{"id":71410,"date":"2025-01-08T08:59:21","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T15:59:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=71410"},"modified":"2025-01-17T08:26:07","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T15:26:07","slug":"accessible-trails-and-natural-areas-in-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/accessible-trails-and-natural-areas-in-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"Accessible trails and natural areas in Colorado"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>
\"Hiking
Special equipment helps hikers access a high alpine tundra trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo by Ed Price, courtesy of Trail Access Project.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Boulder resident Topher Downham lost the ability to move his legs and hands in a swimming accident nearly three decades ago, nature became his healing instrument.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhenever I was mad, the best thing I could do was get outside,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Giving that opportunity to others became his mission, and he became a volunteer for Boulder\u2019s Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP).<\/p>\n

As the education outreach program manager of OSMP, he helps other people with disabilities and their families enjoy more than 30 different trails managed by OSMP.<\/p>\n

Other communities also are engaged in the effort to increase access to accessible trails. Fort Collins\u2019 AJ Chlebnik, a public engagement specialist for the city’s Natural Areas Department, said many Colorado areas are becoming more user-friendly for people with disabilities and limited mobility.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is happening around the state and country,” Chlebnik said. “People are thoughtfully planning good trails with good experiences for people with disabilities to come out into nature for both physical and mental health.”<\/p>\n

To help people find accessible trails and natural areas near them, we’re providing a roundup of trails in Colorado, including state and national parks, monuments and wildlife reserves. You can also learn about programs that help people access new types of bikes and other technology that make it easier for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.<\/p>\n

You can also learn more about accessible places by downloading an app called Roll Mobility.<\/a> They’re a UCHealth partner in Ready. Set. CO<\/a>, an effort to improve the health of all Coloradans.<\/p>\n

\"People
People enjoy Soapstone Prairie Natural Area north of Fort Collins. The area is one of Larimer County\u2019s accessible natural areas. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area, off of State Highway 392, and Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, between Masonville and Loveland along Fort Collins’ western foothills, also offer accessible trails. Photo courtesy of the City of Fort Collins.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fort Collins, Colorado, natural areas<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Thirty years ago, Fort Collins voters supported the first of several<\/a> dedicated city sales taxes for land conservation, trails and educational programs to establish the city’s dedicated natural areas.<\/p>\n

There are 52 conserved natural areas in and around Fort Collins, and about 114 miles of trails. As more trails are added, others are being renovated to better meet ADA-accessibility standards, Chlebnik said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAccessibility is important because natural areas belong to the entire community,\u201d she said. \u201cBeing able to have access, use and benefit from those areas is really important. We highly value equal and equitable access,” she said.<\/p>\n

Riverbend Ponds<\/strong> is one of Chlebnik\u2019s favorite accessible areas<\/a>. It has an accessible boardwalk off the Cherly Street entrance that takes you to a marshy area, a mecca for fireflies from mid-June to July. It\u2019s also a great place for birding. At the Cairns Street entrance, there is an accessible fishing pier on one of the ponds, which is stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.<\/p>\n

The Natural Areas Department has created an accessibility trail and facility assessment table<\/a> for natural areas and trails. This table details the trail type, length, width, and whether there is ADA parking. It also rates each route for wheelchair and motorized mobility devices from easy to very difficult. A map reflects the trail rating on a color scale.<\/p>\n

Chlebnik said the department is working to put together a free trail chair program that would allow visitors even more access to the areas. Until then, people can contact the department at naturalareas@fcgov.com<\/a> or call 970-416-2815 to request special accessibility accommodations for services, programs and activities.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Poudre River and Spring Creek trails run through Cattail Chorus Natural Area in Fort Collins. Both trails are paved and 10 feet wide with an \u201ceasy\u201d wheelchair rating by the city\u2019s natural areas department. There is no ADA parking in the natural area, but there are many ADA parking areas along the two trails. Photo courtesy of the City of Fort Collins.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Open Space and Mountain Parks – Boulder, Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks has developed natural sites and a trail system that is accessible to most wheelchairs, walkers and scooters.<\/p>\n

The OSMP trails allow you to explore the outdoors; natural sites provide opportunities such as fishing.<\/p>\n

People who have limited mobility can access 30 different trails. OSMP has ranked the trails by difficulty, scenery, shade and miles. Power-driven mobility devices also are allowed on these trails, while E-bikes for any other purpose are only permitted on certain OSMP trails<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A detailed guidebook outlines each trail<\/a>\u00a0and provides information about parking, entrance fees and facilities, as well as culture and history along the path and other site notes.<\/p>\n

Downham started gathering accessible trail information in 1998 and published the OSMP’s first guidebook in 2000, which was last updated in 2021.<\/p>\n

Two of Downham\u2019s favorite trails are the Ute\/Sensory trail on Flagstaff Summit and the South Boulder Creek Trail at the Bobolink Trailhead<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Enjoy
Enjoy a walk on South Boulder Creek Trail. Photo by Kaitlyn Merriman, courtesy of OSMP.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Ute\/Sensory trail<\/strong> is a moderately difficult trail that takes you 0.4 miles through a forest to great views of the area’s mountain peaks. Downham said the grade starts at 8%, and there are about 100 feet of 5% cross slope, but the views are worth the trek to the top. The sensory trail aspect offers a low-vision experience where people can enjoy nature through smell, sound and touch.<\/p>\n

You can access the northern end of the South Boulder Trail<\/strong> at Bobolink Trailhead. There are no facilities, though there is a picnic table. White-tailed and mule deer are common.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is shaded and follows along the stream,\u201d Downham said. \u201cIt is a great trail to get back into nature quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

OSMP has an all-terrain power assist hand bike program. An OSMP volunteer or staff member will accompany a hand-bike user on many of the OSMP trails. Email Topher Downham at downhamt@bouldercolorado.gov<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n

OSMP also offers several trail programs for people with disabilities<\/a>, including a year-round monthly \u201cRoll and Stroll\u201d hike to introduce families to different treks and new areas to explore.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe go all over the place from Garden of the Gods to Jefferson County\u2019s Big Easy (see Clear Creek Canyon Park section),” he said. “It’s a great way to interact with people in similar situations.”<\/p>\n

Peaks to Plains Trail – Clear Creek Canyon Park – Golden, Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Clear Creek Canyon Park <\/strong>offers a 10-foot wide paved surface along Clear Creek that starts in Golden. It includes the Big Easy and Mayhem Gulch trailheads, which have accessible parking and restrooms.<\/p>\n

Gateway Segment <\/strong>is a 1.75-mile trail that connects downtown Golden along Clear Creek to Tunnel 1 along U.S. 6. Both trailheads have accessible parking, restrooms and shade structures.<\/p>\n

Huntsman Segment<\/strong> is currently under construction and is part of the Peaks to Plains Trail. When completed, this 3-mile segment of ADA-compliant trail will connect the Gateway Trailhead segment to Huntsman Gulch. It will feature seven bridges spanning Clear Creek, multiple creek access points, and two new trailheads with full amenities and parking. It\u2019s expected to open in 2025.<\/p>\n

*There are construction closures in parts of Clear Creek Canyon Park. For the most up-to-date information<\/a>, visit the Jefferson County park\u2019s page.<\/p>\n

\"People
More communities are planning for or updating their trail systems to be accessible to all people in Colorado. Here residents in northern Colorado enjoy Soapstone Natural Area north of Fort Collins. Photo courtesy of the City of Fort Collins.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Eldorado Canyon State Park – south of Boulder, Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There is accessible fishing next to the Eldorado Canyon State Park visitor center.<\/p>\n

Fowler trail<\/strong> in Eldorado Canyon State Park<\/a> is less than a mile (one-way) with only a 280-foot elevation gain.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a nice wide (6-foot) and low-grade trail that looks out over the cliffs on the other side of the canyon,\u201d Downham said. \u201cAnd it is high up, which is always fun too.\u201d<\/p>\n

A brochure outlines a self-guided nature tour that corresponds with signage.<\/p>\n

Streamside Trail<\/strong> is short but has the tranquility of babbling South Boulder Creek. It\u2019s a beautiful place to get outdoors if you don’t want to travel far on a trail. The first 300 feet are wheelchair accessible.<\/p>\n

Other state and federal lands in Colorado with accessible trails and other opportunities for people with disabilities<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs, Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This 480-acre park is a registered National Natural Landmark featuring dramatic sandstone rock formations in the foreground of Pikes Peak. There is no admission fee to enjoy this rarity of nature.<\/p>\n

The visitor and nature center is accessible, and visitors can get maps and other information about the park at the center. Three paved trails in the park are accessible: Foothills, Gateway<\/strong> and the most popular one, <\/strong>Perkins Central Garden Trail.<\/p>\n

Perkins Central Garden Trail<\/strong> is a 1.5-mile loop trail fully paved path that starts at the main parking area and takes you by many of the park\u2019s tall rock formations. It also has scenic outlooks and restrooms.<\/p>\n

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve – near Alamosa, Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The visitor center building and restrooms are fully accessible<\/a> and open daily. About a mile north of the visitor center is the closest accessible parking to the dune fields. There is an accessible mat from the parking area to the edge of Medano Creek and the sand.<\/p>\n

However, beyond the mat, loose sand and Medano Creek make it nearly impossible for a traditional wheelchair to access the areas. Visitors can reserve (at no charge) a special balloon-tire wheelchair to access the dunes. The chairs require a strong helper to push a visitor through the sand, and there are two styles to choose from.<\/p>\n

\"At
At Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, two chair options allow people with limited mobility to travel over the sand. They do require a strong person to push the chairs. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a> – near Estes Park, Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

All visitors to Colorado’s most popular national park, Rocky Mountain National Park, need to be aware that reservations are necessary during the busy summer and fall months. Learn all about the timed entry reservation system<\/a> in Rocky Mountain National Park, and book your reservations through Recreation.gov.<\/a><\/p>\n

Coyote Valley Trail,<\/strong> in the valley of the Upper Colorado River, is often the grazing ground for elk and moose, especially in the early morning and late evenings. This 1-mile trail has packed gravel with a level grade.<\/p>\n

Sprague Lake <\/strong>was created a century ago by a homesteader who dammed a stream. This area offers impressive views of the Continental Divide. The best views come from hiking the 0.5 miles to the far end of the lake, where there is an accessible backcountry camping site<\/strong>. There are also accessible restrooms and a picnic area at the trailhead. (Please keep in mind that a special reservation for the busy Beark Lake corridor<\/a> is required to visit Sprague Lake during the peak summer and fall months.)<\/p>\n

Lily Lake<\/strong> is a 1-mile long, packed gravel trail through a relatively low elevation. A great place to view wildflowers in the spring and early summer, Lily Lake offers accessible bathrooms and a fishing pier.<\/p>\n

*August 2023 update: Part of the Lily Lake trail was affected by weather, so some sections of the trail might be difficult to access by wheelchair.”<\/p>\n

Alluvial Fan accessible trail<\/strong> is an accessible trail that travels through a boulder-strewn landscape caused when a dam burst. It is paved but very steep.<\/p>\n

Bear Lake<\/strong> is a 0.6-mile loop through a spruce and fir forest that encircles the lake at the base of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. With some steep areas, this hard-packed gravel trail is more challenging than the others listed here. Bear Lake is one of the busiest areas in Rocky Mountain National Park. Please be aware that you’ll need a special reservation<\/a> in advance to visit this area during the busy summer and fall months. Visitors also will need to take a shuttle bus since there is very little parking at Bear Lake. All shuttle busses are wheelchair accessible.<\/a><\/p>\n

Holzwarth Historic site<\/strong>: This 1920s dude ranch is in the Kawuneeche Valley, 8 miles north of the Kawuneeche visitor center on Highway 34 on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park near the town of Grand Lake. Explore a historic homestead cabin on this 1-mile round-trip trail.<\/p>\n

Rocky Mountain National Park has an all-terrain wheelchair program that allows visitors to reserve a chair for free. To reserve a chair, call the Estes Park Mountain Shop at 970.586.6548.<\/p>\n

\"The
Colorado offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, like on this Moose-Goose Natural Trail in Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge near Walden, Colorado. Photo courtesy of Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge – near Walden, Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Between Walden and Granby, Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge<\/a> is situated at more than 8,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest refuge in the lower 48 states. It is an intermountain glacial basin about 35 miles wide and 45 miles long. Preservation of wildlife and their habitat is the primary mission for this refuge. The area is not accessible in the winter. Prepare for mosquitoes in the spring, summer and fall months.<\/p>\n

Access to public facilities, programs and activities is open to everyone, including people with physical and mental disabilities.<\/p>\n

The Moose-Goose Natural Trail<\/strong> offers many opportunities to see birds and wildflowers, and visitors often can spot moose at sunset. The trail is a 0.7-mile loop and takes about 15 minutes to complete. It is paved with a 5% grade with flat resting spots as it leads to the boardwalk. The boardwalk, including bridges, was designed to be ADA compliant, but after the boardwalk, the trail turns into a hard-packed dirt trail and mowed vegetation that might be harder to navigate. It has no shade but has little use, so you may have the trail all to yourself.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Moose-Goose Natural Trail, past the boardwalk, is less accessible for people with limited mobility. Photo courtesy of Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mesa Verde National Park – near Cortez, Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

At Mesa Verde<\/a>, you’ll find several facilities, outlooks and trails accessible for people with limited mobility or other disabilities.<\/p>\n

The visitor and research center are fully accessible, while the museum is currently being renovated to meet ADA standards. Although most areas of the museum are accessible, there are still some areas that are not. Wheelchairs are available to borrow at these facilities.<\/p>\n

The Morefield Campground<\/strong> within Mesa Verde has wheelchair-accessible campsites<\/strong> along the Apache Loop.<\/p>\n

Spruce Tree House<\/strong> and the Cliff Palace overlooks<\/strong> provide spectacular views of the park and are accessible with assistance.<\/p>\n

Other outlooks are not fully accessible, but some visitors can enjoy them with assistance. Service dogs, under the ADA definition, also are allowed anywhere humans are allowed. However, read the cliff dwelling tour descriptions carefully on recreation.gov<\/a> to ensure your animal is capable of accompanying you on tours that involve climbing ladders and other obstacles.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Moose-Goose Natural Trail offers many opportunities to see birds and wildflowers, and visitors often can spot moose around sunset. Photo courtesy of the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – near Montrose, Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This spectacular canyon<\/a> has two roads that take you on either side of the canyon: the South Rim and North Rim.<\/p>\n

The South Rim visitor center and overlooks \u2013 Tomichi Point, Chasm View and Sunset View<\/strong> \u2013 are accessible to those with limited mobility.<\/p>\n

The South Rim campground<\/strong> has two accessible camping sites<\/strong> and restrooms.<\/p>\n

On the North Rim, the restrooms at the ranger station and the Balanced Rock Overlook<\/strong> are accessible.<\/p>\n

Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are allowed in the area anywhere human visitors are allowed.<\/p>\n

\"Colorado
Colorado National Monument has several ADA-compliant overlooks that give you a great view and history of the area. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Colorado National Monument – near Grand Junction, Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The visitor center, located 4 miles inside the park from the west entrance, offers accessible restrooms, picnic areas and different programs<\/a> within the center.<\/p>\n

Saddlehorn Campground<\/strong> has two accessible sites<\/strong> available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campground restrooms are accessible, and many other sites are level and negotiable for people who use wheelchairs. The Book Cliffs View overlook<\/strong> along the campground loop is also accessible.<\/p>\n

Several overlooks along Rim Rock Drive are accessible, including Independence Monument View, Coke Ovens Overlook<\/strong> and Cold Shivers Point<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Service animals are allowed in the park and on trails.<\/p>\n

Alcove Natural Trail<\/strong>: This trail starts at the southeast end of the visitor center parking lot. It is a 5-foot wide hard-packed trail with a 7% grade leading 0.25 miles to an overlook of upper Wedding Canyon.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Plug Hat Trail features a relatively flat, paved path with benches located at scenic areas. Photo by Molly Swindle, courtesy of the National Park Service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dinosaur National Monument – northwest Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dinosaur National Monument<\/a> is known for its famous fossil finds, dramatic river canyons and petroglyphs. Harpers Corner Scenic Drive is a 31-mile paved drive offering great views with wheelchair-accessible outlooks over the rivers and canyons.<\/p>\n

The Plug Hat Trail<\/strong><\/a> is short \u2013 0.25 miles round trip \u2013 but is a flat paved trail at the top of a butte that provides panoramic views of the area. It winds through pinyon pine and juniper trees. The trail is wheelchair accessible, but some assistance may be needed. There is an accessible picnic area across the road from the trailhead. Leashed pets are allowed.<\/p>\n

\"Located
Located along Harpers Corner Road, the Plug Hat Trail is a short paved path in the Plug Hat Butte Area. The path is wheelchair accessible, although some assistance may be required. Benches are located at scenic intervals along the way. Photo by Molly Swindle, courtesy of NPS.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ridgway State Park – near Ridgway, Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

Don\u2019t forget the sunscreen!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Free sunscreen is available in Colorado state parks to ensure your skin is protected while enjoying the outdoors. You can find a sunscreen station at one of these seven state parks: Chatfield, Roxborough, Golden Gate Canyon, Eleven Mile & Spinney, Ridgway, State Forest and Castlewood Canyon.<\/p>\n

These stations were made available through a partnership between UCHealth\u2019s Ready. Set. CO<\/a> statewide challenge, the CDPHE\u2019s Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and IMPACT Melanoma.<\/p>\n<\/div>All three park areas<\/a> \u2013 Pa-Co-Chu-Puk, Dallas Creek and Dutch Charlie \u2013 offer some universally-accessible trails close to picnic areas and restrooms.<\/p>\n

Mear\u2019s Bay Trail is a 1-mile concrete trail that winds along the lake’s shoreline. It is a great place to see waterfowl and get a spectacular view of the San Juan Mountains.<\/p>\n

Marmot Run Trail is a 1.8-mile trail along the lake and the Uncompahgre River that feeds the lake. This trail connects the park to the town of Ridgway, 4 miles away.<\/p>\n

The park has a track-chair program, so people with disabilities can access more of the park. Also part of the program is a 300-foot beach mat that allows all wheelchair users to navigate sand on the Dutch Charlie Designed Swim Beach area of the park to the water. And a floating chair enables users to enter the water safely. In the summer months, the park offers accessible paddleboards.<\/p>\n

Two year-round track chairs can be used on four trails<\/a>: Forest Discovery, The Overlook, Mea\u2019s Bay and Wapiti to the Sunset Ridge Overlook. You can make reservations in advance for two-hour time blocks.<\/p>\n

There is a park entrance fee, but the use of the equipment is free.<\/p>\n

Other accessible trail opportunities in Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Overlook Trail in Vogel Canyon, south of La Junta, Colorado, <\/strong>is an easy 1-mile loop from the parking area and provides access to a canyon overlook. This canyon<\/a> has a rich Native American culture that dates back 800 years and is a scenic tributary of the Purgatorie River.<\/p>\n

Fish Creek Falls overlook trail<\/a> near Steamboat Springs, Colorado<\/strong>, is a quarter-mile (one-way) paved wheelchair-accessible trail with a nice view of the 283-foot waterfall.<\/p>\n

Look for adaptive sports programs<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Downham, of Boulder’s open space programs, said communities are continuing to make outdoor adventures more accessible.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe’ve come a long way, especially with all the new technologies that allow people to get out more easily,\u201d he said. \u201cColorado Parks and Wildlife are in the forefront of it, but being aware of what\u2019s needed to provide access to wheelchairs and hand bikes, expressing that need from the beginning, in the design stage, is what still needs to be happening.\u201d<\/p>\n

And though more land management organizations are starting to invest in equipment, such as track bikes, people with disabilities should also consider reaching out to adaptive sports programs. For example, he said Telluride Adaptive Sports Program<\/strong><\/a> offers guided bike tours using program bikes.<\/p>\n

Park and entry passes that make accessible trails an affordable option<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For people who are eager to get out and enjoy accessible trails and natural areas, state and federal parks offer free or discounted passes for people with disabilities.<\/p>\n

Check out these great passes:<\/p>\n