6 Great Day Trips for Adults with Disabilities in Colorado
There is a fantastic range of accessible day trips for adults with disabilities or special needs around the state of Colorado. Thanks to a growing awareness of issues like wheelchair access, hearing impairments, visual impairments, neurodivergence, sensory issues, and chronic illnesses, many providers now plan for these needs proactively in their facility and program design.
If you or a loved one has a disability, knowing the kinds of activities and outings that offer accessible features can give you a new lease on life. Our list of suggested destinations includes some top ideas for an unforgettable day out!
A Day in the Great Outdoors in Colorado
There are more and more places around Colorado that disabled people can enjoy, including accessible trails and wheelchair-friendly parks.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park, an hour-and-a-half drive from Denver, has many adapted trails that were designed with accessibility in mind. All-terrain wheelchairs are available for use on the trails, making it easy for wheelchair users to enjoy the scenery.
In addition to accessible trails, there are boardwalks, campsites, and public buildings that are accessible and enjoyable for everyone, as well as accessible parking, picnic tables, and restrooms. Visiting the Rockies is a perfect summer outing.
2. Great Sand Dunes, Rocky Mountain National Park
Huge, sandy dunes may not sound like the ideal day out for wheelchair users, but the Great Sand Dunes are wheelchair-accessible thanks to the beach wheelchairs that are available for rent for people with mobility impairments. Two wheelchair models are available—with three and four wheels—both of which feature balloon wheels for complete wheelchair accessibility.
Before you go, it’s essential to reserve a chair to make sure it’s available once you arrive. Wheelchair users and their families should be aware that wheelchairs don't cater to above-standard-size travelers. Additionally, a fairly strong helper is needed to push the wheelchair. With the right preparation, the Great Sand Dunes can be a wonderful wheelchair-accessible vacation for you and your family.
3. Staunton State Park
Staunton State Park offers a track chair program that allows wheelchair users to enjoy the rocky surfaces in the park without problems. The track chairs in the park are joystick-controlled, which gives the user complete autonomy and provides access to three more trails than would be possible in a regular wheelchair. If you want to explore the park in a track chair, it’s essential to reserve one ahead of time to ensure its availability on the day.
In addition to track chairs, Staunton State Park also provides sign language interpretation, assistive listening equipment, and additional ADA accommodations on request. Individuals who require accommodations for their disabilities can fill in the park’s Reasonable Request Form before the trip.
4. Boulder Creek Path
The 5.5-mile Boulder Creek Path offers a smooth path that’s suitable for wheelchairs and other mobility aids. This beautiful path allows you to admire mountain views, Boulder Creek, and downtown Boulder, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop for food and drink or for a rest.
Although the path is wheelchair-accessible, power wheelchairs or a strong helper are recommended to negotiate a couple of the steeper sections of the path. Boulder Creek Path has accessible parking and wheelchair-accessible fishing spots, and offers a comprehensive guide that details the trails with the best wheelchair access.
Other Disabled-Friendly Destinations in Colorado
If you feel like something a little different to National Parks, Colorado also offers a range of cultural and sporting destinations that are accessible for people with disabilities.
5. Winter Park’s National Sports Center for the Disabled
The Winter Park Resort offers unparalleled access to adaptive winter sports, providing a world-class experience for disabled people that’s on par with top international destinations. Disabled visitors can enjoy a rush of adrenaline with any of the wide range of sports on offer, and there are specialized instructors who can adapt to your needs.
To give just a few examples, people with a range of disabilities can try sports such as skiing, kayaking, rock climbing, or rafting, feeling the joy and thrill of winter sports safely and securely. Day camps are available as well as longer programs, and there are competitive programs for more experienced athletes.
6. History Colorado
History Colorado encompasses several museums located across Colorado, from Denver to Pueblo to Trinidad. These museums celebrate Colorado's history and offer many fascinating insights into the past.
As part of their commitment to accessibility, these museums offer:
A large-print visitor guide for the visually-impaired
Low-sensory mornings at the History Colorado Center, when the museum is closed to the general public and sounds are turned down
Noise-canceling headphones on a first-come-first-served basis for people with autism spectrum disorder
Wheelchair and mobility scooter rental
Closed captions for hearing-impaired visitors
Group tours for groups of people with disabilities
If you’re looking for a vacation spot, check out our guide to Colorado’s best all-inclusive handicap-accessible resorts.
People with Disabilities Have Great Options for a Day Out in Colorado
Many attractions and national parks are becoming more accommodating to people with a wide range of accessibility needs, including physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and other special needs. You may be pleasantly surprised to find how far tourist attractions will go to make your day out both accessible and special.
When planning a day out, it’s worth researching the destination beforehand in case you need to reserve mobility devices or accessible tours. Contacting attractions or sites beforehand is also a good idea to find out how they can adapt to your needs, and to help you make the most of your time there once you arrive.