Trail Accessibility Guide
Not every great photo location requires a hike. Here are the accessible spots I use regularly, and how I make sure every client gets mountain-quality photos regardless of mobility.
Why This Guide Exists
I talk a lot about hiking sessions and mountain trails in my other guides, and I do not want anyone to read those and think, "Well, that is not for me." It absolutely is. Colorado has incredible outdoor photo locations that do not require climbing a single rock or walking a single unpaved step. I use them all the time, and the photos are just as good.
Not everyone can hike to Royal Arch or scramble up the Flatirons, and that is completely fine. Mobility limitations, injuries, strollers, wheelchairs, or simply not wanting to hike do not limit your options as much as you might think. Boulder and the surrounding communities have a network of paved paths, accessible trailheads, and flat open spaces that photograph beautifully.
Boulder Creek Path
This is probably my most-used accessible location. The path runs east to west through the heart of Boulder, paved and flat the entire way. You get cottonwood trees along the creek, mountain views to the west, and in summer the creek itself is a gorgeous backdrop with moving water and smooth river rocks.
Best sections for photos: the stretch between the Boulder Public Library and Eben Fine Park has the most variety. You get open meadow areas, tree-lined corridors, bridge crossings, and the canyon mouth as a backdrop. The path is wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers with plenty of room for other users to pass.
Surface: paved asphalt, flat grade, well-maintained year-round.
Parking: several lots along the route. The library lot and Eben Fine Park lot are both accessible with designated spaces.
Wonderland Lake
Wonderland Lake's loop trail is one of the most beautiful flat walks in Boulder. The full loop is about 1.8 miles with a mix of paved and packed gravel sections. You get mountain reflections in the lake, tall grass meadows, and the Flatirons rising in the background. It is one of those places where you cannot take a bad photo.
Best for: family sessions with young kids, multigenerational groups, wheelchair users. The terrain is gentle and the loop is short enough that nobody gets tired. I like shooting here in the evening when the lake catches the warm light and the mountains go golden.
Surface: mixed surface (paved and packed gravel sections). The paved sections are wheelchair accessible.
Parking: small lot on Linden Drive. Arrives early on weekends because this is a popular neighborhood walk.
Sawhill Ponds and Walden Ponds
These two connected open space areas east of Boulder are hidden gems for accessible photography. Flat packed-gravel trails wind through a series of ponds surrounded by cattails, cottonwoods, and grassland. The mountain views from here are panoramic and unobstructed. Sawhill Ponds is managed by the City of Boulder, while Walden Ponds is a Boulder County open space.
I especially like Sawhill for couples sessions because the ponds create reflections, the vegetation provides natural framing, and the flat terrain means you can focus on each other instead of watching your footing. In fall, the cottonwoods turn brilliant gold and the whole area glows.
Surface: packed gravel, mostly flat. Accessible for most wheelchairs in dry conditions, though some sections can get soft after rain.
Parking: multiple small lots along 75th Street. Easy access, rarely crowded.
Louisville and Lafayette Community Paths
If you are based in Louisville or Lafayette, you have excellent paved trail systems that do not require driving to Boulder. The Coal Creek Trail in Louisville runs through parks and open space with mountain views. Lafayette's Rock Creek Trail offers similar accessibility with a mix of urban and natural scenery.
These paths are wide, paved, and flat. They connect parks, playgrounds, and community spaces, which makes them particularly good for family sessions where kids can play in between photo stops.
Longmont's Greenway Trail System
Longmont has a network of paved greenway trails that run along the St. Vrain Creek and through city parks. The trail along Union Reservoir is a standout for photography: flat, wide, and you get water, mountains, and open sky in the background. McIntosh Lake is another option with a loop trail that is about half paved and half packed gravel.
Surface: paved, flat, ADA accessible throughout. Wide enough for side-by-side walking.
How I Accommodate Different Needs
When a client tells me they have mobility concerns, here is what I do:
- I ask specific questions. How far can you comfortably walk? Do you use a mobility aid? Are there surfaces that do not work for you (gravel, grass, uneven rock)? What is your energy level like, and do you need frequent rests? The more I know, the better I can plan.
- I scout the location in advance. I walk the exact route we will use, checking surface quality, grades, bench locations, and accessible restroom availability. If something does not work, I find an alternative before you show up.
- I adjust the session pace. Standard sessions move at a walking pace with stops for photos. Accessible sessions move at whatever pace is comfortable. If that means sitting on a bench for 20 minutes in a beautiful spot, great. Some of my best portrait work happens when people are seated and relaxed.
- I bring a portable seat. For locations without benches, I carry a lightweight camp stool in my car. If you need to sit down during the session, there is always an option.
Strollers and Young Families
Families with babies and toddlers often need stroller-accessible locations, and most of the spots on this page work perfectly. Boulder Creek Path is the gold standard for stroller sessions. Wide, flat, paved, and the creek provides built-in entertainment for older siblings.
A tip I have learned from many family sessions: bring the stroller even if you think your toddler will walk. At some point during the session, there will be a meltdown, a scraped knee, or just tiredness. Having the stroller means we can keep shooting while someone takes a break. It is also where all the snacks live, and snacks are the secret weapon for toddler photography.
Seated and Bench Sessions
I want to normalize this: some of my best photos happen when people are sitting down. A couple on a park bench overlooking the mountains. A grandmother seated on a blanket with grandkids climbing all over her. A senior portrait on a log with the Flatirons behind.
Sitting removes the self-consciousness of "what do I do with my hands and feet." People relax when they sit. They lean into each other. They look more natural. If you are someone who does not feel comfortable standing for long periods, seated sessions are not a compromise. They are a deliberate choice that often produces better results.
You Do Not Have to Hike for Great Photos
I love a mountain hike. It is a big part of what I do. But the truth is, the most important thing in any photo is the people in it, not the location. A genuine laugh on a bench at Wonderland Lake is worth more than a stiff pose at the top of a mountain. If you have been hesitating to book a session because you thought you needed to be able to hike, please reach out. I will find the right spot for you, and the photos will be just as meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a wheelchair or mobility scooter to a photo session?
Yes. Several of my go-to locations have paved, level paths that accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Boulder Creek Path, Wonderland Lake's paved loop, Sawhill Ponds, and the Walden Ponds area all work well. I scout these locations specifically for surface quality, grades, and turnaround points. Let me know what you need and I will choose the right spot.
What if I can walk but cannot handle hills or uneven terrain?
Most of my flat-terrain locations are exactly that: flat. Boulder Creek Path is paved and level. Wonderland Lake's loop has minimal elevation change. Sawhill Ponds and Walden Ponds have packed gravel paths that are mostly flat and smooth. I will walk the route with you and pace the session so you are comfortable the entire time. We can stop as often as you need.
Do you accommodate strollers on photo sessions?
Absolutely. I shoot a lot of family sessions where a stroller is part of the equation. Boulder Creek Path, Wonderland Lake, and most of the multi-use paths around Louisville and Longmont are stroller-friendly. For sessions with toddlers, I actually recommend bringing the stroller even on non-paved trails, because it gives you a place to store snacks, water, and backup clothes. We will use it as part of the session, not hide it.
Photography Services
These services connect to the topics covered in this guide.
Have a question about your session?
I am happy to help. Send me a message and let's figure out the details.