Accessible Travel Guide to Denver, Colorado

Denver is a great city to visit. It has the best of all worlds with plenty of restaurants, things to do, and hotel options (with excellent accessibility), plus mountains close enough to spend as much time as you want in nature.

You’ll also find other towns nearby worth visiting, like Boulder and Colorado Springs — both beautiful and full of their own charm.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before visiting Denver, including accessible hotel options, things to do, restaurants, and events to keep on your radar.

About Denver and It's Accessibility

Denver sits a mile high, where city life and mountain views meet. It’s known for its sunshine, creative energy, and easy access to the outdoors. Downtown is compact and full of activity — Union Station anchors the area with shops and restaurants, and neighborhoods like LoDo and RiNo mix old brick buildings with new galleries, breweries, and music venues. City Park and Sloan’s Lake bring green space right into the mix, giving locals and visitors plenty of room to walk, roll, or just relax in the open air.

The mountains you see in the distance are closer than they look. In about 30 to 45 minutes, you can reach places like Red Rocks or the first trails in Golden. That’s part of what makes Denver special. It’s a real city with culture and food, but the outdoors are always within reach.

Denver is also a very wheelchair-accessible city. Most sidewalks have curb cuts, public transit connects directly from the airport to downtown, and major attractions list accessibility details online. Local services also rent wheelchair-accessible vans, making it easy to explore further into the mountains or nearby towns.

Public transit through the Regional Transportation District (RTD) includes accessible buses and trains, all equipped with ramps or lifts and designated securement areas. Stations have elevators and visual and audio announcements, and the A Line train runs directly from Denver International Airport to Union Station — an easy, step-free trip right into the city center.

Getting Around Denver

Denver’s layout makes it easy to navigate once you know your options. The city is spread out but well connected, so whether you’re staying downtown or heading toward the foothills, there’s a straightforward way to get where you need to go.

If you’re flying in, Denver International Airport (DIA) sits about 25 miles from downtown. The A Line train through the Regional Transportation District (RTD) runs directly from the airport to Union Station every 15 minutes. The ride takes about 35 minutes, costs around $10, and is completely step-free with wide aisles, audio and visual stop announcements, and accessible restrooms at both ends. It’s one of the easiest airport transfers in the country.

Once you’re in the city, RTD buses and light rail lines cover most neighborhoods and suburbs. Every vehicle is wheelchair accessible with ramps or lifts, priority seating, and securement areas. Elevators are available at all rail stations, and schedules are posted online with real-time tracking. The downtown light rail makes it simple to move between major spots like the Denver Art Museum, Empower Field, and Ball Arena without needing a car.

If you plan to explore beyond downtown, renting a vehicle is your best option. Denver’s neighborhoods stretch out, and many mountain spots or day trips — like Red Rocks or Golden — are easiest to reach by car. United Access rents wheelchair-accessible vans locally and can sometimes arrange delivery to your hotel.

If you’re staying downtown, you may not need a car at all. Many hotels, restaurants, and museums sit within a few blocks of each other, and curb cuts make rolling between them straightforward. Parking garages and metered spots throughout the city include clearly marked accessible spaces if you do decide to drive.

Where to Stay in Denver

Downtown Denver is the best place to stay if you want to be near restaurants, museums, and attractions without needing to drive everywhere. It’s walkable, has plenty of accessible routes, and puts you close to Union Station, 16th Street Mall, and the city’s top cultural spots.

A standout here is the Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver. The hotel is modern and stylish but not over the top. Expect comfortable rooms, wide entryways, and roll-in showers in select rooms. The location couldn’t be better, just steps from restaurants and light rail stops, so getting around is simple.

A few blocks away, the The Slate Denver is a favorite for travelers who want a little personality in their stay. The building was once an old school, and the design nods to its history in creative ways. Rooms are updated and comfortable, and accessibility details have been verified.

If you want to stay somewhere with a bit of old Denver charm, the Magnolia Hotel Denver fits the bill. It mixes classic architecture with modern design, has an accessible entrance, and offers roll-in showers in some rooms. The downtown location makes it easy to reach attractions and shops within minutes.

For something a little different, check out the Crawford Hotel, located inside Union Station itself. Staying here feels like part of the Denver experience. Trains below, restaurants right outside, and the city buzzing just beyond the doors. The hotel includes accessible rooms with roll-in showers and offers direct access to the A Line train from the airport.

Finally, the Maven Hotel at Dairy Block is great if you like staying somewhere lively. It’s part of the Dairy Block complex, which has a food hall, bars, and small boutiques all in one connected space.

Accessible Things to Do in Denver

There's plenty to do and see in Denver. Here are some of the top accessible things to do during your visit.

Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is one of the city’s cultural landmarks and stands out for its bold architecture and massive collection. Inside, you’ll find everything from Native American and Western art to contemporary exhibits. The layout is wide and open, elevators connect all floors, and the staff is trained to assist visitors with mobility, visual, or hearing needs. Service animals are welcome, and the museum provides sensory-friendly resources for those who need a quieter experience. See verified accessibility details here.

Kayaking Experience with NSCD

For something outdoorsy, try the adaptive Kayaking Experience with the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD). Located about 30 minutes west of Denver, this program gives people of all abilities the chance to kayak or paddleboard with adaptive gear. Staff are highly trained and help with transfers, balance, and comfort. During our visit, travelers with a range of mobility needs — from minimal assistance to full transfers — were able to get on the water safely and confidently.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

This museum makes science fun for all ages. You can explore dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, and a planetarium — all laid out with clear signage and wide pathways. Elevators reach every level, and accessible parking is available right near the entrance. The museum also offers sensory-friendly events and early-access mornings for visitors who prefer a calmer environment. Visit the official accessibility page.

Meow Wolf Denver

Meow Wolf Denver is hard to describe — part art installation, part story-driven experience, part sensory overload in the best way. It’s a multi-level, fully immersive space where every room tells part of a surreal narrative. The layout is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and rest areas throughout. From our influencer trip, visitors with different disabilities said it was one of the most memorable experiences in Denver — bright, engaging, and staff were attentive to everyone’s comfort level. Learn more about accessibility here.

History Colorado Center

The History Colorado Center brings the state’s stories to life with hands-on exhibits, multimedia displays, and interactive history zones. The museum was built with accessibility in mind: automatic doors, ramps, and elevators make it easy to navigate, and there are tactile and audio experiences for visitors with low vision. View more details here.

Guided by Humanity

If you’re looking for something calming, Guided by Humanity offers adaptive yoga and mindfulness classes led by instructors experienced in working with people with disabilities. The studio provides mats, straps, and supportive chairs for all participants. It’s a welcoming, judgment-free environment — one of those experiences where everyone leaves feeling lighter and more connected.

Denver Botanic Gardens

Set in the middle of the city, the Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the most peaceful places to spend a few hours. Paved pathways wind through themed gardens, ponds, and greenhouses, and maps clearly mark accessible routes. Wheelchairs are available at no cost, and benches are spread throughout the grounds for rest stops. Accessibility info here.

Red Rocks Venue

One of the most famous concert venues in the country, Red Rocks sits just west of Denver in Morrison. Even if you’re not catching a show, the amphitheater is worth a visit for the views alone. There’s accessible parking near the upper entrances, ramps connecting different areas, and designated accessible seating with excellent sightlines. The venue team is experienced in accommodating wheelchair users and other mobility needs. During our group visit, an accessibility workshop here made a lasting impression — showing how Red Rocks combines breathtaking scenery with inclusive design. Check accessibility details here.

Clyfford Still Museum

Located next to the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum focuses entirely on the artist’s abstract works and life. It’s quiet, minimalist, and intentionally accessible. Pathways are wide and uncluttered, and natural light makes the space feel calm and easy to navigate. It’s a good stop if you’re looking for a slower, more reflective experience. Learn more here.

Accessible Places to Eat and Drink in Denver

Brewability

Brewability is one of the most unique restaurants in the Denver area. Located in Englewood, it’s owned and operated by people with disabilities, and nearly the entire staff has visible or invisible disabilities. The space is fully wheelchair accessible, with wide pathways, step-free entry, and accessible restrooms. It’s relaxed, friendly, and known for its pizza, sandwiches, and craft beer. During our visit, one guest with a disability said it was the first restaurant where they felt like everyone belonged, and that really captures the vibe.

Union Station Food Hall

Union Station Food Hall is one of downtown Denver’s liveliest gathering spots. It’s filled with local vendors serving everything from fresh pastries and coffee to quick lunches and casual sit-down meals. The space is open and bright, and since it’s inside Union Station, it’s easy to roll in straight from the A Line train or nearby hotels. Wide walkways, automatic doors, and accessible seating make it comfortable for everyone — whether you’re stopping for breakfast before exploring or winding down after a day out.

Mercantile Dining & Provision

Inside Denver’s Union Station, Mercantile Dining & Provision is a polished but welcoming spot known for locally sourced dishes and great service. The restaurant is step-free, with wide spacing between tables and an accessible restroom on-site. It’s a great place for lunch after arriving by train or while exploring the Union Station Food Hall, which has several other accessible dining options nearby.

Bramble & Hare

This restaurant is located in nearby Boulder, but we thought we'd mention it because we went here on our group trip. Bramble & Hare offers farm-to-table dishes with ingredients sourced directly from their own farm. It’s a higher-end experience: cozy, dimly lit, and intimate. It is definitely on the pricer side, but worth it if you’re exploring beyond Denver and looking to splurge during your vacation.

Events in Denver

Denver’s calendar stays busy year-round, with major festivals that celebrate art, music, community, and the outdoors. Here are a few events worth planning your trip around:

Outside Festival

The Outside Festival celebrates everything that makes Colorado an outdoor playground — from live music and adventure films to gear demos and wellness experiences. It’s held right in downtown Denver, making it easy to reach from most hotels. The venue areas include accessible pathways and rest areas, and event organizers work with adaptive sports partners like the National Sports Center for the Disabled to ensure inclusivity.

Denver Pride

Denver Pride is one of the largest Pride events in the Rocky Mountain region, drawing visitors from across the country. The celebration centers around Civic Center Park with a full weekend of live performances, parades, and vendors. The festival layout includes accessible viewing areas, portable restrooms, and drop-off zones close to the main entrances. It’s one of the city’s most vibrant and inclusive weekends — and a great example of Denver’s welcoming atmosphere.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

Held every July in the Cherry Creek North neighborhood, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival turns the streets into an outdoor gallery. Hundreds of artists showcase work ranging from painting and photography to jewelry and ceramics. The area is flat and easy to navigate, with curb cuts and accessible restrooms throughout. There are also shaded rest zones and food tents nearby, so you can take your time moving through the exhibits.

Visit Denver With Peace of Mind

Find accessible hotels, things to do, and more with verified accessibility

Accessible Denver