End-of-Summer Adventures: Accessible Trails, Parks, and Recreation Across Colorado
Image: A man who is a wheelchair user sits by a picnic bench in the forest. They are drinking beers, and there is a mountain bike leaning up against the table.
As summer begins to wind down, many of us feel the pull to get outside one last time before the cooler weather sets in. Colorado offers endless opportunities to enjoy nature, from hiking, fishing, cycling, camping, or simply soaking in the views.
Colorado is a passionately outdoorsy state, and people with disabilities are increasingly finding new opportunities to enjoy it to the fullest. Thanks to the growing recognition that everyone deserves to have accessible experiences to enjoy the best of what Colorado has to offer, more and more programs are opening doors to adventure. From adaptive equipment to accessible trails and inclusive recreation events, cities, parks, and nonprofits across Colorado are making it possible for everyone to share in the state’s natural beauty and outdoor culture.
We understand that recreation is a pathway to wellness, independence, and community. That’s why we’re sharing some of the best accessible outdoor opportunities across Colorado for end-of-summer adventures, so you can get in the last few weeks of summer outdoor adventures!
Trails, Parks, and Lakes
Wilderness on Wheels (Grant, CO)
Wilderness on Wheels is a one-of-a-kind outdoor destination designed from the ground up with accessibility in mind. Its signature feature is a gently graded, 8-foot-wide boardwalk that stretches a mile through pine forest and open meadows, gradually climbing to nearly 9,000 feet in elevation. Along the way are benches, picnic areas, and rest stops, making it easy to pause and enjoy the views. Visitors can camp at fully accessible sites, fish in nearby trout ponds, and take in the wildflowers and wildlife that thrive at higher elevations. Learn more here.
Staunton State Park (near Conifer)
Nestled in the foothills just west of Denver, Staunton State Park has become a model for inclusive outdoor recreation. Through Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s Track Chair Program, wheelchair users can reserve motorized track chairs equipped with tank-like treads to travel over rocks, roots, and steep terrain that would normally be inaccessible. With a track chair, visitors can reach stunning overlooks, explore deep forest trails, and access fishing piers along mountain lakes. The program makes it possible for people of all abilities to enjoy Colorado’s rugged landscapes firsthand. Learn more about the Track Chair Program and reserve your chair here.
Image: A woman is pictured using a balloon-tired wheelchair at the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Famous for having the tallest dunes in North America, this park is a bucket-list stop for many Coloradans. For wheelchair users, exploring the dunes themselves is possible through the park’s track chair program, which provides balloon-tired all-terrain wheelchairs capable of navigating the soft sand. The park also offers accessible campsites, picnic areas, restrooms, and a visitor center with interactive exhibits. From stargazing at night to dipping toes in Medano Creek, the Sand Dunes are a chance to experience one of Colorado’s most iconic landscapes without barriers. Learn more and reserve your track chair here.
Boulder Accessible Trails and Programs
Known for its strong outdoor culture, Boulder has invested in making its trail system welcoming to people of all abilities. The city provides adaptive hiking and biking programs specifically for wheelchair users, along with detailed information on which trails are paved, flat, or otherwise accessible. Popular routes include the Boulder Creek Path, which winds through downtown along the creek, and the Wonderland Lake Trail, with scenic foothills views. In addition, the city partners with nonprofits to host guided outings and adaptive cycling programs, creating a community around accessible recreation. Visit the City of Boulder Accessibility page to learn more and download the trail guide.
Adaptive Sports and Recreation
Colorado is home to a vibrant community of adaptive sports programs that empower people with disabilities to explore new challenges and discover new passions. These organizations provide specialized equipment and training, and also create welcoming spaces where recreation is paired with friendship, resilience, and independence.
Image: A group of people enjoys kayaking on a river.
Adaptive Adventures (Lakewood, CO)
Adaptive Adventures is a nonprofit that has been redefining what’s possible in outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. Their year-round programming includes activities like adaptive cycling on hand cycles and recumbent bikes, rock climbing with specialized harnesses and gear, alpine and Nordic skiing, kayaking on calm waters and whitewater rivers, and even rafting trips that let participants experience the thrill of Colorado’s rapids. What makes Adaptive Adventures special is its commitment to serving people of all ages, from children discovering sports for the first time to adults rediscovering their love of the outdoors after injury or illness. Beyond the activities themselves, the program emphasizes building confidence, independence, and community through shared adventure. Learn more and sign up by visiting the Adaptive Adventures website.
Rocky Mountain Tennis Center (Boulder)
The Rocky Mountain Tennis Center is one of the few facilities in Colorado that offers dedicated programming for wheelchair tennis players. Camps and clinics are designed for athletes at every level, whether someone is picking up a racket for the first time, playing for recreation, or training for competitive tournaments. Coaches work with participants on mobility techniques, strategy, and skill development, all while fostering an encouraging and fun atmosphere. Tennis is an especially empowering adaptive sport because it provides both vigorous physical activity and a chance to build social connections. The program creates a space where wheelchair athletes can develop as players while also being part of a supportive community. Learn more about their program here.
Park Passes: The Columbine Parks Pass
One of the best resources for people with disabilities who love the outdoors is the Columbine Parks Pass. Offered through Colorado Parks & Wildlife, this pass is available to Colorado residents with a total and permanent disability for just $14 per year. It provides entry to all of Colorado’s 42 state parks, making it easier and more affordable to enjoy everything from fishing and camping to accessible trails and lakes.
The Columbine Pass reflects Colorado’s commitment to inclusion, ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunity to explore the state’s incredible natural spaces without financial barriers. You can apply directly through CPW, and once approved, the pass makes year-round access simple and affordable. Get your pass here.
Tips for Planning Your Adventure
Planning ahead can make the difference between a stressful outing and a joyful one. For many accessible recreation programs, equipment like track chairs or adaptive bikes needs to be reserved in advance, and they book up quickly, especially on sunny weekends. It’s always worth calling ahead to ensure what you need will be available when you arrive.
Colorado weather is beautiful but unpredictable, so checking trail conditions before you go is another helpful step. A trail that’s usually smooth might be muddy after a storm, or a paved path might be closed for maintenance. Knowing what to expect allows you to adjust and avoid frustration.
Some trails are easy to navigate solo, while others can be more enjoyable with a companion. Having someone along can make transfers easier, provide an extra hand on hills, or simply share the joy of the experience. Many people find that recreating together deepens the sense of connection that makes these outings so meaningful.
Finally, consider keeping an eye out for community events and adaptive recreation days. These gatherings are not only a chance to try new activities, like adaptive kayaking or tennis, but also an opportunity to meet others in the disability community who love the outdoors. The friendships and support networks that grow out of these shared experiences often last well beyond the summer.
Why Accessible Recreation Matters
Outdoor spaces are part of what makes Colorado such a special place to live. They bring joy, healing, and connection. Ensuring that these experiences are accessible is about creating further equity and inclusion in our communities. Everyone deserves the opportunity to watch the sunset over alpine meadows, fish in a mountain stream, or feel the thrill of a new adventure.
As the season shifts, we encourage you to explore these resources and discover how accessible recreation can expand independence and create lasting memories. Because at the end of the day, Colorado belongs to all of us.