water wheelchair

Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America”, Ridgeway State Park (cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/ridgway-state-park) is one of Colorado’s often overlooked gems. Located off of Highway 550, about 15 miles south of Montrose, it offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, and borders a five-mile stretch of the Uncompahgre River. And the good news is, thanks to a bevy of accessible trails, a loaner track wheelchair, a water wheelchair and even a wheelchair-accessible paddleboard, it’s now possible to plan a wheelchair-accessible Ridgway State Park getaway. Top it off with spending a night or two in a wheelchair-accessible yurt, and you have all the ingredients for a perfectly accessible outdoor excursion.

Explore the Forest

One of the largest areas of the park, Dutch Charlie, is the perfect spot to enjoy a wheelchair-accessible Ridgeway State Park visit. It includes the visitor center, several accessible trails, an accessible beach area, and a campground.

There’s accessible parking in front of the visitor center, which is located just off of Highway 550. The visitor center features level access to a variety of interpretive exhibits, a ranger information desk and accessible restrooms.

There are two accessible trails near the visitor center. The Overlook is a short 600-foot paved trail that leads over to a vantage point that offers a good view of the Ridgway Reservoir. The Forest Discovery Trail also begins near the visitor center. This .6-mile hard-packed dirt loop is wide and fairly level; however there are some rough spots and ruts along the way. Additionally it can get pretty muddy after a storm, but it’s usually passable in a loaner track chair.

Two loaner track chairs are available at the visitor center, however advance reservations are required. Staff members are not allowed to assist with transfers to the track chair; and a park volunteer must accompany all track chair-users on their excursions. The excursions can include the Forest Discovery Trail, as well as several other trails in the park. Track chairs must be reserved at least one week in advance on the park website, or by calling (970) 626-5822. It’s a great way for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore the park, but plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Hit the Beach

If you prefer the beach to the forest, them head on over to Mear’s Bay, which is just a short drive from the visitor center. There’s accessible parking near the marina, with level access over to the office and the accessible picnic tables on the adjacent deck There’s also ramp access down to the beach, which has a 300-foot Mobi-Mat to the water.

If you’d like to go into the water, a loaner MobiChair is available to use at the Mears Bay swimming beach. This floating wheelchair can travel over the sand or on the Mobi-Mats and go into the water. It is not self propelling, so users need someone to push the MobiChair.

And for more water fun, check out the loaner SOLFiesta wheelchair-accessible paddleboard. This massive paddleboard measures 15 feet six inches long by five feet six inches wide. There are tie-downs for a wheelchair in front, and room for a passenger behind it. And there’s still plenty of room in back for the requisite guide who maneuvers the paddleboard.

There’s no charge to use the Mobi Chair or the accessible paddleboard, but advance reservations are a must. They can be made on the park website or by calling (970) 626-5822. And just like the track chair reservations, they must be made at least a week in advance.

Finally, if you’d like a short walk while you’re in the area, then check out the Mears Bay Trail. This one-mile paved trail has a maximum grade of 4% , and runs alongside the lake. It’s not really too scenic in dry years when the lake is low, but if it’s a normal rainfall year it’s very pleasant.

Spend the Night

Top off your wheelchair-accessible Ridgway State Park adventure with an overnight stay in the park. Book a night or two at the accessible yurt in the Dakota Terraces Campground, which is located midway between Mear’s Bays and the visitor center,

Accessible yurt 10 is located in Loop A of the campground. This round canvas structure offers accessible parking in front, with a paved pathway to the front porch. Access features include a threshold ramp, a wide entrance door, and good pathway access throughout the yurt.

The yurt is furnished with two queen futons (bring your own bedding), a bunk bed and a table and chairs. The kitchenette has a small counter, and it includes a microwave and a refrigerator. And although there isn’t a bathroom in the yurt, it does have electricity, an overhead light and a stove for heat. Outside, there is an accessible picnic table, a grill on a cement pad, and a 15-inch high tent platform.

An accessible restroom is located next door, with accessible parking in front of the building. Accessible pay showers are available in the camper services building near the beginning of Loop A.

So save the trouble of pitching a tent and give yurting a try for a night – or two – in Ridgway State Park. It’s a comfortable and affordable way to extend your visit to wheelchair-accessible Ridgway State Park.