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On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. To honor and celebrate this historic civil rights milestone, we’ve put together a list of ADA-friendly outdoor activities around Boulder for all to enjoy this summer.

Trails

The City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) division has adopted design standards for accessible trails based on federal guidelines and has created a network of options accessible to wheelchair, walker or scooter users. OSMP allows people with disabilities to use a variety of powered mobility devices, including electric-assisted cycles and handcycles.

For the most comprehensive list of accessible trails and sites in Boulder, check out this  from Topher Downham, outreach coordinator for OSMP. The guide includes details on trail width, grade, slope and surface type for 30 accessible trails and sites in the county. 

Yoga

The Rec offers weekly  for all ability and experience levels in the wheelchair accessible Mind Body Studio on campus. Classes are taught by certified instructors and can be accessed with the purchase of a Be Fit Pass.

OSMP offers programs year-round for all who would like to join, many of which are wheelchair accessible, including a free Sunrise Yoga series that is held weekly on Saturday mornings at Flagstaff Amphitheater. For more information on this event and others, please check out the  for the City of Boulder.

Climbing

It would only make sense that adaptive climbing would be offered in the Boulder area given the popularity of the sport here. , a Boulder-based non-profit, offers accessible climbing programs for people of differing physical abilities. First-time climbers typically begin with their, but programs are also available for those with more climbing experience.

Outdoor Fitness Court

The outdoor Fitness Court, located on the east side of The Rec, is an outdoor bodyweight circuit training structure designed for adults of all ages and physical abilities. The Fitness Court is open to the public and no membership is required, which means you can use it at any time, free of charge, and there is an ADA ramp located on the northeast side of the court.

Swimming

The Buff Pool is open daily for the summer season and features an ADA compliant pool lift. In addition, the indoor competition/lap pool at ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ is also ADA compliant and has a lift and ramp for ease of use. 

Don’t have a membership? Buff OneCard can enjoy free admission to The Rec (and the pools) every Wednesday from June 7 to Aug. 2.

Resources

Here are some additional campus resources to check out that can provide guidance on adaptive offerings, access or accommodations:

Adaptive Sports program

The Adaptive Sports and Recreation program, a part of the Inclusive Rec program, supports ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder students with physical disabilities by offering sports and other recreational activities for all levels. Students are encouraged to try something new, have fun and participate in competition. This program is open to all students, regardless of whether they have a disability.  to recommend a program or get notifications about upcoming events.

Disability Services

Disability Services is dedicated to providing students with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in university programs, courses and activities through reasonable accommodations and services. Our office is here to support students, staff and faculty with accommodation requests, implementation, guidance and general information.