WYOMING

Wyoming has a number of trails with minimal obstacles.  Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible.  Here are just a few of them.
Most of the links given were found through Internet search. Some places I have been able to visit and a few have been recommended to me by other people who have been there. With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of the need for more accessibility. Please e-mail me with your suggestions using the form in the sidebar.

Federal
State
Local
Private
Miscellaneous

Federal

• Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex in northern Colorado and  southern Wyoming has an accessible trail and some ADA compliant overlooks.  The Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge has an easy hiking trail.   These refuges are part of a refuge complex that includes one refuge in Colorado and four in southern Wyoming.  The headquarters are in Walden, Colorado.   Phone 970-723-8528.  Here is their website.
  Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge is south of Walden, Colorado in North Park, an intermountain glacial basin with an elevation ranging from 8,100 to 8,700′.
  Phone  970-723-8202
  Moose-Goose Nature Trail  0.5 mile “…winds along the Illinois River, provides a great chance to view song birds and other riparian residents.”
  There are three ADA compliant overlooks and an accessible viewing blind.
  Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge
  2.6 miles of hiking trail. “It is possible to hike all or portions of the system. The flat to gently sloping terrain makes it enjoyable for all hikers.”  Here is the website for Hutton Lake.

• Ashley National Forest
  ” The Ashley National Forest, with headquarters in Vernal, Utah, comprises 1.3 million acres located in the northeastern portion of Utah and southwestern portion of Wyoming. National Forest System lands are located in three major areas: the northern and southern slopes of the Uinta Mountains, the Wyoming Basin, and the Tavaputs Plateau.”  The Forest is mostly in northeastern Utah, with just a bit including the Flaming Gorge in Wyoming.
  Here is the Forest website.   Phone   435-789-1181   Visitor Guide
  Yellowpine Interpretive trail  0.5 miles  The trail is at the Yellowpine Campground.

  Flaming Gorge National  Recreation Area  “The Flaming Gorge NRA is located in the northeast corner of Utah and the southwest corner of Wyoming.”
  Ryan, from flaminggorgecountry.com writes that “There are wheel chair accessible nature trails located at Moose Pond, West Green’s Lake, and Red Canyon overlook/Red Canyon Visitor center.   Sheep Creek Geological loop, Sheep Creek Bay overlook, Red Canyon overlook, Dowd mountain overlook, Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center, and the Dam Vista Overlook are all easy access by vehicle with easy access viewpoints.”
  Red Canyon Visitor Center  435-889-3713

  ?  The Chamber of  Commerce Guide lists six “easy” trails on page 29.   Be sure to call either the Visitor Center or the Chamber of Commerce since no details are given.   From the website: “Try the short interpretive Nature Trails at Sheep Creek, Moose Ponds, West Greens Lake and Aspen for an easy enlightening walk through a variety of habitats along this scenic drive.”   Easy for them might not be easy for you.  Check with them.

• Big Horn National Forest
  “No region in Wyoming is provided with a more diverse landscape – from grasslands to alpine meadows, clear lakes to glacially-carved valleys and rolling hills to sheer mountain cliffs. “
  Here is the Forest website.  Phone 307-674-2600  Webpage with links to downloadable maps
  Little Goose Canyon The first 1.75 miles of this 2.8 miles hike trail is not very steep and is rated easy by the Hiking Project. 
  ? Sawmill Lakes Trail  #022  0.8 mile   This is described as an “Easy trail for day hiking. Accesses Sawmill Lakes. Gently climbs in elevation. Suitable for family outings.”  You would be wise to call the Tongue Ranger District at 307-674-2600 for better information.
  FS Trail #024 1.7 mile

  Greenbelt Trail 2.3 mile gradual ascent.

  Lower Loop 0.9 mile 1 mile loop see Hiking Project.

  ?  Lake Helen Trail – the first mile or so of this trail is pretty level and is described as “good for all skill levels” by AllTrails.

• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
  Bighorn Canyon NRA’s over 120,000 acres offers an “astounding diversity in ecosystems, wildlife, and more than 10,000 years of human history to explore.”
  Hiking Guide    Map   This recreation area bridges Montana and Wyoming.
  Driving directions from Montana and Wyoming  Links to Trail Descriptions     Here is their website.   Phone 406-666-2412 or 307-548-5406  Accessibility
  Two Eagles Interpretive Trail 0.25 miles round trip
  
  Bighorn Headgate Trail rated as an easy gravel path of 0.1 mile round trip to “quiet picnic area”.
  Lockhart Ranch Trail consists of a choice of loops, one 0.5 miles, the other 2 miles.  Both are old dirt roads.
  Visitor Center Pond  0.26 mile  “…a great place to see red-winged blackbirds and boreal chorus frogs during the summer.”

• Bridger-Teton National Forest
  “Located in Western Wyoming, the Bridger-Teton offers more than 3.4 million acres of public land for your outdoor recreation enjoyment. With its pristine watersheds, abundant wildlife and immense wildlands, the Bridger-Teton National Forest comprises a large part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem…”
  Here is the Forest Website.  Phone  307-739-5500
  The following trails are described as easy, but some may be more for bikers than hikers.    Try calling the trail supervisor at 307-739-5414 for current conditions and an idea of just how easy or not these trails really are.
  ? Hagen Highway Trail  1.5 miles

  ? Hagen River Trail 1 mile

  ? KC Trail 0.99 mile

  ? Linda’s Trail  0.28 mile

  ?Snow King Nature Trail 0.56 mile loop  “This trail is a short loop on top of Snow King Mountain that loops out the ridge and back.  It offers great views in all directions as well as lots of flowers. ”
  Gros Ventre Wilderness
  ? Gros Ventre Geological Trail  a .43 interpretive loop

• Grand Teton National Park
  “Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range stands monument to the people who fought to protect it. These are mountains of the imagination. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River or enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place.”
  Here is the Park website.  Phone  307-739-3300  Accessibility    Park map      Map and Brochure of Lake Shore Hikes
  Leigh Lake described as one of Ten Easy Hikes from  TetonHikingTrails.com  by Bill Schneider.  3.7 miles with only 50′ elevation gain.  Call the Park first to find about possible obstacles such as rocks and roots.
  ? Hidden Falls 1.3 mile round trip from Cascade Canyon Trailhead, which you reach by taking a 12″ shuttle boat.  This trail is rated “easy” by some sites, but call the Park first to learn if it would be suitable for you.
  Colter Bay Marina to amphitheater  0.3 mile one way  along the east shore of Jackson Lake.
  Jackson Lake Dam  0.2 mile to good views

  Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve (LSRP) Lake Creek Overlook & Waterfall 0.2 mile packed gravel surface

  Multi-use path way Jackson to  South Jenny  20 miles, paved

  ? String Lake Shore Trail  0.5 mile.  This is a broken and uneven paved surface.  String Lake Trailhead Map
  ? Jenny Lake Shore Trail – currently disrupted for rehabilitation Jenny Lake Trailhead Map

• Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests
  From mountain ranges to grasslands and crystal clear streams, the national forests and national grassland provide abundant and unique opportunities for visitors.
  Here is the Forests website.  Phones:  Forest supervisor 307-745-2300
  From stateparks.com: “The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests extend from north central Colorado to central Wyoming. The Forests encompass portions of many mountain ranges including the Gore Range, Flat Tops, Parks Range, Medicine Bow Mountains, Sierra Madre, and Laramie Range.”
  Unfortunately, this branch of the Forest Service gives very little information on trails.  Here is the page with links to information each trail, but they seldom give length, let alone difficulty rating.
  Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District  307-326-5258  
  Snowy Range Scenic Byway  also described here
  Mirror Lake Picnic Ground includes an accessible  path to the water,  campsites and fishing platform.
  Lake Marie Trail goes along the southeast shore of the Lake

  Brooklyn Lake Road 3.5 miles described as easy in Hiking Project.

  Douglas Ranger District  307-358-4690
  Laramie Ranger District  307-745-2398
  Medicine Bow Trail is a 23  mile Rail-Trail from Laramie to Coalmont Colorado. Hiking Project description. 

• Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
  “The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is one of the 12 National Forests in the Intermountain Region as well as one of the urban National Forests in the Forest Service System.  It covers an area that includes northern and north-central Utah, and southwestern Wyoming.”
  Here is the Forest website.  Supervisor phone 801-999-2103  Contacts in the various ranger districts.

  There is a video on the website describing 5 Family Friendly Trails which they say are good for strollers and people of all ages.  At  one point the voice-over claims they are “universally accessible”, but that is not clear from the photographs or the descriptions on the website.
  ? Limber Pine Nature Trail 1.4 miles

  ? Cascades springs interpretive trail 0.9 mile paved and boardwalk path

  Devils Kitchen Trail to a geologic site 0.1 mile “Accessible”

  ?  Current Creek Nature Trail 1.25 miles  self-guided interpretive trail.  Call 435-654-0470 for more information on this trail.

  “Summer Lake Nature Trail  3/4 mile around a lake

   

• Yellowstone National Park
  Yellowstone National Park overlies the huge Yellowstone Caldera.  The Park’s diversity and natural wealth include hydrothermal features such as colorful hot springs, mudpots, and geysers.  There is abundant wildlife, vegetation, lakes, and the Yellowstone River with its canyon and falls.  “In Yellowstone, the interplay between volcanic, hydrothermal, and glacial processes, and the distribution of flora and fauna are intricate.”
  The park is in both Wyoming and Montana, so I am posting in both states.

  Here is the Park website.     Phone  307-344-7381  Accessibility Guide
  The Accessibility Guide is very thorough so I am posting just a bit about some of the accessible places in Yellowstone.
  “Manual wheelchairs can be rented at medical clinics for $10 per day with a credit card (or $300 cash) deposit.  Wheelchairs are available for loan at each lodging facility, except Roosevelt Lodge, and the Old Faithful, Canyon, and Albright (Mammoth) visitors centers while in those areas.”
  The use of Segways is somewhat limited.  Check ahead.

  

  

  Mammoth Hot Springs.   There are accessible boardwalk from which you can view the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces.
  Norris Geyser Basin and Area.  There are boardwalks here, but you may need assistance.  The lower section of the Artists Paintpots is wheelchair accessible.
  Old Faithful.  There are accessible paved trails and boardwalks going to Old Faithful Geyser, Geyser Hill, and Castle Geyser

  

  

  West Thumb Geyser Area.  You may require some assistance on these boardwalks, which are by Yellowstone Lake.

  

  

  Fishing Bridge Area.  There is an accessible trail to the Mud Volcano, 6 miles north of Fishing Bridge.

  Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.  There are a number of accessible trails to overlooks.  See the map in the Accessibility Guide.

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State

• Wyoming State Parks
  For general questions about State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails call 307-777-6323.  Regional Trails Supervisor ‘s phone is 307-335-8229 ext 225
  Here is the Parks website with links to websites for every Wyoming State Park and Historic Area.

• Bear River State Park
  “Bear River State Park is a day use only park comprised of 324 acres. It is home to small herds of bison and elk and boasts several miles of both paved and packed gravel trails.”
  Here is the Park website.  Phone  307-789-6547    Brochure & Map
  Bear River Trail 1.2 mile    From the Travel Information Center and along Bear River. The website does not describe individual trails but the map shows an ADA compliant paved trail.  “Nearly 3 miles of foot trails are within park limits. This includes 1.2 miles of paved trail and an arched footbridge that crosses the Bear River, allowing access to a natural area. Another 1.7 miles of packed gravel trails are on the west side of the river.”

• Curt Gowdy State Park
  “Wildlife and opportunities for recreation abound at Curt Gowdy State Park and its three reservoirs. …Enjoy abundant wildflower, and wildlife viewing…”  There are two ADA fishing piers.
  Here is the Park website.   Trail Map   Brochure     Phone 307-632-7946
  Kate’s Trail is a 1 mile concrete trail starting and finishing at the Visitor Center.
  ? Shoreline Trail   2.64 miles  Along the shore of Granite Springs Reservoir.  This is used by mountain bikers as well as hikers and may not be easy enough for you.  Check first.

• Edness K. Wilkins State Park
  This park, six miles from Casper, is perfect for picnics.  There are over 40 picnic areas shaded by cottonwood trees.  A swimming pond is nearby.  It is rated an important birding area.
  Here is the Park website.  Brochure & Map  Phone  307-577-5150
  “The Park features 2.8 miles of handicapped-accessible hard-surfaced paths and a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, the only one like it in the state.”
  
  

• Hot Springs State Park
  More than 8,000 gallons of water from mineral hot springs flow over colorful terraces along the Big Horn River at Thermopolis every 24 hours.  The park has a free bath house where the water is maintained at 104 degrees.
  Here is the park website. Phone  307-864-2176  travelwyoming.com     Brochure & Map
  Terrace Walk  boardwalk/paved trail 0.4 mi out and back

  Rainbow Terraces Loop  0.8 mi  All Trails says it is good “for all skill levels.”   Description in Hiking Project.

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Local

• Casper
  ” The River Trail, the spine of our community system, travels 11 miles along the North Platte River corridor. In addition to being the primary east/west non-motorized transportation corridor, the River Trail is suitable for a range of activities for people of all ages and abilities….Casper’s community trail system also includes the Casper Rail Trail …”  Platte River Trails.
  River Trail   Map  “The Platte River Trail connects 10 local parks that feature picnic tables and some covered shelter areas.” Phone 307-577-1206

• Cody
  “The City of Cody has more than 20 developed parks and nearly 9 miles of developed trails and pathways. Three developed pathway systems were designed to meet the needs of many users. If you enjoy rollerblading with a lakeside view or jogging along the scenic Shoshone River, your recreational needs will be met in Cody.”
  Dept. of Parks and Pathways.   Phone (307) 587-0400
  Beck Lake Park
  “Beck Lake Park has more than two miles of asphalt trails encircling two large reservoirs, offering spectacular views of Cody and beyond. Other features include a developed Braille Trail, Cody Lions Club picnic shelters, handicapped accessible fishing piers.”   Phone 307-586-4112
    Shoshone Riverway Trail  1.3-mile trail follows along the scenic Shoshone River and is accessible from two points within the community. The recycled asphalt base allows for walking, jogging, and biking.  Phone  307-586-4112

  

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Private

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Miscellaneous

• Just Trails – Great source of information on trails in northern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming.  They do mention difficulty, but not in reference to disabilities.
  Rebecca, who co-writes Just Trails, posted this list of wheelchair accessible trails near Laramie.
  

• Nature For The Blind has a directory of Braille trails for almost every state in the US and for many other countries.

• The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in Wyoming.

• Wheelchairtraveling.com  is an outstanding resource.

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