitas and use the parking entrance at Buckman Road. The official trail map below labels Frank S. Ortiz Dog Park and nearby parking; use current signs for the final approach.
Open terrain and recall
This park feels closer to an open-space hike than a fenced play yard. Dogs can spread out quickly across the rolling terrain, so keep them in sight and carry a leash. The official rules require handlers to remain in the park with their dogs, maintain control and leash dogs before entering and after leaving.
No official source reviewed confirms a separate current small-dog enclosure. Visitors who need a fully fenced or size-separated space should choose another park.
Water, weather and trail conditions
Santa Fe’s dry climate and elevation can make a short outing demanding. Bring more water than you expect to use, protect paws from hot or rough ground and turn back before your dog tires. After rain or snow, arroyos and unpaved trails may be muddy or eroded.
Rules before you go off leash
Pick up waste and place it in a proper container. Dogs must have current license and rabies tags. Keep your dog in sight, remove an aggressive dog immediately and do not bring puppies younger than four months, sick dogs or females in heat. The handler remains responsible for the dog’s behavior and any injuries or damage.
Review the City of Santa Fe designated dog-park rules (PDF) and posted signs before entering.
What park visitors say
Visitors often praise the park’s scale, mountain views and room for a long off-leash walk. Reviewers also stress that dogs can move far ahead on the open trails and that the unfenced terrain is a poor fit for unreliable recall. Others recommend bringing extra water and planning around midday heat.
More options and current information
See the City of Santa Fe park listing and the Frank S. Ortiz Dog Park community site for current notices and stewardship information. You can also compare other listings in our Santa Fe dog park directory.