At SCLT, “expanding recreation opportunities” isn’t just a motto—it’s written into our mission. But how do you take the challenging terrain of the Bighorn Mountains and make something accessible and enjoyable to nearly everyone?
Thanks to a generous grant from Susie and Brad Mohrmann of the J.A. Woollam Foundation, SCLT has been able to work with Teton Adaptive (TA) in Jackson, leaders in inclusive outdoor recreation.
“Over the years, we’ve received heartfelt requests for ADA-accessible trails. So SCLT Recreation Program Manager Jared Koenig and I seized those ideas and quietly tinkered with the possibilities,” remarked SCLT Executive Director Brad Bauer.
“What makes a trail ‘accessible?’ Where could we weave an adaptive trail through our stunning Bighorn Mountain landscapes?” they pondered. After an inspiring phone call, Brad recollected that he and Jared decided the best learning path would be hands-on.
Teton Adaptive visited SCLT’s trails in May to demonstrate adaptive access firsthand. When TA arrived, they brought two hand‑pedal bikes designed for riders with paraplegia—trikes powered entirely by arms. Over a full day, Jared, Brad, and the TA guides rode segments of every SCLT trail system using these adaptive bikes. Each stop sparked lively conversation about small but impactful tweaks: widening narrow sections, smoothing rough spots, adjusting grades, and adding pull-off areas for rest.
SCLT Executive Director Brad Bauer and SCLT Director of Recreation Jared Koenig met with friends from Teton Adaptive this spring to explore ways to make community trails more accessible, meeting the needs of even more people in Sheridan County. Above: You can see Brad riding an adaptive, handcycle at the SCLT Big Goose Natural Area.
Our discovery?
Most SCLT trails already meet basic access criteria—and with minor adjustments, many more segments will welcome adaptive users. Industry best practices recommend trails with minimum widths of 38–48 inches, compacted, predictable surfaces, gentle running slopes below 20%, and minimal cross-slopes for safety. These guidelines were reflected as we evaluated each trial alongside the TA.
Armed with new insights, Jared and SCLT’s field crew will begin implementing some tweaks this summer and the coming years. Over time, SCLT intends to implement adaptive-friendly tweaks across its trails wherever possible.
“Teton Adaptive taught us accessibility isn’t all-or-nothing. True inclusion means offering choice at different challenge levels—from gentle loops to more adventurous routes—so riders of all abilities can explore the Bighorns. It’s not about transforming every single trail—just thoughtfully expanding pathways to welcome more people.” ~ SCLT Director of Recreation Jared Koenig.
Now imagine this: a parent hand‑pedaling alongside their child, a visitor using a handcycle pausing at a sweeping vista, or someone experiencing the Bighorns fully—thanks to a trail built with intention. Adaptive bikes can be expensive. SCLT hopes to secure funding to purchase one or two of these bikes to loan to people. It is another way SCLT can help expand access to outdoor recreation. That’s the future SCLT is designing.
Next steps?
Of course, these changes will not happen overnight or even in a single season. Watch for updated trail maps with adaptive icons, refreshed trailhead signage, and announcements on SCLT’s website and social channels.
Thanks to the vision of our community—and the collaboration with Teton Adaptive—our beautiful Bighorns backyard is becoming more open, welcoming, and ready for everyone. Stay tuned, spread the word, and see how simple adjustments can unlock big recreation possibilities in the Bighorns!
How can I help?
There are many ways you can help SCLT make more trail sections more accessible to more people.
Join us on a volunteer day or work with Jared directly to volunteer on your schedule. You can see what opportunities are open and sign up in the SCLT Volunteer Corner at https://sheridanclt.org/volunteer/.
You can also give SCLT a gift to help offset material and labor costs to make adaptive-friendly tweaks or make future trails adaptive-friendly from the start. To do so, visit https://sheridanclt.org/donate/.
