Disabled Hikers: Using the Spoon Theory to Make Trails More Accessible

I wanted to shed some light on an amazing organization out of my hometown, Seattle, WA called Disabled Hikers. They’ve been doing incredible work to make the outdoors more inclusive for people with disabilities, and their approach is something I’ve found invaluable in my work. What sets them apart is that they are an entirely disabled-led organization committed to justice, access, and inclusion. They have worked with Washington State Parks Foundation, Justice Outside, Land Trust Alliance, and much more. In particular, I love their use of The Spoon Theory in their trail difficulty guides, providing a thoughtful and practical way to help people manage their energy while navigating the great outdoors.

Disabled Hikers Washington State guidebook cover with a mountain with a lake lined with trees — Image from Disabled Hikers Guidebook page

What Is The Spoon Theory?

The Spoon Theory is a concept that explains how people with chronic illnesses or disabilities manage their limited energy. Each “spoon” represents a unit of energy, and for people with conditions like chronic fatigue or mobility impairments, the number of spoons they have each day is finite. Completing everyday tasks—getting out of bed, making a meal, or getting dressed—uses up spoons. The idea is that someone without a chronic illness may have a nearly unlimited supply of spoons, but someone with a disability needs to conserve them wisely throughout the day.

Christine Miserandino, the creator of the Spoon Theory, used this metaphor to explain her experience living with lupus to a friend. It resonated with many in the disability community, providing a way to express how exhausting simple tasks can be when dealing with chronic conditions. This concept now extends to activities like hiking, where the energy required to complete a trail can vary based on a range of factors.

How Disabled Hikers Applies the Spoon Theory

Disabled Hikers has incorporated this theory into their trail difficulty guides in a way that helps individuals with disabilities plan their outdoor adventures with more confidence. Instead of just listing standard metrics like distance or elevation gain, they include a spoon rating for each trail. This rating helps to indicate how much energy a trail will require, allowing hikers to assess whether they have the spoons needed for the journey.

The spoon rating system takes into account factors that can impact the energy required for a hike, such as:

Terrain: A smooth, paved path requires fewer spoons compared to a rocky, uneven trail.
Elevation Gain: Trails with steep inclines use up more energy and, therefore, more spoons.
Trail Length: Longer trails typically consume more energy.
Amenities: Features like benches, shade, or rest stops can help conserve spoons by providing a chance to rest.

By incorporating the Spoon Theory into their guides, Disabled Hikers provides hikers with more than just information about the trail. The spoon rating allows individuals to match their energy levels with trails that are manageable, empowering them to plan hikes that align with their current health status.

zoomed in image on a persons arm and hand pushing a wheelchair with green trees faded in the background

Why It Matters

The Spoon Theory is particularly important when it comes to accessibility, as it highlights how different people experience outdoor activities. A trail that may be considered “easy” for someone in good health might be overwhelming for someone with limited energy due to a disability. The spoon rating system makes it easier for hikers to choose trails that are within their energy capacity, which reduces the risk of exhaustion, frustration, or even injury.

This approach also underscores the broader concept of accessibility. It’s not just about building wider paths or adding ramps—true accessibility takes into account the different types of energy required to enjoy an activity. With this in mind, Disabled Hikers helps redefine what it means to make outdoor spaces inclusive.

Opening Up the Outdoors

The impact of the Spoon Theory in trail difficulty guides is not just about helping people make informed decisions; it’s about giving people with disabilities the freedom to enjoy nature. With this system, individuals can confidently choose trails that match their energy levels and enjoy the outdoors without worrying about exhausting their spoons. It’s a thoughtful and practical approach to accessibility that acknowledges the full scope of what people with disabilities face.

image of a woman in a hat with a colorful backpack walking away from you down the trail in a forest

Final Thoughts

Disabled Hikers is doing important work to make the outdoors more inclusive. By using the Spoon Theory in their trail guides, they are helping people with disabilities make better-informed choices about where to hike and how to manage their energy. For anyone planning an outdoor adventure, their guidebooks are a valuable resource that can make nature accessible to all.

They have recently seen a decline in donations and support from the outdoor industry. If you’d like to support this mission, consider donating or purchasing one of their guidebooks. Your contribution can help further their work in creating more accessible trails for people with disabilities. Visit their page for more details.