Our group hikes are open to the disability community only. This includes people who have any type of disability or chronic illness, are neurodivergent, deaf, blind, or otherwise face access barriers to the outdoors due to lived experience of disability. We define these terms in the broadest way possible – if you are asking yourself if that includes you, then it does! Feel free to contact us if you aren’t sure. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also welcome to join you.

We occasionally offer group hikes open to all or collaborate with other organizations to bring together the wider community. We note these group hikes in the title and descriptions

Unless otherwise noted, we do not allow non-disabled people to attend the group hikes (unless they are accompanying a disabled friend or family member). We typically do not allow journalists, researchers, photographers, etc. to attend the hikes. Exceptions are occasionally made but must be arranged far in advance so that we can get consent from all group members.

Our group hikes are not a space for non-disabled people to learn about disability and accessibility in the outdoors. If you would like to learn more about disability access in the outdoors, contact us for information about consultations and field experiences.

Disabled Hikers is an entirely Disabled-led organization. Our events are affinity spaces. They are an opportunity for disabled people to meet and build community in a safe(r) space, without worrying about non-disabled people taking control or dominating the experience. While we recognize the importance of community inclusion, we also know that there are very few opportunities for people with disabilities to come together in spaces that we define. The goal for our events is to break through the isolation so many of us experience and build community by us, for us.

We require high quality face masks (KN-95 or better) at all of our events to keep each other safe. There are many immunocompromised and otherwise high risk people in our community. But even if you are not immunocompromised, respiratory illnesses can have long-lasting effects on health and well being. You can read more about our mask policy here.

The short answer is – yes! Our events are access-centered and collaborative, and we will work with you to make it as accessible as possible. We design the group hikes to be as accessible as possible to as many people as possible, but we acknowledge that barriers in the outdoor environment may still prevent access. We ask for your access needs/accommodations at registration and will get in touch for more information as needed. Some examples of what we may be able to provide include: translators and interpreters, assistance with walking, transportation/carpools, collapsible camp chairs, hiking gear. We do not currently own adaptive equipment like all terrain wheelchairs but may be able to work with other organizations to provide access to one.

We have a few just to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. They include:

1. Do not offer anyone advice or assistance without asking first

2. Hike as a group and do not leave anyone behind

3. Please ask for what you need when you need it

4. We do not tolerate hate of any kind

5. If someone or something makes you uncomfortable, please talk to the hike leader

Our home region is the west coast, including Washington, Oregon, and northern California. We occasionally lead group hikes in other areas as funding and travel allows. We are working towards building our capacity for group hikes in other areas. If you would like to help fund more group hikes, you can support our work by making a donation.

We are an entirely Disabled-led organization, with a multiply marginalized majority. As an organization rooted in disability justice, we are explicitly anti-racist and queer affirming. We are a cross-disability and access-centered organization. We recognize the power of cross-movement solidarity and work to dismantle ableism, settler-colonialism, racism, and all other forms of oppression in the outdoors. Our focus is on building power within the disability community and creating a Disabled-led movement in the outdoors.

We love leading group hikes in other areas! However, they require a significant commitment of time and resources, and we are a small organization. The best way to help us come to your area is to host a fundraiser and help us organize the event. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss!

Service dogs are always welcome. Service animals are trained to perform one or more tasks in support of a person's disability. Pets are strongly discouraged, even on pet friendly trails, to reduce the likelihood of accessibility conflicts or issues between service dogs and pets. We ask if you are bringing a service dog at registration only for planning purposes, and to let attendees know who may have an accessibility conflict (allergies, fear, etc.). If you absolutely must bring a pet with you, please contact us or leave a note in the registration box and we will follow up.