![\"Wheelchair](\"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/CAT20080611_SpragueLake_038.jpg\")
<\/a>Colorado has a number of trails with minimal obstacles in natural areas. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are a few of them.
\nMost of the links given were found through Internet search. Some places I have been able to visit and a few have been recommended to me by other people who have been there. With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of the need for more accessibility. Please e-mail me with your suggestions using the form in the sidebar.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Federal<\/a> Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Look farther down this Federal section to see listings specifically for Roosevelt National Forest and the Pawnee National Grasslands.<\/p>\n Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests – Mount Goliath<\/strong> Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex<\/strong>\u00a0in northern Colorado and\u00a0 southern Wyoming has an accessible trail and some ADA compliant overlooks.\u00a0 The Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge has an easy hiking trail.\u00a0 \u00a0These refuges are part of a refuge complex that includes one refuge in Colorado and four in southern Wyoming.\u00a0 The headquarters are in Walden, Colorado.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 970-723-8528.\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>. Comanche National Grasslands – Vogel Canyon<\/strong> Dinosaur National Monument The Monument has a non-motorized wheelchair with large, inflatable tires that can be requested and borrowed for daily use.” Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests Douglas Ranger District <\/a>\u00a0307-358-4690 This is some information about Pawnee Campgrounds<\/a> Pawnee National Grassland Rio Grande National Forest \u00a0Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Rocky Mountain National Park Roosevelt National Forest<\/strong> San Juan National Forest Mark Winkworth writes that there is accessible fishing at Andrew’s Lake.<\/p>\n Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong> <\/p>\n White River National Forest<\/strong> Tenmile Canyon National Recreation Trail at Black Lake Number One<\/strong> There are about 42 State Parks<\/a> in Colorado. \u00a0Admission for a day is $7 per vehicle or $70 a year ($60 for seniors). \u00a0There is no charge for vehicles bearing a disabled veteran’s plate. \u00a0Disabled visitors may apply for a yearly $14 Columbine Pass, which can be transferred between cars.<\/p>\n Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area<\/a> Barr Lake State Park Castlewood Canyon State Park<\/strong> Chatfield State Park<\/strong> Eldorado State Park\u00a0<\/strong>
\nState<\/a>
\nLocal<\/a>
\nPrivate<\/a>
\nMiscellaneous<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Federal<\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong>These mountain Forests in north central Colorado include popular destinations such as Guanella Pass, Alpine Central Railroad Grade trail, Brainard Lake Recreation Area and the Mount Goliath Natural Area.
\nSupervisor’s Office 970-295-6600. The National Forests website.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Links to Maps<\/a>
\nBrainard Lake Recreation Area \u00a0Although trails leading from Brainard Lake are not particularly easy, you can \u00a0enjoy walking around the lake’s margins. \u00a0Watch out for moose!\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.
\n<\/a>Alpine Central Railroad Grade\u00a0 As long as you want to do, but 3 miles to Pavilion Point.\u00a0 The trail starts at Silver Plume and goes 13 miles to Mt. McClellan.\u00a0 Here it is described by the Hiking Project<\/a>.
\n<\/a>Guanella Pass\u00a0 \u00a0Most of the trails from the top of Guanella Pass are too long and steep in places to be included here.\u00a0 However, it is an easy drive from Georgetown to the parking lots at this above-timberline destination,\u00a0 There are flowers and beautiful views and a toilet!\u00a0 Here is a description of some trails<\/a> that lead off of the pass.\u00a0 And another website<\/a> about the pass area.
\n<\/a>Rainbow Lakes Trail c 2.6 miles round trip along a series of 9 small lakes and beaver ponds.\u00a0 Said to be easy but rocky in places.\u00a0 Another place to watch out for moose. It is north of Nederland.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 303-541-2500.\u00a0 Reviewed by AllTrails.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Here is the Forest Service’s description and directions<\/a>, but they have accidentally included it in the webpages for Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico.<\/p>\n
\nMount Goliath\u00a0\u00a0is a beautiful area right at timberline on the road towards Summit Lake.\u00a0 The area immediately around the Nature center is accessible and the close by trails are easy walking.\u00a0 Mt. Goliath is famous for its ancient bristlecone pines and alpine garden. \u00a0 Interpretation displays and an accessible restroom are available in the Dos Chappell Nature Center. \u00a0The garden is managed by the Denver Botanic Gardens in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service.\u00a0 A call to the Clear Creek Ranger District\u00a0303-567-4382 will let you know if the road is open.\u00a0 \u00a0Here is the\u00a0website.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>A limited area is wheelchair accessible. \u00a0The path through the garden is easy.<\/p>\n
\nArapaho National Wildlife Refuge is south of Walden, Colorado in North Park, an intermountain glacial basin with an elevation ranging from 8,100 to 8,700′.
\nPhone\u00a0 970-723-8202
\nMoose-Goose Nature Trail \u00a00.5 mile “…winds along the Illinois River, provides a great chance to view song birds and other riparian residents.”
\nThere are three ADA compliant overlooks and an accessible viewing blind.
\nHutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge
\n2.6 miles of hiking trail. “It is possible to hike all or portions of the system. The flat to gently sloping terrain makes it enjoyable for all hikers.”\u00a0 Here is the website for Hutton Lake<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nVogel Canyon, a tributary of the Purgatorie River Drainage, has the easy Overlook trail and three other hiking trails going to the canyon bottom or along the mesa top.\u00a0 There are two\u00a0permanent springs located at the bottom of the canyon, which support a variety of wildlife.\u00a0 American Indians lived in the canyon 300 – 800 years ago and left rock art which is visible on the canyon walls.
\nHere is the Forest Service Website<\/a>\u00a0 and another\u00a0website<\/a> with lots of information.
\n <\/a><\/strong>“The Overlook Trail is a one mile round trip. This trail is handicapped accessible and consists of a gravel walkway along the top of canyon.”\u00a0 the trail goes through shortgrass prairie and juniper trees and ends at the top of a small cliff with a view of the canyon.\u00a0 Here is a trail description from All Trails<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>
\n<\/strong>Dinosaur National Monument\u00a0has one wheelchair accessible trail and numerous easy trails. The monument lies on the border between\u00a0Colorado\u00a0and\u00a0Utah\u00a0at the confluence of the\u00a0Green\u00a0and\u00a0Yampa Rivers. just to the north of the town of\u00a0Vernal, Utah. There are over 800 paleontological sites in the Jurassic Morrison formation. There are fossils of many dinosaurs including Allosaurus, Deinonychus, and Abydosaurus.\u00a0\u00a0Dinosaur National Monument protects 105 miles of the Green and Yampa rivers and more than 210,000 acres of the rivers’ canyons.
\nPhone 435-781-7700 \u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 Accessibility<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Links to trail details<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Monument website<\/a>
\nPlug Hat Trail \u00a00.25 mile loop paved \u00a0“…trail on top of a butte affords excellent views of the surrounding landscape and provides an introduction to the pinyon pine-juniper community.”
\n<\/a>Cold Desert Trail\u00a0 0.5 mile loop\u00a0 “This short, level walk provides insight into the diversity of the desert shrub community found around Dinosaur National Monument.”
\n<\/a>Box Canyon Trail 0.5 mile in and out.\u00a0 “A level walk into a shady box canyon.”
\n<\/a>Gates of Lodore Trail\u00a0 0.75 mile one way.\u00a0 There are a “few steps” at the beginning of the trail and then it is a level walk above the Green River ending at a view of the entrance to Lodore Canyon.
\n<\/a>Hog Canyon Trail\u00a0 1.5 mile one way.\u00a0 “A relatively level walk into a box canyon.”<\/p>\n<\/a>Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
\n<\/strong>Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument preserves fossils from 34 million years ago at the site of the Eocene-era Lake Florissant, which was inundated with volcanic ash.\u00a0 The ash has preserved an amazing assortment of plants, fish, spiders, and insects whose fossil remains can be seen at the visitor center.\u00a0 \u00a0You will also see huge petrified tree stumps.\u00a0 There are 14 miles of hiking trails there, most of them pretty easy and one fully accessible.\u00a0 Check with the Visitor Center to determine their condition and suitability for you.<\/p>\n
\nHere is their\u00a0website.\u00a0 \u00a0Accessibility<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0Map of hiking trails.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 719-748-3253
\n<\/a>Ponderosa Loop Trail, 0.5 mile self-guided trail.\u00a0 It may be covered by snow in the winter.
\n<\/a>Petrified Forest Loops\u00a0 1.0 mile self-guided.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>From\u00a0mountain ranges to\u00a0grasslands and crystal clear streams, the national forests and national grassland provide abundant and unique opportunities for visitors.
\nHere is the Forests website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phones: \u00a0Forest supervisor 307-745-2300
\nFrom stateparks.com<\/a>: “The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests extend from north central Colorado to central Wyoming. The Forests encompass portions of many mountain ranges including the Gore Range, Flat Tops, Parks Range, Medicine Bow Mountains, Sierra Madre, and Laramie Range.”
\nUnfortunately, this branch of the Forest Service gives very little information on trails. \u00a0Here is the page with links to information each trail<\/a>, but they seldom give length, let alone difficulty rating.
\nBrush Creek\/Hayden Ranger District<\/a> \u00a0307-326-5258 \u00a0
\n<\/strong>Snowy Range Scenic Byway<\/a>\u00a0 also described here<\/a>
\nMirror Lake Picnic Ground includes an accessible \u00a0path to the water, \u00a0campsites and fishing platform.
\nLake Marie Trail goes along the southeast shore of the Lake<\/p>\n<\/a>Brooklyn Lake Road 3.5 miles described as easy in Hiking Project<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nLaramie Ranger District<\/a> \u00a0307-745-2398
\n<\/a>Medicine Bow Trail is a 23\u00a0 mile Rail-Trail from Laramie to Coalmont Colorado. Hiking Project description.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\n<\/strong>The Pawnee National Grassland in northeast Weld County, Colorado is part of the Roosevelt National Forest and has the accessible Trail of the Mourning Dove and a Birdwalk in the Crow Valley Recreation Area.\u00a0 The grassland is a part of the short grass prairie and a fine location for spring wildflowers and for birding.\u00a0 Wildlife includes pronghorn, bison, prairie dogs and many others. The Buttes, which rise about 300 feet above the plains are erosional remnants of the High Plains.\u00a0\u00a0 They consist of the soft clay-rich Brule formation overlain by the sandstone and conglomerates of the Pawnee Creek and the Arikaree formations.
\nBe sure to call ahead to learn of trail conditions and of seasonal closures.\u00a0\u00a0Here is the website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 970-834-9270\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>
\nCrow Valley Recreation Area
\n<\/a>Trail of the Mourning Dove Short trail from the Steward J. Adams Education Site along the usually dry Crow Creek”
\n<\/a>Birdwalk Trail\u00a0 Short walk across a dry creek bed and into a cottonwood stand.
\nPawnee Buttes Trail
\n<\/a>1.5 mile trail to the first butte and 2.1 mile to “slightly beyond the eastern base of the western Pawnee Butte.\u00a0 The trail is rated\u00a0 easy or “easy to intermediate” depending on which reference you find.\u00a0 \u00a0Here is a detailed description<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Call ahead to learn more.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Rio Grande National Forest in south central Colorado includes the spectacularly beautiful San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains and contains the San Luis Valley and parts of four wilderness areas.\u00a0 \u00a0There is not much online about easy trails here, so please write me about your favorites.
\n<\/a>Big Meadows Reservoir\u00a0 Thank you to Ronnie Day of the Forest Service, who wrote: “Our terrain doesn’t allow for much but we have a place called big meadows reservoir that has a short hardened trail from the campground down to the lake shore and along the shore a short ways. \u00a0The rest of the trail circles the lake and is fairly easy along the dam and up the north shore. ”\u00a0 \u00a0There is a wheelchair accessible fishing pier. Here is a link to a description of the Big Meadows Reservoir<\/a> area.
\n<\/a><\/strong>The Alder Bench trail (Forest Service trail 799) <\/a>is easy for the first half mile or so going up into the forest. \u00a0We stopped\u00a0where it turned back and steepened. \u00a0Directions and map.<\/a>\u00a0 Coming back down to the trail marker post (it has lost its arms) I then followed a social trail north paralleling Alder Creek. \u00a0After about 1\/2 mile barbed wire marks\u00a0the start of private property. \u00a0This was a lovely, quiet little walk. \u00a0Very easy and pretty.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>
\n<\/strong>\u00a0The Rocky Mountain Arsenal northeast of Denver, Colorado occupies more than 15,000 acres and has many easy hiking trails and a self-guided Wildlife Drive auto tour.\u00a0\u00a0Visitor activities include wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, nature programs, and fishing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>You may see over 330 species of wildlife there.\u00a0\u00a0Trails and Wildlife Tour map<\/a>\u00a0 Although I have been told there are ADA-compliant trails there, the brochure only gives the lengths of the many short trails.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Location map<\/a>
\nThe Arsenal’s website<\/a>.\u00a0 The Visitor Center phone is 303-289-0930<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Rocky Mountain National Park’s accessible trails include Lily Lake Trail, Sprague Lake Trail, Bear Lake Trail, Coyote Valley Trail and the Holzwarth Historic Site Access Road.\u00a0 There is also a paved trail to the Forest Canyon Overlook.\u00a0 This high altitude park is 415 square miles of beautiful mountain country, easily reached from the northern Front Range Cities.\u00a0 Stop by a Visitor Center to learn about easy trails that might work for you.\u00a0 Phone 970-586-1206\u00a0 \u00a0Park Brochure<\/a>\u00a0 Park Website<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Description in The Disabled Traveler’s Companion<\/a>. \u00a0Accessibility<\/a> page from the Park Service.
\nWheelchair Accessible Trails described by RockyMountainNationalPark.com<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0This web site is not affiliated with the National Park Service or National Forest Service, but looks pretty useful. \u00a0 They also have information on\u00a0Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests and the neighboring communities of Estes Park and Grand Lake.
\nThe drive over Trail Ridge Road goes above timberline to 12,000′ altitude giving you a chance to experience the tundra and distant mountain views without needing to hike.\u00a0 \u00a0However, even walking may leave you short of breath at this altitude.<\/p>\n<\/a>Sprague Lake\u00a0 0.75 mile around the lake.\u00a0 There is a striking view of the Rampart to the west.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/a>This trail is open in the winter and the snow is usually packed down so you can walk it using poles and with spiked treads attached to your boots.\u00a0 For those of use who can’t ski anymore it is wonderful to get out and experience some winter.
\n<\/a>Bear Lake 0.89 mile loop around popular Bear Lake.<\/p>\n<\/a>Coyote Valley 1 mile round trip in the Kawuneeche Valley, downstream from the Colorado River’s headwaters in the Never Summer Mountains.<\/p>\n<\/a>Lily Lake Trail 0.8 mile – a pretty loop around the lake.\u00a0 You can reach it off of highway 7 south of Estes Park and although it is administered by the Park Service, there is no fee.
\nGPS at parking lot N40\u00b0 18.404′ \u00a0W105\u00b0 32.270′<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a>Forest Canyon Overlook in Rocky Mountain National Park is fully wheelchair accessible and has beautiful views of the canyon below and Longs Peak in the distance. \u00a0GPS at parking lot N40\u00b0 23.731′ W105\u00b0 12.691. \u00a0Trail Ridge Road is closed in winter and early spring.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>
\nThe Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest in north central Colorado includes the Pawnee National Grasslands, Pingree Park, the Red Feather Lakes area and Big Thompson and Estes Park.\u00a0 The Poudre Wilderness Volunteers post an informative website<\/a> describing these areas.\u00a0 Phone for the Canyon Lakes Ranger District is 970-295-6700.
\nPawnee National Grasslands<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0I have a separate post about this area.\u00a0 Look for it above this post.
\nPingree Park<\/strong> contains Colorado State University’s Mountain Campus.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Map<\/a>
\n<\/a>Comanche Lake\u00a0 1.1 miles to the lake, 1.6 miles if you go around the lake.\u00a0 Here is a detailed description<\/a> of the trail.
\nRed Feather Lakes<\/strong>
\n<\/a>Lady Moon Trail is 2.6 miles between the two trailheads, but you may just want to hike a mile or mile and a half from the Elkhorn Creek Trailhead.\u00a0 \u00a0Half a mile from the Lady Moon trailhead and about 1.5 miles from the Elkhorn Creek trailhead the trail takes an elevation gain which may be more strenuous than you want.\u00a0 Here is a description<\/a>.
\n<\/a>Mt. Margaret Trail 3.8 miles downhill! to the summit\u00a0 You may want to just hike the first 1.5 miles to avoid an uphill return.\u00a0\u00a0Most of this trail is on an old roadbed .\u00a0 \u00a0Forest Service description.<\/a>\u00a0 Location Map<\/a>\u00a0 Described on AllTrails\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0and on HikingProject.<\/a>
\nYou can gain access to the easy-sounding Columbine Trail Complex from the Mt. Margaret trail, but that is probably a longer hike than you want to take.\u00a0 These trails are also mostly old roads.
\nHere is a map<\/a> of the Red Feather Lakes area.
\nLily Mountain<\/strong>
\n<\/a>Lily Mountain Trail is pretty level for the first mile before climbing over 800′ to the summit in just one more mile.\u00a0 Description<\/a>\u00a0 Road map<\/a> showing the trailhead. <\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>The San Juan National Forest has the wheelchair accessible Big Al trail and a short paved trail at Animas Overlook as well as accessible fishing at Andrews Lake.\u00a0 The Forest occupies 1.8 million acres of high alpine peaks and meadows to desert mesas in southwest Colorado.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>This beautiful area includes the South San Juan, Hermosa,\u00a0 Weminuche and Lizard Head Wilderness areas.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Phone\u00a0970-247-4874
\n<\/strong>Here is their website.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0
\n<\/strong>Thank you to Jack Olson and to Mark Winkworth for the following information:
\n<\/strong> <\/a><\/strong>Big Al Trail\u00a0 0.5 mile\u00a0 “surfaced, barrier-free trail leading…to a deck overhanging West Mancos Canyon. Interpretive signs point out flora and fauna, and there are benches for resting. The trailhead is across from the campground entrance.”\u00a0 From World Travel Blog <\/a>\u00a0(which includes directions to the trailhead):\u00a0 The trail “provides spectacular views of the west Mancos Canyon within the La Plata Mountains.\u00a0 With a total ascent of 53 feet over a half mile, this hike can be completed by anyone, including those in wheelchairs.”
\n<\/a>Animas Overlook Trail\u00a0 a “short paved but rough trail” in the area of a good picnic spot up the Junction Creek Road overlooking the north Animas Valley.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The refuge is divided into two areas, both of which have accessible trails. \u00a0The Prairie Management Area is open dawn to dusk all\u00a0year. \u00a0We went in October and were disappointed to learn that the more interesting\u00a0Two Ponds area is only open May\u00a0through September and then\u00a0only Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. \u00a0Dogs are not allowed on the refuge. Described on National Recreational Trails<\/a> site. \u00a0Reviewed on Trip Advisor<\/a>
\nMap<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>Phone 303-289-0232<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a>
\n“White River National Forest is the most visited national forest in the nation encompassing\u00a02.3 million acres. With 11\u00a0ski resorts,\u00a0eight Wilderness areas, 10 mountain\u00a0peaks over 14,000 feet and 2,500 miles of trails, this forest is a place where you can press play on adventure and inspiration!”\u00a0 Here is the Forest website.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Phone for the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Glenwood Springs is 970-945-2521.<\/p>\n
\nThanks to Bob King who provided all the following information and photographs:
\nThe Tenmile National Recreation Trail, is paved and extends for 18 miles, connecting to other paved trails.\u00a0 It passes by Black Lake, altitude about 10,500″. The lake is a beautiful spot with a fishing pier and quite a few wildflowers. We\u2019ve also seen Bald Eagles flying above the trees. \u00a0Watch for bicyclists and stay on the right-hand side of the path\u00a0 \u00a0Weekdays and late summer after schools are in session are less crowded times to go.
\nWe park in a gravel lot below the dam\u2026. There is no handicapped parking designation and there is a little lip up from the gravel lot onto the trail.\u00a0 We get to this spot from the Vail Pass exit off I 70 and then take the frontage road short distance to Black Lake.\u00a0 \u00a0There are two other parking areas, but this is the safest place for wheelchairs, next to the gate that restricts car traffic. There is also a picnic area here. More information<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>State<\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong>The AHRA has a variety of trails for outdoor recreation.
\nHayden Meadows \u00a0 “at the northern end of AHRA, has ADA accessible interpretive and fishing trails, 5 wetland boardwalks, and 2 bridges surrounding a small reservoir.”
\nPhone 719-539-7289 \u00a0\u00a0Map & Brochure<\/a>
<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\n<\/strong>Barr Lake State Park surrounds a 1900 acre reservoir ringed with Cottonwoods, marshes and aquatic plants. \u00a0It is a favorite with the birding community.
\nYou can ride their “Eagle Express” (like a golf cart seating 14) for a naturalist\u00a0guided tour. \u00a0It is available in warm weather on weekends. \u00a0Call 303-659-6005 for information.
\nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 303-655-1495 or 303-659-6005 \u00a0Trails\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0 Brochure and Map
\n<\/a> <\/a>?<\/strong> Although the road around the 9 mile perimeter of the lake is not officially ADA compliant, it is a hard pack dirt and small gravel road and outside of serious mud and snow times shouldn’t pose a problem. From the Nature Center to a Gazebo reached by a boardwalk over the water is 1.2 miles. \u00a0In fair weather this includes a spectacular view of the Front Range, but even on a poor day, the lake, waterfowl and old cottonwoods make a pretty walk. \u00a0There is an accessible blind for wildlife observation.
\n<\/a>Niedrach NatureTrail is partly boardwalk, and once current improvements are made, may also become wheelchair accessible, although it is a little narrow in places.
\n<\/a>Fox Meadows Trail is easy walking, but includes a few steps.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>
\n\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/strong>Castlewood Canyon State Park near Franktown, Colorado has wheelchair accessible trails as well as more difficult hikes into the canyon.\u00a0 The park is the site of the Castlewood Dam which burst in 1933, sending the waters of Cherry Creek into Denver in a 15′ wave.\u00a0 Leashed pets are welcome on most trails.\u00a0 The east side, where the Visitor Center is, has two concrete-paved trails, picnic tables, an amphitheater, and an easy walking trail.\u00a0 \u00a0Here is their website.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Trails<\/a>\u00a0 Map<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone 303-688-5242<\/p>\nThe Canyon View Nature Walk is 1.2 miles between parking lots and is ADA accessible.<\/p>\n<\/a>The Bridge Canyon Overlook trail is 400 ft one way.<\/p>\n<\/a>The first few hundred feet\u00a0of so of the Lake Gulch trail, leading north from the parking lot has spectacular views of Pikes Peak. \u00a0Eventually it drops down in a set of difficult steps.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>
\nThis state park\u00a0surrounds Chatfield Reservoir, southwest of Denver. \u00a0Together they comprise\u00a03,895 acres of water and mostly flat land.\u00a0 Recreational activities here include hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, swimming and camping.\u00a0 Chatfield is a good place for birding.\u00a0 Wildlife includes muskrat, coyote, foxes, white-tailed deer and bear.
\nPhone 303-791-7275\u00a0 Park website<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Trails<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Trail Map<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Park Brochure<\/a>
\nThe Chatfield Internal Trails network is 10 miles of ADA accessible paved trail. \u00a0The Chatfield Dam Trail is 2.4 miles of ADA accessible asphalt.<\/p>\n
\nEldorado State Park, near Boulder west of highway 93 is a day use park which offers hiking between sandstone cliffs, picnicking along along South Boulder Creek and views of climbers on spectacular rock exposures. GPS at entrance station: N39\u00b0 55.923 \u00a0W105\u00b0 16.839.
\nHere is their website.<\/a>\u00a0 Phone 303-494-3943 \u00a0Trails<\/a>\u00a0 Map and Brochure<\/a><\/p>\n
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