Colorado.com Staff Writer

<p>Whether you want to shred down a wildflower-lined path on a mountain bike or paddle the rushing waters of one of our many rivers, there’s a good chance you’ll find an adaptive option in Colorado.</p>


Adventurous & Adaptive Summer Sports in Colorado

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Hand cycling with Telluride Adaptive Sports Program

Climbing with Paradox Sports (photo credit: Will Strathmann)

Adaptive whitewater rafting with Challenge Aspen

Climbing at Horsetooth Reservoir with Adaptive Adventures (photo credit: Craig DeMartino)

Hitting the trails in an Action Trackchair® at Staunton State Park

Whitewater rafting with The National Sports Center for the Disabled

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<p>Take a look at just a handful of the adventures waiting for you with these outfitters, many of whom offer special activities or packages for veterans and first responders.</p>
<h2>National Sports Center for the Disabled</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/skiing-snowboarding/national-sports-center-disabled">The National Sports Center for the Disabled</a> — located in both <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/winter-park">Winter Park</a> and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a> — offers so many awesome programs that we can’t list ’em all here. Athletes with any diagnosis can have a blast along the Front Range and in the mountains by taking part in an array of adventures — these rotate seasonally, so keep an eye on their page to make sure you don’t miss out!</p>
<p><a href="https://nscd.org/participate/">Explore the National Sports Center for the Disabled’s full list of summer programs</a></p>
<h2>Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/breckenridge">Breckenridge</a> is a haven for summer-activity lovers, providing river rapids for paddling, trails for biking through the tall trees and much more. Founded in 1976, the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/breckenridge/winter-activities/skiing-snowboarding/breckenridge-outdoor-education-center-boec">Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center</a> (BOEC) seeks to help people of all abilities partake in the wonder of mountain exhilaration, and feel empowered and independent while doing so.</p>
<p>From scaling rock-climbing walls and ropes courses to paddling in a canoe, BOEC has a summer program for everyone. And with programs running throughout the year, adventurers can admire the seasonal beauty of the Rockies while experiencing the thrill firsthand.</p>
<p><a href="https://boec.org/summer/">Find out more about Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center's adaptive summer programs</a></p>
<h2>Adaptive Sports Center</h2>
<p>Set in the technicolor wildflower capital of the state, <a href="http://www.adaptivesports.org/">Adaptive Sports Center</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/crested-buttemt-crested-butte">Crested Butte</a> has the hookup when it comes to getting down in Colorado’s outdoors. Swing through trees and fly through the air on the Ropes and Challenge Course where a combination of low and high elements add layers of excitement to the excursion.</p>
<p>Or, skip the uphill grind and jump straight to the fun of mountain biking with one of the world’s only downhill-mountain-biking programs for people with disabilities. Cross-country biking is another way to take in all that sweet alpine air, with outings for all skill levels and a choice of arm- or leg-powered adaptive bikes.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.adaptivesports.org/adventures/summer-adventures">Explore Adaptive Sports Center’s full list of summer programs</a></p>
<h2>Telluride Adaptive Sports Program</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/telluride">Telluride</a> is a charming former mining town with a laid-back vibe and love for anything outside. Let the folks at the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/adventure-tourism/telluride-adaptive-sports-program">Telluride Adaptive Sports Program</a> (TASP) be your guides as you cast for trout at nearby Ridgway State Park, where vistas of the snow-rimmed San Juans may prove slightly distracting. Guided trips to Telluride Bike Park — an accessible-chairlift-served riding experience — will delight novices and experts alike with flow trails and technical terrain in a mountain playground.</p>
<p>For a quintessentially Coloradan experience book a custom-tailored expedition that include activities like tours of historical railroads, ghost-town explorations, flatwater activities and more.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.tellurideadaptivesports.org/our-programs/summer/">Explore Telluride Adaptive Sports Program’s full list of summer offerings</a></p>
<h2>Challenge Aspen</h2>
<p>Enjoy the spoils of a Colorado summer with Custom Adaptive Adventures courtesy of <a href="/travel-information-associations/challenge-aspen">Challenge Aspen</a> in the Roaring Fork Valley (encompassing <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/aspen">Aspen</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/snowmass">Snowmass</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/basalt">Basalt</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/carbondale">Carbondale</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/glenwood-springs">Glenwood Springs</a> and others). Past adventures have included gondola rides above emerald-green, fir-covered peaks and valleys, horseback riding (including therapeutic options), adaptive biking, whitewater rafting, outings to Glenwood Adventure Park and soaks at Glenwood Hot Springs. CAMO — <a href="https://challengeaspen.org/programs/veteran-programs/">Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities</a> — offers fun retreats for active-duty military and veterans with service-related disabilities, like cycling Independence pass and bow-shooting instruction.</p>
<p><a href="https://challengeaspen.org/">Explore Challenge Aspen's full list of summer offerings</a></p>
<h2>Adaptive Sports Association</h2>
<p>In <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/durango">Durango</a>, you’ll find an authentic Western spirit, stunning views of the jaw-dropping San Juan Mountains and easy access to Colorado’s great outdoors. With the <a href="http://asadurango.com/">Adaptive Sports Association</a>, let the current of the Animas River — one of the last free-flowing rivers in the country — whisk you away on a rafting trip. If you like your water a little calmer, opt for flatwater canoeing or kayaking on one of the area’s many picturesque lakes.</p>
<p>Or, <a href="http://asadurango.com/adaptive-action-sports/bike-rental-program/">rent an adaptive bike from ASA</a> and set off on your own cruise along the 7-mile paved <a href="https://www.colorado.com/rivers/animas-river-trail">Animas River Trail</a>, listening to the rushing water and watching for gray plumes of smoke from the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/trains/durango-silverton-narrow-gauge-railroad-and-museum">Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad</a> as you go.</p>
<p><a href="http://asadurango.com/adaptive-action-sports/">Explore the Adaptive Sports Association’s full list of summer programs</a></p>
<h2>Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/steamboat-springs">Steamboat Springs</a> is nestled in the heart of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/region/great-west">The Great West</a>, so it makes perfect sense that adaptive horseback riding is just one of the many activities you’ll find at <a href="https://www.steamboatstars.com/">Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports</a> (STARS). Whether you’re already an avid rider or have never seen a horse in real life before, there’s a riding session waiting for you.</p>
<p>Or, saddle up a mechanical steed — that’s a mountain bike for those not fluent in Wild West — and traverse some of Colorado’s most amazing cycling country. Multi-day clinics include skill sessions for two-wheel or hand bikes, as well as bike-care courses and lodging at the STARS ranch.</p>
<p><a href="https://steamboatstars.com/summer-programs/">Explore Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports’ full list of summer programs</a></p>
<h2>More Accessible &amp; Adaptive Things To Do in Colorado</h2>
<ul><li>Discover a bevy of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/boulder">Boulder</a> beauty with the <a href="https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/outdoors/hiking/accessible-trails/">Boulder County guide to accessible trails and sites</a>.</li>
<li>Rock climb, kayak, SUP, wakeboard, whitewater raft, race a dragon boat — the sky’s pretty much the only limit with <a href="https://adaptiveadventures.org/">Adaptive Adventures</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/lakewood">Lakewood</a>.</li>
<li>Saddle up and ride out on an equine-assisted therapy session with <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/longmont">Longmont</a>’s <a href="https://www.ctrcinc.org/">Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center</a>.</li>
<li>Tie in and climb on at <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/recreation/inclusive-rec/inclusive-facilities/adaptive-climbing">University of Colorado Boulder’s indoor rock-climbing gym</a>.</li>
<li>Head outdoors to ascend climbing routes at state parks and other stunningly scenic locations with <a href="http://www.paradoxsports.org/">Paradox Sports</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/colorado-springs">Colorado Springs</a>.</li>
<li>Discover accessible trails all over the state with the <a href="http://trails.colorado.gov/">Colorado Trail Explorer</a>.</li>
<li>Check out the many accessible options at our <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/quick-guide-colorado-national-parks">national parks</a> and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/quick-guide-colorados-national-monuments">monuments</a>, from campsites and hiking trails to special sand wheelchairs that let you get up close and personal with the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/national-park-profile-great-sand-dunes-national-park-preserve">Great Sand Dunes</a>.</li>
<li>On an <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__coloradojeeptours.com_asl-2Djeep-2Dtours_&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&amp;r=T1JjfTOaVYlPBTIfwkLckPeL1p-HeafZEAWpNBnqnMY&amp;m=x9Uc3-h-w6Lf9i-17CVwMtRj2nyRJxu3ZecAPZHz4jE65_DVgqV5PP05dso0hgJz&amp;s=W24IGb2wZ_0mD-9CM3GzH61QcFas0p9z2KHc2ui5Wh4&amp;e=">American Sign Language Jeep tour</a> with <a href="https://www.colorado.com/canon-city/outdoor-recreation/4x4-jeep-tours/colorado-jeep-tours">Colorado Jeep Tours</a>, any hard-of-hearing guest can learn about the beauty of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/canon-city">Cañon City</a>’s geological formations and impressive landmarks via videos of travel-blogger Calvin Young signing along with a guide.</li>
<li>Look into the <a href="https://cpw.state.co.us/park-specialty-passes">Columbine Pass</a> from Colorado Parks &amp; Wildlife, which provides reduced park-entrance fees to Colorado residents with different abilities. Our parks have accessible fishing locations across the state and offer people with disabilities hunting accommodations and services. Requests can also be made for sign-language interpretation and assistive-listening equipment. At <a href="https://www.colorado.com/state-parks/staunton-state-park">Staunton State Park</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/pine">Pine</a>), <a href="https://www.colorado.com/state-parks/ridgway-state-park">Ridgway State Park</a> and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/state-parks/barr-lake-state-park">Barr Lake State Park</a> (<a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/brighton">Brighton</a>) you can reserve <a href="https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunton/Pages/Track-Chair-Program.aspx">Action Trackchairs®</a> on weekends to hit designated trails for nature and wildlife viewing. And Ridgway State Park has floating wheelchairs perfect for taking summer dips on their swim beach.</li>
</ul><h2>Want More?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/awesome-adaptive-winter-sports-colorado">Check out adaptive winter sports in Colorado</a><br /><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/quick-guide-colorado-national-parks">Explore accessible campsites, hiking trails and more at Colorado’s national parks</a></p>
