Wheelchair Accessible Trails Around Colorado
From hiking to rock climbing Colorado has a variety of outdoor activities for the entire family including those that are in wheelchairs. This past weekend my little sister Keona came to visit me here in Colorado. Keona was born with Spina Bifida, which is a birth defect that occurs in the mother’s womb when the spinal cord does not develop properly. She was stunned by the beauty of the “Centennial State,” especially, because she is from the small hills of Georgia. Keona was ready to take on the great outdoors and experience the Rocky Mountains for the first time. Thankfully there are numerous trails that are wheelchair accessible. Here is a list of some of the places we were able to visit and trails that were all inclusive:
1. Eagle and Sage Trails
The Boulder Valley Ranch trailhead offers access to two wheelchair-friendly hikes: The Eagle and Sage trails. Together, they form a 2.6-mile loop. Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks division maintains a detailed guide to wheelchair-accessible trails, including fast-motion videos of many routes.
2. Perkins Central Garden Loop
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a must-see landmark. Perkins Central Garden Loop is a 1.1-mile paved concrete that’s wheelchair-accessible and a great place to see rock climbers scaling the formations’ walls.
3. Fountain Valley Loop Trail
The Fountain Valley Loop Trail, just a few miles southwest of Denver is a 2.5-mile hike that is wheelchair friendly. Plan to spend up to two hours on this route. The entire park is calm and peaceful.
4. Mesa and Homestead Trails
Boulder’s South Mesa Trailhead is roughly 2 miles of wheelchair-friendly hiking. The trail is along South Boulder Creek where there are wheelchair-accessible spots along the creek to stop and get great Instagram photos.
