5 Accessible Trails Near Aspen
People of all abilities can experience the beauty of our mountains, rivers, and landscapes.
From thoughtfully designed nature trails to paved riverside paths, discover 5 accessible trails near Aspen, Colorado.
1. Braille & Discovery Trails
The Braille Trail is located on Independence Pass, about 12.6 miles east of downtown Aspen. Bob Lewis, an educator, environmentalist, and the founder of the Independence Pass Foundation, created the trail for sight-impaired visitors in 1967 after reading a book about Louis Braille. It was the first of its kind and inspired hundreds of similar trails around the world. The Braille Trail has interpretive signs, in both print and braille, and a rope that runs along the trail, serving as a guide. Hikers of all abilities can use the navigation cord to experience the forest with their eyes closed, engaging their other senses. The .2 mile dirt loop winds through the trees and crosses the Roaring Fork River, inviting all to experience the beauty of Independence Pass.
The Discovery Trail begins at the same trailhead parking lot on Independence Pass as the Braille Trail. The Discovery Trail is a handicap accessible hard-packed dirt and gravel loop. Along the way, you’ll find wheelchair accessible picnic benches and interpretive signage with fun and informative facts about local ecology, history, and more, making it perfect for family time or a peaceful outing.
2. Ashcroft Ghost Town
Nestled 11 miles up Castle Creek Road from the roundabout on Highway 82, Ashcroft Ghost Town is home to relocated and restored historical buildings. Originally Ute hunting grounds, the area became a mining town during the silver boom of the late 1800s. Today, the former mining town offers a glimpse into Aspen’s past. The Aspen Historical Society's seasonal docents and interpretive signage share intriguing stories and invite visitors to step back in time. A wheelchair accessible path (boardwalk) runs through the main part of Ashcroft Ghost Town, but some uneven and rocky terrain exists on smaller trails.
3. Rio Grande Trail
The Rio Grande Trail is mostly paved (the exception is a 2-mile stretch below Stein Park, outside of Aspen) and spans 42 miles, connecting Aspen to Glenwood Springs. This popular walking, jogging, and biking trail begins near the John Denver Sanctuary and runs alongside the Roaring Fork River, offering miles of beautiful views. While there are occasional steeper sections that require caution, the path’s smooth surface and gradual slope make it largely wheelchair accessible.
4. Maroon Bells Scenic Area
Rising 14,000 ft. above sea level, the Maroon Bells tower over the pristine Maroon Creek Valley, their beauty reflected in Maroon Lake. From mid-May to October, the Maroon Bells Scenic Area can be accessed by shuttle (handicap accessible) or car with a reservation. At the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, a wheelchair accessible, paved and dirt-packed path winds around Maroon Lake, offering spectacular views of the iconic peaks at every turn.
5. East of Aspen Trail
Located just outside of downtown Aspen, the East of Aspen Trail is a mostly flat, accessible trail with both paved and soft dirt sections. Meandering alongside the serene North Star Nature Preserve, the trail is ideal for spotting wildlife; keep your eyes peeled for moose, bears, deer, and other inhabitants!
In Aspen, accessibility goes beyond the trails.
Challenge Aspen is a local nonprofit that provides year-round adaptive recreation opportunities (including skiing) to people of all ages and disabilities.
Aspen and Snowmass recently partnered with Wheel the World to improve accessibility awareness, train front-line workers, offer inclusive services, and make Aspen a welcoming destination to all.
