Freedom on Wheels: Explore Local Parks FREE with All Terrain Wheelchairs
While I am inside on this snowy cold day, my mind wanders toward plans for the warm summer months ahead. In Colorado, we are lucky to have many parks and trail systems available to us. In Fort Collins specifically we have city, state, and county parks with Rocky Mountain National Park less than an hour away. With all of these options, I just want to highlight a few programs that have followed the values of Every Body Outside to go beyond ADA requirements and push for access to the trails for everyone — specifically everyone who uses a wheelchair. These programs offer FREE access to a motorized and/or all terrain wheelchair to be able to tackle those uneven surfaces with ease.
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)
From a generous donation by the Sam Schneider Legacy Fund, RMNP runs an all terrain wheelchair program free for visitors. The park is currently using aGrit Freedom Chair : Spartan model. Its sturdy wheels are designed for various terrain, enabling users to traverse gravel paths, nature trails, and uneven surfaces. The larger front wheel allows for ease over rocks, small tree roots, or other debris found commonly on trails that small wheelchair casters would not allow. Grit chairs also allow for active participation by the user by pushing two large levers forward in a bench press motion to propel the drivetrain. I personally have used these in the field and found that they are well balanced and comfortable, but can be VERY tiring. The biggest limitation is on an incline or decline in the trail when it is very difficult to push up against the weight of the chair plus your own weight in the chair. Inversely, when going downhill it can feel a bit out of control with the need to pull back strongly. These chairs DO come with push handles for anyone traveling with you to assist in these circumstances. Transferring on/off the wheelchair is similar to a wheelchair transfer. RMNP recommends accessible trails including Lily Lake, Coyote Valley Trail, and Sprague Lake . Bear Lake was also mentioned but the grit chair would not be able to incircle the lake completely due to narrow trails, steps, and the % of incline.
Grit Chair: All terrain wheelchair with push handles
I am pleased to see that the National Park system is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can explore the stunning landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park. To reserve this all-terrain wheelchair at no cost, please call the Estes Park Mountain Shop at 970-586-6548.
If you want to go into a beautiful setting off the beaten path, I would recommend making your way just 15 miles outside of Ouray to Ridgeway State park. This park has it all - trails, campgrounds, mountain scenery, and a 5 mile long reservoir. They have made a significant commitment toward Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s goal for accessibility with modern universally accessible recreation areas and programming including Track and Mobichair access.
Track Chair: Motorized power wheelchair with joystick
I lovingly refer to Track chairs as mini tanks. They are a power chair that is completely off road compatible. The user can go where they want to go without burden of getting stuck - while following leave no trace principles of course. The user will need to be able to use a joystick to operate the chair similar to a typical power wheelchair. The benefit is that the user can be mobility independent in nature, sometimes for the first time in years. In my experience in the field, these are WAY TOO MUCH FUN! The transfer on/off of the chair can be difficult due to the large tracks on the sides as well as the uneven nature of the seat height. However, it is worth the effort to go where you want, when you want. Much easier to manage inclines and declines than the grit chair.
MobiChair: Chair designed for water access
In a rarity, Ridgeway ALSO has access to a Mobichair in oder to get to the water. According to RNP, “MobiChair® is a high quality floating beach wheelchair that floats thanks to its wheels and armrests for use on sand and soft surfaces.” The only con I see here is that you can’t self-propel the chair so you will need someone to assist you by moving the chair in/out of the water. The thing I hear the most from people in wheelchairs is the inability to access the water! It is a powerful thing to be able to swim or simple safely wade into water on a hot day, and Ridgeway is leading the way to make sure there is equitable access to the reservoir. They even have adaptive paddleboarding in the summer! Plan your trip to Ridgeway by first filling out THIS FORM to reserve your Track or Mobichair.
If you can’t travel all the way to Ridgeway, Staunton State Park also has a Track Chair program. Only 40 miles southwest of downtown Denver, this park offers track chairs FREE to three trails, each featuring gorgeous park feature including high grassy meadows, a wide variety of wildlife, geological and water features. The trails offer spectacular views of Pikes Peak, Lions Head & Mount Rosalie. For more information regarding reservations please go to the Staunton State park website and check the availability of the chair HERE. They are also looking for volunteers to increase their program!
As you can see, there are ways to access our local trails without purchasing more equipment. We still have a long way to go for true equitable access, but programs are starting to grow across the state. I hope you take advantage of some of these programs and let me know how it goes! I would love to hear about your experience using these programs OR about other programs you have found within Colorado!