Colorado Leads the Way in Accessible Travel

Wheel the World spent a week in Colorado, with a diverse group of people with disabilities — ranging in age from 5 to 72, from paralyzed advocates to blind creators — to showcase something truly special: the power of accessibility and community.

Colorado’s Accessible Travel Week brought together shared adventures and unforgettable experiences — from kayaking and yoga to accessibility workshops and new friendships. Colorado is leading the way in making the state accessible for all, and this trip served as a powerful catalyst to further that mission.

The future of travel is accessible — and Colorado is showing the world how it’s done.

“Many people believe that traveling with disabilities is hard, almost impossible. On this trip, we proved them wrong.” - Alvaro Silberstein, CEO and Co-founder of Wheel the World

Colorado Leads the Way in Inclusive Travel

Colorado has always been known for its mountain views and outdoor spirit. That's what we all love about this incredible state. But now it’s earning another distinction: becoming one of the most inclusive destinations in the country.

Because everyone, regardless of disabilities, should be able to access the many enjoyable adventures to be had on either side of the Rockies.

The Colorado Tourism Office, through its Accessible Travel Program launched in partnership with Wheel the World, is leading a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative that’s redefining what accessible tourism looks like — both in vision and in practice. The program empowers destinations across Colorado to assess, verify, and promote accessibility for hotels, restaurants, trails, and attractions, ensuring that every traveler can experience the beauty of the state without barriers.

That means offering clear, detailed accessibility information for hundreds of hotels, restaurants, and outdoor spaces — moving far beyond a simple “ADA accessible” label to show what true inclusion looks like

Here’s how it works: Wheel the World mappers personally visit each location to measure key accessibility features — from doorway widths and shower setups to entrances and pathways — documenting more than 200 data points for hotels alone. These details, along with photos, are added as listings on wheeltheworld.com and colorado.com/accessible-adventures, allowing travelers to explore, compare, and book stays that match their unique needs with confidence. 

The program goes beyond logistics. It also provides accessible travel training for hospitality professionals, helping staff better understand and serve travelers with disabilities.

So far, six destinations across Colorado have earned “Accessibility Verified” status: Denver, Colorado Springs, Estes Park, Glenwood Springs, Pueblo, and Beaver Creek — with many more on the way.

“These communities are setting a powerful example that everyone — residents and visitors alike — deserves to explore the beauty and amazing opportunities across Colorado.” - Dianne Primavera, Colorado’s Lieutenant Governor

Accessibility is Not One-Size-Fits-All

All of this is a game-changer for people with disabilities who want to plan a visit to Colorado. According to a study by MMGY, 96% of respondents reported an issue with hotel accessibility — that’s almost everyone! And that’s just hotels, not to mention transportation, flights, and attractions.

This is why physically measuring and documenting accessibility details matters so much. It gives travelers accurate information to make choices that work for their needs, because accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s personal.

For example, more than half of respondents in MMGY’s study reported hotel beds being too high. The perfect bed height for wheelchair users varies. That’s exactly why expert mappers measure every accessible room’s bed height at every hotel. So when you’re browsing Accessibility Verified destinations in Denver and across Colorado, you can actually see the measurements and book the one that fits your needs best.

Accessibility in Action

During Colorado’s Accessible Travel Week in Denver, one of the state’s Accessibility Verified destinations, this message came to life.

The group spent their days exploring some of the best of Denver’s arts and culture, nature, and community — with every experience proving that accessibility doesn’t mean limitation. Highlights from the trip included:

Brewability

Brewability, a brewery and pizzeria known for employing staff with disabilities, offers a space that is sensory-inclusive. It has accessible restrooms and tables, and serves up craft beer and pizza in a space built for everyone. “It’s a community that celebrates diversity,” said Alvaro Silberstein.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

The group visited the bucket-list destination Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, taking in the stunning city skyline below. With large elevators, ramps, and dedicated accessible viewing areas, this world-famous venue truly demonstrates what it means to be open to all.

Adaptive Kayaking at Bear Creek Lake Park

At Bear Creek Lake Park, the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) led an unforgettable day of adaptive kayaking and paddleboarding. For some travelers, it was their first time ever out on the water — a true milestone moment. The NSCD team ensured that every participant felt safe, confident, and, most importantly, had a truly fun and freeing experience on the water.

Meow Wolf Denver

At Meow Wolf Denver, the group explored 90,000 square feet of immersive art. From glowing tunnels to alien worlds and sound-reactive rooms, every corner was designed with accessibility in mind. With elevators, ramps, sensory tools, and clear signage, the experience was crafted so that everyone could fully enjoy the adventure.

Guided by Humanity

The group embraced health and wellness with Guided by Humanity, a nonprofit making yoga and wellness accessible to all abilities. “It was my first yoga session since my accident,” said Jerod Nieder. “It felt so good! Relaxing, supportive, and empowering.”

A Statewide Effort

The Accessible Travel Program is a priority for the state, expanding to towns across the Rockies, from Durango to Aspen. 

As mentioned, each destination receives site mapping and training resources, creating a ripple effect that helps local establishments become more accessible and provide the right details for travelers to make an informed decision for themselves.

Coming Soon: Colorado Adventure Fall Escape

For anyone inspired by these stories, Wheel the World is launching a new Colorado Adventure Fall Escape. This six-day accessible group tour takes you through Denver and the Rockies featuring unforgettable adventures including:

• Scenic drives to Red Rocks
• Adaptive kayaking at Bear Creek Lake Park
• Accessible gondola rides at Winter Park
• Track chair experience at Staunton State Park

Every stop, hotel, and activity is fully verified for accessibility, with transportation and support provided throughout the trip. It’s everything that makes Colorado special — and is accessible for all.

Why It Matters

Colorado isn’t just checking a box for accessibility — the state is redefining how destinations approach travel for everyone. By removing barriers, they ensure that everyone can experience the unreal beauty of Colorado without the stress or worry that traveling with a disability can bring.

The state’s leadership shows that inclusion can be part of every trail, museum, and restaurant. And when travelers know they can show up and truly belong, they don’t just visit, they fully live.

“Through travel, we can learn to be more independent, enjoy life, and feel that even having a disability, we can be the best version of ourselves." - Alvaro Silberstein

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Watch Anne Marie and Ezras Story

Two travelers from different generations, both living with spina bifida, embark on an adventure in Colorado — inspiring each other and showing the true power of accessible travel.