South Valley Park, Littleton, CO

WILD’s Inaugural Hike

A Joyful Step Toward Inclusion in the Outdoors


On a bright spring morning in April, a group of smiling faces gathered at South Valley Park in Littleton, Colorado. The occasion? The very first hike hosted by Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development (WILD) — a brand new organization with a bold mission: to increase outdoor access for individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities while cultivating a sense of belonging for  families.


WILD, founded by Joelle Rickard and Pase Garrett, isn’t just another outdoor group. It’s a movement toward a more inclusive future, where people of all abilities are embraced in outdoor spaces as capable, contributing participants. Their vision is deeply human: to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their loved ones to connect not only with nature, but with each other.


As a person who calls Littleton home,  I was honored to capture the magic of a hike that was about so much more than the trail — it was about building a new kind of community.  I spent seven summers of my life at Camp Paha - a camp for children and young adults with disabilities.  WILD's mission is one that I deeply believe in- everyone deserves equal access to nature and joy.  

 

Shelter at trailhead of South Valley Park, snowcapped foothills in the background.
Shelter at trailhead of South Valley Park, snowcapped foothills in the background.

Starting with Curiosity and Connection


The group gathered under the shelter near the trailhead, surrounded by the signature red rock formations of South Valley Park and the crisp Colorado air. Snow still dusted the landscape, we happened to receive quite a bit of snow a few days before.  But in true Colorado fashion, winter weather one day, spring the next, - we had the most perfect weather for a hike.


Joelle kicked things off with a warm welcome and a joyful introduction to what to expect from WILD and the hike.  Then Pase shared a quick geology lesson. The surrounding sandstone cliffs, part of the Fountain Formation, were a powerful backdrop for WILDs first community event.

Joelle, founder of WILD, introducing hiking event to volunteers and families at a shelter near trailhead.
Pace, founder of WILD, teaching geology lesson about rock formations at South Valley Park.
Pace, founder of WILD, teaching geology lesson about rock formations at South Valley Park.

On the Trail


The hike began on the Coyote Song Trail, a gentle and scenic path ideal for WILD’s goal of accessible outdoor experiences. The group moved at a supportive pace, allowing time for conversation, laughter, and spontaneous nature discoveries.


As we walked,  someone spotted what appeared to be a red tailed hawk perched on a power line. Heads tilted upward, binoculars came out, as did the ever trusty Merlin app.

Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's looking at hawk perched on powerline.

Swallow Trail and Sweet Surprises


At the Swallow Trail junction, our group paused to check out a small herd of deer.   A bit further along was the perfect spot to stop for a quick group photo.  Just as we neared the end, a flash of color caught our eyes — a small flock of mountain bluebirds perched along the trail fence.

Participant of Wilderness Inclusion hiking event walking on trail, with her arms stretched out.
Deer standing in open field at South Valley Park trail, rock formations and foothills in background.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking standing on trail at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO

More Than a Hike: Building a Welcoming Space

Back at the shelter, everyone enjoyed refreshments and snacks.  Participants shared stories and pictures they took of wildlife on the trail.

Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.

What’s Next for WILD?

This hike was just the beginning. Joelle and Pase have big dreams for WILD, and they’re already working on future events and partnerships to bring more inclusive adventures to life.


They envision regular seasonal events, and educational programs that weave together accessibility, environmental appreciation, and social connection.

Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Group of volunteers for WILDs first event.

Join the Movement

If you're a family looking for connection, a nature lover passionate about inclusion, or someone who simply believes that the outdoors should be for everyone — WILD welcomes you.


Visit WILD's website to learn more, get involved, or support their work. Whether you can join a hike, volunteer your time, or donate to the cause, every effort helps expand the circle.

Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Two young children playing in muddy run off water from snow melt above shelter at trailehead.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.

Final Thoughts

As a Littleton photographer, I often find myself in beautiful places. But rarely does a day feel quite this meaningful. WILD’s inaugural hike reminded me that nature is not just a place to visit, but a place to belong.


It’s where friendships form, confidence builds, and joy multiplies.


Here’s to many more hikes, many more smiles, and a future where inclusion is the standard.

Young adult male sitting on picnic bench under shelter at trailhead.
T-shirt branded with Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development hanging off branches in front of rock formation at South Valley Park.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event gathered under shelter, dried flowers in foreground.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event gathering under shelter.
Pace, founder of WILD, teaching lesson on geology at South Valley Park.
Teen boy sitting in camping chair near shelter at South Valley Park.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Founder of WILD, Joelle, walking with hiking participants at WILDs inaugural event.
Family of father, two teen girls, and mother smiling on trail at South Valley Park, foothills in background.
Family of mother, father and son at South Valley Park.
Father and son hiking a trail at South Valley Park.
WILD founders, Joelle and Pace, amidst hiking participants at event in South Valley Park.
Hikers with hiking poles on trail at South Valley Park.
Red Tailed Hawk perched on power line in Littleton, CO.
Group of people looking toward Red Tailed Hawk, one young man using binoculars, during hike at South Valley Park.
Trail sign pointing toward Coyote Song and Lyons Back on South Valley Park.
Teen girl standing near boy gazing up toward bird perched on powerline.
Mother looking backward on trail at south valley park toward husband, son and friend.
Young girl on trail at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park chatting on the trail.
Dirt trail at South Valley Park, foothills in background.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking event at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Two young children at South Valley Park in Littleton, CO.
Participants of Wilderness Inclusion for Learning Development's inaugural hiking enjoying snacks and conversations post hike.
Non-profit founder, Joelle, speaking at event in front of rock formation in South Valley Park.