The Leave No Trace team recently joined longtime accessibility advocate Topher Downham for an experiential wheelchair-accessible hike—providing our staff and board members with a valuable experience on a multi-use trail in Colorado. The outing generated insights on essential topics such as inclusion, sustainability, and our shared belief that everyone benefits from a meaningful connection with nature.
“Connecting with nature and its healing powers is important for everyone, including people with disabilities,” said Downham.
Downham’s story is one of resilience and impact. After a diving accident in college left him paralyzed, he turned to nature for healing and inspiration; his relationship with the natural world eventually defined Downham’s career. Today, he serves as the Education and Outreach Program Manager for Accessibility with the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. Since 2001, he’s been on the front lines of making the outdoors more welcoming and accessible to all, often working directly at trailheads to share Leave No Trace principles with hikers of every background and ability.
The hike deepened our staff’s understanding of accessible trail design and the power of inclusive outdoor experiences. We checked out an impressive fleet of accessibility trail bikes—adaptive equipment that allowed Leave No Trace staff to experience the trail in new and engaging ways. Whether trying them for the first time or seeing how they worked up close, the innovative bikes were a fun and eye-opening part of the experience that helped expand our perspectives on what accessibility looks like in action.
As Downham guided the group along a wheelchair-accessible path, he shared insights on how accessibility and conservation can be mutually supportive. By widening trails during construction, he explained, we can prevent off-trail travel that damages fragile ecosystems while creating space that accommodates a broader range of users.
Downham emphasized the importance of detailed trail guides—including information on features like trail grades and cross slopes—which help people of all abilities better prepare for their outdoor adventures. Elements like gradual inclines, wide pathways, and clear signage don’t just support those using mobility devices—they also benefit families, older adults, and anyone seeking a safer, more predictable, and enjoyable trail experience. We learned that the “curb-cut effect” describes how designs intended to serve a specific group often provide unexpected benefits for everyone.
Last year, the Leave No Trace Global Summit featured Downham speaking on our panel discussion on accessibility and inclusion. His message at that event was clear: Making nature more inclusive isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s a cultural shift that requires intentionality, collaboration, and education.
That’s why experiences like these are so important for our team. Being on the trail with Downham isn’t just about learning—it’s about listening, and seeing the outdoors through another lens. We asked ourselves how we can do more to ensure that Leave No Trace practices support everyone’s right to experience and enjoy nature.
We’re deeply grateful to Downham for continuing to share his time, perspective, and leadership with our team. These hikes are helping shape how we think about accessibility within our organization and beyond, and they’re just the beginning!
Want to learn more about accessible outdoor spaces? Check out Topher Downham’s Accessible Trails and Sites Guide for detailed information on inclusive trails throughout Boulder County, Colorado.
