Top 5 Guide: Accessible Nature Spots Near Denver

My name is Arianna Balderrama, and this is my guide to accessible nature spots in the Mile High City. I am an English major at MSU who wants to pursue editorial work. I was born and raised in Colorado, but I only just started exploring nature near Denver.

Growing up, we had to take into consideration the wheelchair accessibility for my older sister. In the few instances we ventured to the mountains, we would have to admire the view from the car. My father would pop the trunk open of the old accessibility van we had that would overheat if driven for too long. We’d eat the sandwiches my mother prepared, each to our preference and look out to the mountainside. 

I wanted to find spaces that felt like little slices of the natural world that people with mobility issues or who needed wheelchair access could enjoy comfortably. I look at these locations and realize how fortunate my family is to have an accessibility van and to always be able to accommodate my sister’s needs. I remember my father pushing through and weaving past obstacles in our day-to-day with her. His strength and quick thinking ensured my sister could enjoy the places we’d visit safely.   

For those who are unable to travel in a vehicle custom-fitted for accessibility, I have compiled a list of the most accessible nature spots near Denver for your enjoyment. Now, let the nature explorations begin!

Washington Park Loop

Located on South Downing Street in Denver, this trail circles two bodies of water with plenty of greenery in between. The Washington Park Loop is a little over two miles. There are accessible parking spots and wide paths. Both paved and unpaved paths are available.

Generally, the trail is easy to complete, but there are a few steep areas. The paved areas are marked for walkers and bikers. The unpaved paths are made of fine dirt with a few pebbles. 

I have been to the park a couple of times and it always feels so tranquil. The water brings in wildlife and the plants and trees muffle the sound of urban noises. There are plenty of rest spots and even a boardwalk for a better view of the ponds. 

Do keep in mind that there are a few spots with eroded and broken pavement, but the paths to the pond are paved smoothly. Both my sister and I enjoy the vastness of the lake and the wildlife that traverses within it. It’s a wonderful spot to sit and take in the view

Washington Park Loop, 701 South Franklin Street, Denver. Hours: Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alamo Placita Park

Near the heart of the city stands the Alamo Placita Park. The length is fairly small because the area’s main attraction is the garden. I find this park to be lovely for picnics in spring. 

The paths are paved and lead up to the flower beds. The park has no designated parking areas, but there is street parking all around it. I especially like this park because of the vibrancy of the plants during the hotter months. It’s a gentle stroll and a wonderful spot to stay and admire. 

The park has paths along the garden for better viewing of the plants. I love the ease of this park. It’s in the middle of a neighborhood and there’s a playground nearby. It’s a wonderful space to unwind and admire your surroundings here. Plus, there are multiple benches across each corner, so there’s always a place to sit down and relax.

Alamo Placita Park, East 3rd Avenue, Denver. Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Harvard Gulch Park

My next entry, Harvard Gulch Park, is actually part of a community recreation center. In addition to being a lovely outdoor spot, the nearby Harvard Gulch Recreation Center offers weight and cardio equipment, a gym with Pickleball, a game room with foosball, billiards and ping-pong, as well as many group fitness classes and an outdoor pool that is open during the summer season.

While these options are excellent, the main reason to visit this location is its outdoor park. The fields are large, as are the sidewalks. Additionally, they have smooth pavement, so you can move around without any problems. 

When my family and I have visited, we especially enjoy just laying in the grass after walking around the park. My father would push my sister through the grass, and I would carry the lawn chair for her to lie in while the rest of us sat on blankets. There are parking spaces and street parking available.

I love the vast greenery here and the smoothly paved sidewalks that extend end to end at the park. The park has more mobility than the others mentioned because of this.

Harvard Gulch Park, 550 East Iliff Avenue, Denver. Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Staunton State Park

If you have a car and want to go see some nature, the next two locations are for you. Roughly 45 minutes outside of Denver, the Staunton State Park has over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding. It is a peaceful environment where nature (and you) can roam freely.

The track chair is a special accessibility feature this state park offers for individuals who are wheelchair users to explore designated trails with the chair. Although Staunton State Park does require a parking fee, the chair is free to use. Folks would just need to get scheduled for their designated time slot with the track chair. A guide is required to join you on the expedition to help individuals maneuver through the trail.

This park has been one of the more immersive nature spots. It allows the person to have the independence to roam free while enjoying the scenery of a space that is often restrictive for people with mobility issues. 

The chair looks a bit like a tank and I’ve been told it is quite fun to drive. Slots for the upcoming season will be available beginning May 30 and ending October 26. The chair allows access to three trails—Pikes Peak, Lions Head and Mount Rosalie—each featuring gorgeous park features including high grassy meadows and a wide variety of wildlife, geological and water​​​ features. 

Staunton State Park, 12102 South Elk Creek Road, Pine. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Red Rocks

Red Rocks holds a special place in my heart. Just about 20 minutes outside of Denver, I recall it being the most popular naturalistic spot we visited as children. My sister found it easy to navigate, and she could see the mountains closer than in most other areas. 

We would always go to the museum and make sure to hit every corner she could reach. When family would visit from out of town, we’d always stop by Red Rocks during the day. My father would make a note of pulling over by the caved rock on our way up to take photos and enhance my sister’s experience. We never had trouble parking, getting inside or maneuvering through.

Despite the fact that my parents have lived here for most of their lives, my other sister and I were recently fortunate enough to purchase concert tickets from the venue. The experience was immeasurable. My sister was treated with great care and getting in and out of the chaos of a concert was seamless. 

Red Rocks during concerts provides accessible transportation from the parking lot to the venue both before and after the show. There are spacious parking areas and staff to assist with specific needs. 

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Growing up, nature sometimes felt like something we could only admire from a distance, parked on the side of the road, sandwiches in hand. But slowly, through trial, error, and my dad’s determination, we discovered that there are places that welcome everyone.

These spots I’ve shared aren’t just parks or trails; they’re little pockets of freedom and connection for families like mine. Whether it’s the peaceful stillness of Washington Park, the bursts of color at Alamo Placita, the open fields of Harvard Gulch, the all-terrain adventure of Staunton or the magic of Red Rocks under the stars—each place has shown me that nature belongs to everyone.

So if you’re out there looking for a way to reconnect with the outdoors or hoping to share that experience with someone who needs a little extra accessibility, I hope this guide gives you a good place to start. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy nature without barriers.