Close Menu

Accessible Trails in Boulder

Boulder is an adventure town with outdoor recreation for everyone. Wide-open spaces, fresh air, wildlife, camaraderie and all the other memorable experiences that happen on trails in natural spaces can be enjoyed year-round by people with disabilities. 

icon
Leave It As You Find It

Help protect Boulder's natural beauty by remembering these Leave No Trace principles, and before you go, check here for trail closures due to trail conditions.

Photo by Tom Chamberlin

The City of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks program has assembled an excellent set of resources for hikers using wheelchairs, walkers and scooters at AccessibleOSMP.org. It includes an excellent series of videos, starting with the one below. These subsequent five- to six-minute, fast-motion videos show an entire accessible trail hiked by wheelchair user Topher Downham. Along the way he shows obstacles encountered, local flora and fauna, and activities available at each location.

The city has also published an incredibly thorough and helpful, 40-page accessible trails guidebook (PDF) available for those seeking information about accessible hiking trails in Boulder. 

Trails to Explore

The following is a sampling of accessible paths and trails: 

Wonderland Lake

This 1.75-mile Wonderland Lake trail starts on the south side of the Foothills Nature Center. The trail crosses a grassy field. From this point, the trail circles the lake, some of it on paved sidewalk and some fine-crushed gravel trail. The peninsula on the northeast corner of the lake is great for fishing from a wheelchair since it brings you very close to the water.

Wonderland Lake
 
Ute Trail

The Ute Trail is a piney, scenic trail that begins near Realization Point (at the Flagstaff Mountain summit) and contours northeast along Flagstaff Mountain (the summit is at 7,283 feet) through meadows frequented by peacefully grazing mule deer. This trail is rated moderate-difficult for visitors experiencing disabilities, with a distance of about half a mile. The surface is a mix of crusher fines and hard pack, with a width ranging from 6 feet to 26 inches. The grade averages 6.5 percent, with a maximum grade of 13 percent (for about 20 feet).

Dry Creek

The 1.4-mile Dry Creek Trail runs through open grasslands of southeast Boulder with sweeping views of the Front Range and snowcapped Rocky Mountains. Occasional tree coverage provides little shade if you're going mid-day, and during the summer the "Dry Creek" is actually sure to be rushing. This is also a popular spot for dog walkers, as the space is fenced in. The self-closing gate from the parking area is 48” wide, with an opening tension of 6 lbs. The trail is generally easy, but moderately difficult in some sections and can be muddy or rutted.

Dry Creek Trail

Find detailed information on 30 trails in the City of Boulder's OSMP Accessible Trails and Sites PDF.

Try Handcycling for Free with OSMP

If you have a mobility impairment and want to try your hand at all-terrain handcycling before you invest in your own handcycle, come out for a ride with the City of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) staff. They do have power assist*, so even people without strong upper bodies can have an opportunity to explore nature. If interested, please send an email to Topher Downham at downhamt@bouldercolorado.gov. They can work out a date and time for you to try one out.

*OSMP allows people experiencing disabilities to use Other Power/Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs), including electric-assisted cycles and handcycles. E-bikes are allowed only on limited OSMP trails.

Free Wheelchair Rentals Downtown

Wheelchairs are available for free check-out at the Downtown Boulder visitor kiosk at 13th and Pearl Street. Visitors will just need to show two forms of ID and can borrow a wheelchair to explore downtown during the kiosk's open hours. Call 303-417-1365 for more information.