Top 12 Accessible Rocky Mountain Destinations

Colorado is calling! Roll into adventure as you embark on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and mile-high marvels of the Rockies with our exclusive guide. 

Colorado boasts some of the most unique and scenic natural landscapes in the world, including nine national monuments, three national historic areas, and four National Parks. Start by renting an accessible vehicle from one of the three United Access locations in Colorado for jumping-off point just hours away from the world’s most wondrous scenery. 

To discover the top accessible destinations in Colorado, we teamed up with two-time Paralympian and Accessibility Advocate Michelle Salt. She recently completed a road trip in a Winnebago Roam to highlight accessible destinations around North America and inspire others with disabilities to find their next adventure.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Located less than an hour and half from the United Access Denver West, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular National Parks for good reason. The park offers several accessible amenities for visitors, including visitor centers, scenic overlooks, self-guided trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and a backcountry campsite. Wheelchair users can explore beyond the accessible trails of Rocky Mountain National Park with an all-terrain Grit Freedom wheelchair available to borrow at no cost. 

2. Downtown Denver Aquarium

Known for its thematic atmosphere, the Denver Downtown Aquarium maintains more than one million gallons of aquarium exhibits. The multiple attractions include the Rainforest Habitat, Stingray Reef, Sunken Temple and a 4-D Theater “Very accessible throughout the whole building and so much to see,” said Salt. 

3. Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park

A Denver icon for over a century, Elitch Gardens is a destination for locals and tourists alike. Boasting an impressive collection of roller coasters, most rides can accommodate wheelchair users. There’s also live entertainment, a water park, shopping, arcade, and more than 20 food and beverage options. 

4. Downtown Denver & the Platte River Greenway Trail

The mile-high city is a stand-out when it comes to accessibility. Although Denver is considered the gateway to the Rockies, the city itself has very little variation in elevation. The Platte River Greenway Trail offers a picturesque route to take in the sights of downtown Denver. This popular urban pathway that runs along the South Platte River, with a mostly paved trail, is ideal for walkers, cyclists, and individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. 

5. Olympic and Paralympic Museum 

Located in Colorado Springs, the Olympic and Paralympic Museum pays homage to the incredible journeys of athletes who've transcended boundaries to achieve greatness. This state-of-the-art institution’s dynamic contemporary architecture reflects athletes in motion. The building was designed to accommodate not just people with physical disabilities but also the visually and hearing impaired. 

6. Garden of the Gods 

A registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods features dramatic vistas, including 300-foot-tall sandstone rock formations and panoramas of snow-capped Pikes Peak. An accessible, open-air Jeep fitted with a BraunAbility Lift accommodates one mobility device and up to three additional passengers. The park offers accessible parking, restrooms, and trails for visitors with mobility challenges. 

To get more detailed tips from those who’ve been there, download the full 11-page guide to Top 12 Accessible Rocky Mountain Destinations.

America the Beautiful Access Pass

If you are a citizen of the United States and have a permanent disability, you are eligible for an Access Pass. This pass is not only free, but also lasts for a lifetime, granting you access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six Federal agencies. What’s more, the Access Pass offers discounted rates for various activities like camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours at many of these sites. You can obtain a pass online for a processing fee or at one of the many pass pickup locations.