While every attempt has been made to ensure the greatest degree of accuracy of the contents within, 20 States on Wheels makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this book and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this book. No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, contents of this book or its URLs to other Internet resources. Reference in this the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by 20 States on Wheels. Many of the photographs used in this book were taken directly by team members of 20 States on Wheels. All photographs not taken by our team members were posted online under Creative Commons 2.0 copyright licensing, and an attribution to the photographer is listed.
for Haley Rue, fellow adventurer, whose spirit lives on.
Denver, CO by Brad
“How about Chinese food?” I said. “Ew,” said Cyn, “not again.” I scrolled down some more. “Mexican?” I said. “No way,” said Kunho. “We could do McDonalds again,” I laughed. “No!” said Cyn and Kunho together. You-Myeong laughed. “Well someone decide!” I said. It was 11pm and we’d just arrived in Denver and everyone was wiped. “Let’s just eat anywhere, I’m so tired,” said Kunho. You-Myeong agreed. “Okay,” I said, “Mexican then? I could go for a quesadilla. Plus this place has four stars and only one dollar sign.” So we piled into the truck and drove downtown. When we arrived everyone laughed at the name of the restaurant: “Illegal Pete’s.” Although each of us was exhausted from the long drive through the desert and mountains, or perhaps because of it, that one meal turned out to be one of the best of our trip. We had great savory tacos and quesadillas, and sat outside in the summer night under the streetlamps debating what the name of our book should be. For some reason I’ll never understand, Kunho and Cyn really wanted to name our book “Squirrel” ever since they saw some cute squirrels at the Grand Canyon. We shoved rice and beans in our mouths and debated loudly what our name should be. “What’s wrong with Squirrel!” said Kunho. “What isn’t wrong with Squirrel!” I said. “Squirrels are cute! Squirrels are everywhere! They can go anywhere they like!” said Kunho. “Squirrels are dirty! They spread diseases! They don’t travel either, they stay in one place and gorge on tourist trash!” I said. I think that is true. “I like Squirrel,” said Cyn. “Squirrels are cute.” I wiped my mouth and tossed the fork in the basket. “You-Myeong, back me up on this,” I said. “Squirrel is dumb. You agree right?” You-Myeong threw up his hands. “I’ll stay out of this one,” he grinned.
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Basics Weather Denver sees over 300 days of sunshine each year, and all four seasons are generally comfortable, though temperature ranges vary. Here are some basic guidelines: Spring Cool and sunny. Highs in the 50s and 60s, lows in the 20s and 30s. Bring a coat. Summer Warm and sunny during the day, cooler at night. Frequent brief thunderstorm showers. Highs in the 80s, lows in the 50s. Bring a light jacket and an umbrella.
Autumn Cool temperatures. Highs from the 50s to 70s, lows from the 20s to 40s. Bring a light jacket and/or coat. Winter Cold, sunny and dry. Highs in the 40s, lows in the teens. Bring a winter coat.
Parking with a Disability Placard Colorado DOES recognize disabled parking placards from other states. With a disabled parking placard in Denver, you can park at regular metered parking spaces for 4 hours without paying. After 4 hours, you must move your car at least 100 feet.
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Accessible Taxi The following are some companies that offer wheelchair-accessible taxis in the Denver area: Denver Yellow Cab (303) 777-7777 www.denveryellowcab.com/WheelchairADAAccessible.aspx Call at least two hours in advance to book an accessible taxi. Metro Taxi (303) 333-3333 www.metrotaxidenver.com/wheelchair-accessible/ Call a few hours in advance to book an accessible taxi.
D V R
Public Transportation Fares Fares vary by destination. Disability discounts are available with proof of disability: Medicare card or a Denver RTD Special Discount card. see website below for details. www.rtd-denver.com/DiscountFares.shtml Bus All Denver Metro buses are wheelchair accessible. Drivers are trained to assist disabled passengers in boarding and exiting the bus. Light Rail All Light Rail stations in Denver are wheelchair accessible. Installed ramps provide access to all trains. Wheelchair users should wait at the top of the ramp and the operator will assist in boarding and exiting the train.
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Basics Accessible Van Rental The following companies in the Denver area rent wheelchair accessible vans: Performance Mobility - Denver North Toll-Free: (877) 864-8267 Local: (303) 288-0140 333 East 76th Ave, Denver Colorado 80229 www.performancemobility.com/locations/denver-north-co/ Performance Mobility rents accessible vans and offers 1 vehicle with hand controls. Reserve at least 1-2 weeks in advance. There is a $200 fee for delivery to and pickup from the airport. Wheelchair Getaways of Colorado Toll-Free: (800) 238-6920 Local: (303) 674-1498 5022 S Jellison Way, Littleton, Colorado 80123 wheelchairgetaways.com/franchise/colorado_denver/home.htm Wheelchair Getaways rents accessible vans, a limited number of which have hand controls. Book several weeks in advance to reserve. There is a $200 fee for delivery to and pickup from the airport. Wheelers of Colorado Toll-Free: (877) 944-9784 Local: (303) 884-9784 Denver International Airport, 8500 Pe単a Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80249 wheelersvanrentals.com/US/colorado-wheelchair-van-rentals/ Wheelers rents accessible vans, and has 1 vehicle equipped with hand controls. Reserve 3-4 weeks in advance.
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Attractions
Denver, CO
Denver’s refurbished Union Station today hosts restaurants, shops and hotels.
Courtesy of Isaac Kim
Union Station 1701 Wynkoop, Denver, Colorado 80202 (303) 592-6712 www.unionstationindenver.com Entrance Bathroom Parking
fully accessible main entrances accessible restroom near concierge of Crawford Hotel valet parking
Denver’s Union Station is a historic train station with impressive architecture. Today it is home to many popular restaurants, shops and hotels. All entrances
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D V R The Museum of Contemporary Art’s main entrance is accessible by ramp.
Courtesy of Todd Carpenter
Museum of Contemporary Art 1485 Delgany St, Denver, Colorado 80202 (303) 298-7554 www.mcadenver.org Entrance Bathroom Parking Price Hours
fully accessible main entrance via ramp on Delgany Street street parking $5.00 Tues-Fri Sat-Sun
12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Colorado Museum of Contemporary Art has an intriguing collection of boundary-pushing modern art. The galleries, restrooms and public spaces are all accessible by elevators and ramps. There are a limited number of wheelchairs available to rent for free. If you wish to reserve one for your visit, contact Andy Lynes at andyl@mcadenver.org
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Attractions
A pleasant water fountain at the Gradens.
Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St., Denver, Colorado 80206 (720) 865-3501 www.botanicgardens.org Entrance Bathroom Parking Map Price Hours
fully accessible main entrance accessible restrooms in main building designated handicap parking available map does not indicate accessibility Adults: $12.50 Seniors: $9.50 Youth (15 and under): $9.00 Daily 9.00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Denver Botanic Gardens contain the largest collection of cold-climate are a few areas with dirt paths that are not accessible. Check out a map at the information desk for details on which paths are paved and which are not. Wheelchairs are available for rent to free with valid ID at the information desk. 164
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D V R The bookstore’s main entrance is accessible by ramp.
Courtesy of Isarra
Tattered Cover Bookstore 1628 16th Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 (303) 436-1070 www.tatteredcover.com Entrance Bathroom Parking Hours
fully accessible main entrance with ramp on Wynkoop Street side entrances not accessible street parking Mon - Fri 6:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sat 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sun 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The Tattered Cover Book Store is one of the largest independent bookstores in America. The main entrance is accessible from Wynkoop Street via ramp. The side entrances are not accessible. Accessible restrooms are available inside. between aisles. 20 States on Wheels Denver, CO
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Attractions
An aerial view of the summit viewpoint, 14,000 feet above sea level.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway Mt Evans Rd, Evergreen, Colorado 80439 www.mountevans.com
Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America.
Courtesy of Nathanael Burton
Mount Evans Scenic Byway, located about 60 miles west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North America. The summit, known though it is closed during the winter (from Labor Day to Memorial Day). Drivers often pull over by the side of the road to enjoy the beautiful mountain views. 166
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Courtesy of Footwarrior
Mount Evans Echo
Lake Lodge
13264 State Highway 103, Idaho Springs, Colorado 80452 (303) 567-2138 www.echolakelodgeco.com Echo Lake Lodge, built in 1926, offers a restaurant and gift shop.
Halfway between the highway and the summit is Echo Lake Lodge, where you can stop for a meal, a gift shop, and some information about the surrounding area. There
Courtesy of Adamwiz
Entrance Bathroom Parking Hours
for more information. kitchen entrance accessible around the side accessible restroom available inside lodge lot with designated handicap parking Memorial Day - Labor Day Daily 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Fall and Spring Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Winter Closed 20 States on Wheels Denver, CO
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Hotels
in Denver
This randomly compiled list displays some of the hotels with accessible rooms in Denver.
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Hotel Name
Star Rating
Address
Phone
Super 8 Denver Midtown
1
2601 Zuni B Street, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 433-8586
Ramada Denver Midtown
2
2601 Zuni St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 433-6677
Days Inn Denver Downtown
2
930 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218
(303) 813-8000
SpringHill Suites Denver Downtown
2
1190 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
(303) 705-7300
Crossland Economy Studios - Cherry Creek
2
4850 Leetsdale Dr, Glendale, CO 80246
(303) 333-2545
La Quinta Inn Denver Central
2
3500 Park Ave W, Denver, CO 80216
(303) 458-1222
Magnolia Hotel Denver
3
818 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 607-9000
Residence Inn Denver City Center
3
1725 Champa St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 296-3444
Embassy Suites Denver
3
1420 Stout St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 592-1000
Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Speer Boulevard
3
2728 Zuni St, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 455-4588
Grand Hyatt Denver
4
1750 Welton St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 295-1234
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
4
321 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 312-8940
The Oxford Hotel
4
1600 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 628-5400
Four Seasons Hotel Denver
5
1111 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 389-3000
20 States on Wheels Denver, CO
# Accessible # with Roll-in Shower Designated Distance to Rooms Showers Accommodations Handicap Parking Downtown (miles) 2
0
chair by request
yes
2.3
2
0
chair by request
yes
2.3
4
4
built-in bench
yes
1
8
3
built-in bench
valet parking
1.5
4
0
built-in bench
yes
4.8
2
2
built-in bench
yes
2.4
9
6
built-in bench and chair by request
valet parking
1.3
14
14
chair by request
yes
1.2
24
12
built-in bench and chair by request
valet parking
1.1
5
2
chair by request
yes
2.3
15
14
built-in bench and chair by request
valet parking
1.1
5
3
chair by request
valet parking
0.9
2
2
chair by request
valet parking
1.7
10
10
chair by request
valet parking
1.2
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