Steamboat and Pearl Lake State Parks are launching a free track-chair program on June 27 to improve access to hiking trails for people with mobility issues, states a Wednesday news release. 

Track chairs are all-terrain, electric wheelchairs equipped with treads that can roll over rocks, roots, uneven surfaces and other obstacles found on trails, and can pass through both sand, mud, snow and up to 10 inches of water. 

While the parks currently have only one track chair — donated by Colorado’s Staunton State Park, which has run a successful track-chair program since its start in 2017 — officials intend on applying for grants to fund another. 

As of right now, the chair is available only on Saturdays and Sundays beginning June 27. Park officials hope to expand its availability to additional days with the assistance of volunteers. 

The chairs are free to use, but reservations are required. To make a reservation or to sign up as a volunteer, email steamboat.lake@state.co.us or call 970-879-3922, extension 3. 

Park officials remind the public that a day, annual or Keep Colorado Wild pass is required to enter the park.