The Problem:
Many people assume that those with disabilities “can’t” take part in outdoor activities. Because of this bias, we've often overlooked outdoor recreation opportunities for the 16% of the population (1.3 billion people worldwide and 42.5 million Americans) who have significant disabilities. This includes people with hearing, vision, cognitive, and mobility disabilities.
Our Work:
From National Forests and National Parks to city parks and resorts. We educate and engage local community and land managers on how to incorporate sustainable solutions for a variety of adaptive recreational experiences and nuanced equipment on trail, climbing, campgrounds, and water activities.
Testimonial:
“Working with Quinn and Joe has opened my eyes to the world of adaptive hiking devices. It has been invaluable to learn how specific devices can support individuals with different levels of assistance. Their knowledge of universal trail design and ABA/ADA guidelines has helped me re-envision our trail building requirements to create a more inclusive hiking experience. As users and educators, giving information is the gateway to freedom- freedom of choice and independence. Which each one of us deserve.”
~Angela Timby, Trail Supervisor, Grand Teton National Park
Adaptive Mountain Biking Focused: Missoula, MT
In partnership with Missoula County, Mountain Bike Missoula, and Friends of Marshall Mountain, Dovetail Trail Consulting led an on-site event focused on making early-phase trail development more inclusive for individuals with mobility disabilities. Dovetail provided education, facilitated conversations with the adaptive community, and offered practical recommendations—such as inclusive signage and design strategies—to help shape Marshall Mountain into a welcoming, accessible recreation destination. This work supports Missoula’s broader goal of ensuring equitable trail access for all.
On the Ground and On the Trail: Dovetail Advances Inclusive Trail Design: Lander, WY
As part of a collaborative effort to improve trail accessibility, Dovetail Trail Consulting led an on-the-ground clinic at Johnny Behind the Rocks in Wyoming, demonstrating how thoughtful trail design directly impacts people with disabilities. Using adaptive mountain bikes, Dovetail’s team showcased real-world challenges—such as narrow pinch points and gate designs that are difficult for people with mobility disabilities—while offering practical solutions to increase inclusivity.
Hosted in partnership with Wyoming Pathways and the BLM, this hands-on event emphasized the power of lived experience in shaping more accessible public lands. By bringing land managers, trail builders, and advocates into the field with adaptive riders, Dovetail helped drive home a central message: inclusive trail design benefits everyone.
Making Public Lands More Accessible: Montrose, CO
Dovetail Trail Consulting partnered with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation for a hands-on accessibility workshop in the GMUG National Forests. Led by adaptive recreation experts Quinn Brett and Joe Stone, the session focused on what it truly takes to make trails more inclusive for people with disabilities.
The workshop emphasized the value of detailed trail information—like tread width, cross slope, and surface conditions—as outlined in the U.S. Access Board’s Outdoor Developed Areas Standards. Participants learned how small design features, such as certain gate latches or narrow trail pinch points, can present major barriers. A range of adaptive mobility devices were also demonstrated to show how thoughtful design can open access to a wider community of trail users.
Entry to Exist BLM Workshop: Red Rocks Conservation Area, NV
Dovetail Trail Consulting and the Trail Access Project hosted a four-day workshop for 20 BLM land managers focused on access for people with disabilities on public lands.
The workshop covered accessibility laws (ADA, ABA, Section 504, Wilderness Act), emerging technologies, and the diversity and strengths within the disability community. Participants learned how to provide objective information about recreational experiences and gained a broader awareness of barriers for people with mobility disabilities.
Downhill Mountain Biking: Idaho Springs, CO
Dovetail Trail Consulting partnered with Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA) to access a new mountain bike park in Idaho Springs, Colorado.
Dovetail assessed the first 8 miles of what will be 28 miles when completed, one climbing trail and one downhill trail were accessed. Recommendations were made for the uphill trail, a multi use trail, that would better accommodate both hikers and bikers but also then provide safe and doable access for people with adaptive mountain bikes. The downhill trail, similarity, had a few features that were noted and suggestions made for barriers or terrain slowing pinch points for adaptive users.
Expanding Hiking Opportunities: Grand Teton National Park, WY
Dovetail Trail Consulting partnered with Grand Teton National Park and the Grand Teton National Park Foundation to lead an eight-day accessibility workshop for staff across multiple departments. The training focused on understanding the needs of people with disabilities and enhancing accessibility throughout the park. As part of this initiative, Dovetail also spent six days on-site with trail leads assessing the popular Taggart Lake Trail. The team identified key barriers and proposed practical solutions to improve access, helping to ensure that visitors with mobility disabilities can more fully experience the park’s iconic landscapes.
Trail Information for better decision making:
Bend, OR
Dovetail Trail Consulting partnered with the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA), in collaboration with Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS), to assess over 100 miles of trail for adaptive mountain biking in and around Bend, Oregon.
This project focused on two key goals: integrating sustainable trail design with the diverse needs of adaptive riders using various mobility devices, and aligning those considerations with the trail network’s designated uses. In addition, we hosted a community engagement day to connect local adaptive riders with trail organizations, gather regional insight, and share guidance on relevant laws and visitor use management. These efforts helped foster long-term collaboration between the adaptive community and local trail stewards.
Adaptive Trail Insights at Walden’s Ridge: Chattanooga, TN
Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Walden’s Ridge Park features the region’s first purpose-built, progressive downhill trails. Designed to offer a mix of terrain and technical features, the trails cater to a wide range of rider skill levels.
In November 2022, Dovetail Trail Consulting’s Joe Stone and Quinn Brett conducted an on-site assessment to evaluate the rideability of the new trails for adaptive mountain bikers. Their work focused on identifying potential barriers for riders using adaptive mountain bikes and offering practical suggestions to improve inclusivity. Collaborating directly with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) trail builders and staff, Dovetail provided real-time feedback to help ensure the trail system supports a broader spectrum of riders from the start.
Partnerships:
Collaborative Accessibility Initiative
Dovetail Trail Consulting partnered with Trail Access Project, Beneficial Designs, and both Rocky Mountain and Grand Teton National Parks to advance trail accessibility. The project included staff training and adaptive hikes using specialized wheelchairs, showcasing how inclusive design and modern mobility technology can expand access to backcountry trails.
We are a SAM's Contractor
Dovetail Trail Consulting
PO Box 3836
Jackson, WY 83001