Our Wheelchair Accessible Adventures in Colorado Springs

The beautiful city of Colorado Springs, known for its stunning mountain views, outdoor adventures, and rich history, is also home to fantastic accessible travel experiences. Two travelers, Rachelle and Brandon, recently joined Wheel the World to explore the area. In this blog, we’ll highlight their accessible adventures, showcasing how the city truly opens its doors to wheelchair users and their families.

Why Colorado Springs?

Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs offers a unique combination of urban exploration and outdoor adventure. Famous for its breathtaking sights like Pike’s Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the Olympic & Paralympic Museum, the city has also made great strides to ensure accessibility for all visitors, including those using wheelchairs.

For both Rachelle and Brandon, the accessibility of Colorado Springs stood out. The city provided a mix of outdoor and cultural experiences that were not only inclusive but also allowed them to explore independently with ease.

Rachelle’s Accessible Journey in Colorado Springs

Rachelle’s adventure in Colorado Springs highlights how the city’s thoughtful accessibility measures allowed her to experience independence and excitement while exploring. As a C6 quadriplegic, Rachelle requires adaptive equipment and accessible pathways to fully enjoy activities. Colorado Springs delivered.

Independent and Active Adventures

Rachelle described herself as someone who loves trying new things and enjoys traveling with her family. In Colorado Springs, she found a city that allowed her to continue living an active lifestyle. One of the best aspects of her trip was the independence she felt while engaging in various activities.

“I was able to independently do a lot of things with my family, like biking on my own and going off-roading in an all-terrain wheelchair,” Rachelle shared. “It made me feel more independent, like a normal mom and wife enjoying time with my family.” - Rachelle Chapman

Activities that Highlight Accessibility

During her stay, Rachelle participated in a wide range of accessible activities, all of which made her feel fully involved and engaged. These activities were not just designed for wheelchair users—they were created with the aim of providing freedom and excitement.

Terrain Hopper at Bear Creek Nature Center

One of the standout moments for Rachelle was using a terrain hopper at Bear Creek Nature Center. This all-terrain vehicle allowed her to explore the rugged terrain that would otherwise be off-limits to wheelchair users. “Even though I don’t have hand function,” she explained, “I was easily able to control the terrain hopper and navigate off-road trails.”

This experience was even more special because her family was right alongside her. “My daughter went swimming while I explored the trails, and it was amazing to watch her while having my own independent adventure.”

Fly Fishing with Her Family

Fly fishing has long been one of Rachelle’s husband’s passions, and Colorado Springs offered them an opportunity to experience this together. Thanks to adaptive equipment, Rachelle was able to enjoy a day of fly fishing with her family.

"It was really cool to combine our worlds, because 99.9% of places don’t offer adaptive fly fishing. But here, I could join him in something he loves."

The team helped Rachelle by providing a wrist brace to hold the fly rod, making it easier for her to cast and catch fish. “I even caught some beautiful fish,” she added, emphasizing how accessible this outdoor experience was.

Jeep Tour with a Wheelchair Lift

The Jeep tour through the mountains was another highlight of Rachelle’s trip. She was particularly impressed by how well-prepared the vehicle was for wheelchair users. “When you hear something is accessible, you don’t know if it just means ‘easier,’ but this Jeep had a full wheelchair lift,” Rachelle shared, surprised and pleased by how easy it was to join the adventure.

Strapped in securely behind her husband and daughter, she enjoyed the ride up the mountain and admired the breathtaking views from a whole new perspective. “We saw incredible views and even stopped at a waterfall—it was such a fun adventure.”

Brandon’s Accessible Journey in Colorado Springs

Brandon Mantz, an active T6 paraplegic, found Colorado Springs to be the perfect place for his love of outdoor exploration and adventure. Despite his spinal cord injury, he is committed to staying active, and the city’s accessibility allowed him to continue his adventurous lifestyle.

Exploring Nature with Ease

As someone who enjoys activities like hiking, skiing, and adaptive mountain biking, Brandon was thrilled with the variety of outdoor opportunities in Colorado Springs. He noted that his desire for adventure hasn’t changed since his injury, and the city made it possible for him to keep exploring.

“The desire to travel and seek adventure is just as alive as it was before my injury,” he explained. “Colorado Springs allows me to experience nature while still feeling independent.”

Adaptive Adventures and Attractions in Colorado Springs

Throughout his stay, Brandon took part in several adaptive activities that catered to his love for nature and adventure.

Cycling at Garden of the Gods with Angle Tech

Cycling at Garden of the Gods was one of Brandon’s favorite experiences. Working with Angle Tech, a company specializing in adaptive biking, Brandon was able to ride through the stunning park using a customized electric bike. “They fitted the bike perfectly for me,” he said, “taking into account my specific needs, like leg length and hand controls.”

The ride itself was nothing short of breathtaking. “The views were incredible,” he said, “and riding through the Garden of the Gods gave me a sense of freedom that’s hard to find.”

"riding through the Garden of the Gods gave me a sense of freedom that’s hard to find.”

Exploring Pike’s Peak: Colorado’s Famous 14er

Brandon also had the chance to visit Pike’s Peak, a 14,000-foot mountain that’s one of Colorado’s most accessible natural landmarks. The road leading to the summit allows wheelchair users to enjoy the same 360-degree views as hikers. “Pike’s Peak was my first 14er,” Brandon said, “and while I couldn’t hike it, I still got to experience that sense of accomplishment.”

He emphasized how inclusive the experience was: “There are plenty of lookout points, and I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything because I was in a wheelchair.”

"I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything because I was in a wheelchair.”

The Olympic & Paralympic Museum

For Brandon, an athlete who competes in adaptive sports, visiting the Olympic & Paralympic Museum was especially meaningful. The museum is designed to be fully accessible, allowing all visitors to experience the exhibits equally.

“The museum puts Paralympics on the same level as the Olympics,” Brandon said. “Seeing the evolution of adaptive sports equipment, like racing wheelchairs and sit-skis, was inspiring. It reminded me of how far we’ve come and how much more we can do for accessibility.”

Accessible Travel in Colorado Springs: A Haven for Wheelchair Users

Both Rachelle and Brandon were deeply impressed by how accessible and inclusive Colorado Springs is. The city’s efforts to create a welcoming environment for travelers with disabilities were evident everywhere, from the adaptive outdoor equipment to the accessible infrastructure in the city.

“Colorado Springs makes you feel welcomed with open arms,” Brandon noted, adding that the curb cuts, accessible parking, and flat, easily navigable downtown area made it easy to get around without worrying about barriers.

Rachelle echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s amazing to see a city that puts so much thought into accessibility. It made our trip stress-free and full of fun.”

Why You Should Visit Colorado Springs

Both Rachelle and Brandon’s experiences highlight just how accessible and enjoyable Colorado Springs can be for wheelchair users. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors with adaptive equipment or visiting cultural sites like the Olympic & Paralympic Museum, the city has thoughtfully designed its attractions to be inclusive for all.

If you’re ready to plan your own accessible adventure, Colorado Springs is a destination that welcomes everyone with open arms, providing a mix of outdoor excitement and urban exploration—without the accessibility barriers.