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Notes from the Trail
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 Sunset at Sprague Lake  The Grit Freedom Chair by Marlene Borneman Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) has visitors from around the world. Each of these visitors has different abilities and disabilities and they all share something very similar... their desire to experience Rocky to the best of their abilities! RMNP provides for these different needs with beautiful trails with all kinds of accessibility in mind. You will find access for adventurers as well as folks with age or mobility concerns. Here is a comprehensive list of easily accessible RMNP trails and a variety of ways to experience them. Trails for everyone! Accessibility The Grit Freedom Chair The Mountain Shop in Estes Park is committed to provide recreational opportunities to all and proudly offers access to the GRIT FREEDOM CHAIR. This all-terrain wheelchair provides visitors with hiking mobility assistance. There is no cost for checking out the chair. Call or visit the Mountain Shop for details on safety and tips for using the GRIT FREEDOM CHAIR: 970-586-6548. Rocky Mountain Conservancy Lift Equipped (ADA) Van The RMC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting stewardship of Rocky Mountain Park through education and philanthropy. The new accessible van will allow more folks to participate in classes and field trips in the park. Hidden Valley's Mobility Scooter In the summer months “kids” of all ages engage in Junior Ranger activities at Hidden Valley to explore, learn, and gain knowledge to protect the Park’s beauty for generations to come. The mobility scooter at Hidden Valley makes this possible for everyone no matter your age or ability. The 0.5- mile Hidden Valley Nature Trail along Hidden Creek offers a chance to view wildlife and wildflowers, listen to sounds of babbling waters, or maybe have a picnic with family. This is the third year for the Mobility Scooter to be available seven days a week 9:00a.m-3:00p.m. It is available beginning late May through mid- August when the RMNP Rangers are there to check it out to visitors. Restrooms and a water filling station are available. Trails Abandoned Beaver Colony Boardwalk This trail is conveniently located on Trail Ridge Road. The trail offers mountain views, wildlife viewing and wetlands beaming with wildflowers in summer months. A nice place to hang and soak up solitude. No restrooms at this location. Ababandoned Beaver Colony, 9,146 elevation. 0.1 Miles Lily Lake Lovely Lily Lake offers views of Longs Peak and early to mid- summer wildflowers. Muskrats and western tiger salamanders are often seen along the banks. Lily Lake offers accessible parking, restrooms and picnic tables. Lily Lake, 8931 elevation. 0.8 miles ALLUVIAL FAN The Alluvial fan was created by the Lawn Lake Dam break in 1982 and further spread out by the 2013 flood. The power of these floodwaters brought down rocks and other debris spreading out into a fan shape. There is accessible parking at both east and west parking lots. West side offers restrooms and picnic tables. The trail from the east side has a 100 foot-long section of steep 19.5% grade. To avoid, start at the west side parking lot. Alluvial Fan, 8,585 elevation. 0.8miles Sprague Lake The half mile wheelchair accessible trail around Sprague Lake offers spectacular views of the continental divide, wildlife, and offers an easily accessible fishing pier, as well. Restrooms and picnic tables are available. Moose, elk and a variety of birds are often seen so pack your binoculars and camera! Sprague Lake, 8,701 elevation. 0.5 miles Sprague Lake Backcountry Campsite This backcountry campsite offers restroom, picnic tables, and bear storage surrounded by aspen and pines. Note: To reserve, call or in person at RMNP's Wilderness Office 970-586-1242 and have a recreation.gov account. Bear Lake Iconic Bear Lake shines in every season and offers an accessible0.6 mile trail around the lake. Elevation 9,475 feet.  Beautiful Bear Lake Coyote Valley Trail on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park The Coyote Valley Trail follows the Colorado River and features signage along the way where you can learn about the Kawuneeche Valley. The parking area has restrooms with picnic tables along the trail. Coyote Valley Trail, 8,834 elevation. 1.1 miles Rocky Mountain National Park has something for everyone. The park's beauty is beyond measure and of equal value no matter who you are, how young or old you feel, your ability or disability, athleticism, or outdoor experience. There is something here for everyone!
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"The wild requires that we learn the terrain, nod to all the plants and animals and birds, ford the streams and cross the ridges, and tell a good story when we get back home." ~ Gary Snyder
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“Hiking -I don’t like either the word or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains - not hike! Do you know the origin of the word ‘saunter?’ It’s a beautiful word. Away back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going, they would reply, A la sainte terre,’ ‘To the Holy Land.’ And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers. Now these mountains are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.” ~ John Muir 
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