Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Colorado Springs, Colorado!

Garden of the Gods

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Garden of the Gods

Arrival and Orientation

Begin your adventure at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. Located at 1805 N. 30th Street in Colorado Springs, the center offers ample accessible parking and complimentary wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis. Here, you can acquaint yourself with the park through interactive exhibits and a short film that dives into the geological wonders and history of the area. Don"t miss the expansive terrace, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the park’s majestic rock formations against Pikes Peak.

Touring the Garden

From the Visitor Center, take the Gateway Road which is fully accessible and leads directly into the heart of the park. Your first landmark, the towering Gateway Rocks, presents a dramatic welcome. Continue to the iconic Balanced Rock, a geological marvel that makes for an unforgettable photo op. The park"s main loop, the Perkins Central Garden Trail, is a paved, wheelchair-accessible 1-mile trail that offers up-close views of famous formations like Kissing Camels and Cathedral Spires. Interpretive signs along the way provide insights into the unique flora, fauna, and formations.

Picnic and Wildlife Watching

Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the accessible picnic areas dotted throughout the park. The Scotsman Picnic area is a serene spot with accessible tables and offers a chance to spot mule deer, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species.

Sunset Experience

Conclude your visit by watching the sunset, which casts a stunning golden hue on the rocks. The Mesa Road or Juniper Way Loop offer accessible viewpoints for this spectacular daily show.

Practical Tips

- The park is open year-round and free of charge.

- Ensure your mobile device or wheelchair is fully charged, as the park spans over 1,300 acres.

- Check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly.

Enjoy your accessible adventure in the serene and stunning Garden of the Gods!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Pikes Peak Highway

Why Visit?

Pikes Peak Highway Wheelchair-Friendly Adventure

Embark on a breathtaking journey along the Pikes Peak Highway, meticulously designed for wheelchair and mobile scooter users. This 19-mile road leads you to the summit of one of America’s most iconic mountains, Pikes Peak, standing tall at 14,115 feet.

Starting Point: Pikes Peak Gateway

Begin your adventure at the Pikes Peak Gateway, where you can purchase your tickets. The Gateway is fully accessible, with ample parking and adapted restrooms. Here, you can also rent a high-powered mobile scooter designed to handle the ascent if needed.

Attraction 1: Crystal Reservoir

Your first stop is the serene Crystal Reservoir, offering panoramic views easily enjoyed from a paved, accessible pathway that circles part of the lake. It"s a perfect spot for a leisurely break and perhaps a picnic, with accessible picnic tables available.

Attraction 2: Glen Cove Inn

Midway up the highway, pause at Glen Cove Inn. This stop provides another accessible restroom and a chance to stretch while taking in the alpine surroundings. The staff here are knowledgeable about the mountain"s history and can offer insights into the local wildlife and vegetation.

Summit: Pikes Peak

Reaching the summit is a fulfilling experience with sweeping views across Colorado. The recently renovated Summit Visitor Center is fully accessible, featuring wide doors, elevators, and ramps. Don’t miss tasting the famous high-altitude donuts at the café—they"re a treat made only at this elevation!

Interesting Fact

Pikes Peak inspired the song “America the Beautiful” by Katharine Lee Bates, written after her own summit experience.

Return Journey

Descend at your leisure, enjoying the unique perspective of the mountain as you head back down to the Gateway. Each stop offers its own vantage point, ideal for reflection and photographs.

Accessibility Tip

Stay hydrated and take it slow to adjust to the high altitude, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience on Pikes Peak Highway.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

United States Air Force Academy

Why Visit?

Embark on an inspiring journey through the prestigious United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, a beacon of military excellence and a testament to modern architecture, all while ensuring accessibility and comfort for those on wheelchairs and mobile scooters.

Arrival and Accessibility

Start your adventure by entering through the North Gate (exit 156 on I-25), which is generally less crowded than the South Gate. Both gates are equipped with accessible facilities to ensure a smooth entry. Once inside, head to the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center, which offers designated handicapped parking spaces and accessible restrooms. Here, grab a map highlighting accessible routes and attractions.

Visitor Center and Exhibits

Begin at the visitor center, open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, where you can immerse yourself in the history and achievements of the Air Force through wheelchair-accessible exhibits. Don’t miss the engaging film that offers a glimpse into cadet life.

Cadet Chapel

Next, visit the iconic Cadet Chapel, an architectural marvel and a spiritual sanctuary for cadets. Wheelchair access is available via an elevator at the chapel"s north entrance. Inside, marvel at the stunning stained-glass windows and the unique design that represents an array of aircraft wings soaring skywards.

Honor Court and Field House

Roll along the paved paths to the Honor Court to see various aircraft displays, including fighter jets, all visible from accessible vantage points. Continue to the Field House, where adaptive sporting events showcase the inclusivity and spirit of the Academy.

Falcon Athletic Center

Conclude your tour at the Falcon Athletic Center, accessible and equipped with facilities to watch the Falcons train or compete. Check the schedule in advance for any accessible seating arrangements during events.

Departure

Exit through the same gate you entered, reflecting on a day filled with inspiration and pride at the accomplishments of those who serve the nation from the skies.

This wheelchair-friendly tour not only respects accessibility needs but also ensures a rich, educational experience at one of the most esteemed institutions in the military world.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Pikes Peak

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Pikes Peak: A Summit for Everyone

Embarking on a scenic journey to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak offers an exhilarating experience that is wonderfully accessible! Begin your adventure at the Pikes Peak Visitor Center in Cascade, where you can hop onto the wheelchair-accessible Cog Railway, one of the highest railroads in the world. This nearly 3-hour round trip provides breathtaking views and thrilling inclines, making it an unforgettable way to ascend the mighty peak.

Once at the summit, the newly renovated Pikes Peak Summit Complex welcomes you with fully accessible features, including ramps and wide aisles, ensuring everyone can enjoy the spectacular 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Don"t miss capturing a photo by the famous summit sign, a must-have memento!

For dining above the clouds, the Summit House offers delicious high-altitude treats like their famous donuts, all within an accessible setting with wide windows to gaze out over Colorado"s rugged beauty. As you savor your snacks, revel in the fact that Katherine Lee Bates was inspired by these very views to pen "America the Beautiful."

Next, consider a peaceful respite at Crystal Reservoir, accessible via the Pikes Peak Highway, which offers stunning vistas and picnic areas, all compliant with ADA standards. Here, you can relax by the water or catch a few trout if you"re up for some fishing.

Throughout your tour, accessible restrooms and designated parking spaces ensure a comfortable and hassle-free visit. Remember, while the journey to the summit involves high altitudes, it"s wise to monitor how you feel and stay hydrated.

Whether by train or by road, Pikes Peak provides a majestic backdrop for adventurers of all abilities, proving the mountains are indeed, accessible to all!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Why Visit?

Embark on an invigorating journey to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s only mountain zoo, spectacularly nestled against the beautiful backdrop of Colorado Springs. This zoo isn"t just a place to see animals; it"s an adventure that"s fully accessible for everyone, including those in wheelchairs or on mobile scooters.

Arriving at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Start your day early by arriving at the zoo when it opens to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Accessible parking is available near the entrance, and from there, wheelchair-accessible shuttles can transport you comfortably to the main exhibits.

Exploring the Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers extensive accessibility, ensuring all pathways and exhibits are navigable for wheelchairs and scooters. Begin your tour at Rocky Mountain Wild, where you can catch a glimpse of North American wildlife including moose, mountain lions, and the elusive Canada lynx. The paths here are wide and well-paved, ensuring a smooth ride.

Next, head over to the African Rift Valley exhibit, where a series of ramps and lifts provide easy access to breathtaking views of majestic giraffes, which you can even feed from an accessible platform. Don’t miss the beautifully designed Encounter Africa exhibit, showcasing elephants and black rhinos in an environment that mimics the savannahs and highlands of Africa.

Dining and Relaxation

For a midday break, visit the Grizzly Grill. It offers accessible dining options with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, perfect for refueling before continuing your exploration.

Concluding Your Visit

Wrap up your visit at the Australia Walkabout, an immersive, accessible exhibit where you can interact closely with wallabies and emus roaming freely in a carefully recreated Outback environment.

Interesting Fact

Did you know Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is situated at an elevation of 6,800 feet above sea level, making it the highest zoo in America?

Plan your visit to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for an unforgettable, accessible day among some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.