Access Granted: 5 Accessible Adventures to Wrap Up Summer

Summer is rapidly coming to a close.

This means summer lovers everywhere are planning their final getaway of the season, determined to savor the last bits of summer joy before the return of Fall has us putting our adventures aside and focused on busy schedules and more time indoors.

So, we pulled a list of 5 accessible trips that make access and inclusion a priority.

1.Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado): Accessible Trails and All-Terrain Wheelchairs

• Experience: The Bear Lake Trail is a short, paved loop with spectacular alpine scenery—designed for wheelchair users. The park offers free all-terrain wheelchair rentals, making even more rugged paths accessible with advance reservation. Visitor centers and campgrounds feature accessible restrooms and amenities.

• Bonus: Trail Ridge Road offers scenic vistas right from your vehicle.

• Why it’s great: Enjoy Colorado’s dramatic landscape—no experience necessary—surrounded by mountains and lakes, with accessibility prioritized throughout the park.

2. Colorado River Rafting with Colorado Discover Ability

• Experience: Join an annual four-day rafting adventure down the Colorado River (Cataract Canyon, through Canyonlands National Park) specifically organized for people with disabilities. The nonprofit provides adaptive gear, such as upgraded wheelchair tires and mats for easier access at campsites, plus trained guides and volunteer support.

• Why it’s great: Get the thrill of big water, beautiful canyons, and camping—with all logistics and accessibility details handled by experts in adaptive adventure.

  
  

3. Move United: Adaptive Adventures Programs (Multiple States)

• Experience: “Adaptive Adventures” offers free or low-cost clinics and camps in cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, dragon boat racing, rock climbing, skiing, and more. The organization is mobile—bringing wheelchair- and adaptive-friendly programming to over 30 states each year through partnerships with rehab centers, parks, VAs, and youth groups.

• Why it’s great: They bring the adventure to you, removing financial and geographical barriers for people of all ages and abilities to try new sports and activities.

  
  

4. All Out Adventures & Accessible Recreation Programs (Massachusetts)

• Experience: Explore accessible hiking, cycling, kayaking, and adaptive equipment through programs run by All Out Adventures and other partners in Western Massachusetts. They offer all-terrain wheelchairs and hand cycles for trails and accessible events, including family-friendly outdoor days at state parks, with sliding-scale pricing.

• Why it’s great: Try multiple adaptive activities (hiking, cycling, rowing) with provided equipment and expert support—perfect for first timers and families.

  
  

5. Camp Accomplish (Maryland): Inclusive Summer Camp

• Experience: A fully inclusive day and overnight summer camp for kids and teens (ages 5–18) with and without disabilities. Activities include climbing, nature trails, horseback riding, swimming, adaptive sports, and arts. Medical supports are available thanks to a partnership with Children’s National Hospital, and the cost is subsidized for accessibility.

• Why it’s great: Fosters summer fun and independence in a welcoming, barrier-free community where every activity can be adapted to each camper’s needs.

  
  

Honorable Mentions

• Grand Canyon/Arizona: Multiple outfitters offer accessible rafting for all abilities, including those who use wheelchairs.

• National Park Service Access Pass: If you have a qualifying disability, the NPS offers a FREE lifetime Access Pass for entry to hundreds of outdoor areas, including parks with accessible trails (ask at any visitor center).

Each of these resources or programs ensures disabled adventurers and families have access to the wonder of the outdoors, no matter where you live or what kind of summer experience you crave.

#GetOutside