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.
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO by Cyn
The sky was grey and pouring down with rain. We had never driven in such bad weather before, and all of us were dreading having to be outdoors in the national park today. We negotiated which two of us should leave the car and run the trails in the rain to check out the steepness of their incline. Rock-paper-scissors was the most trusted and fair way to decide this (and most of our other important decisions during the trip). Ah, I lost again. However, soon after we parked our car at the designated handicap parking space by Sprague Lake Nature Trail’s beginning, we noticed the clouds were beginning to clear. We all agreed to wait in the car until the rain stopped. After a few minutes, although it was still raining lightly, a rainbow appeared and we jumped out, full of excitement. I am particularly slow at trails as I am easily distracted when holding a camera. While the three boys strolled ahead tion in the lake. Then I heard my name from a distance telling me to hurry up, as they were taking photos at a viewpoint by the water. I was surprised to see how far they had gone. I thought the road would be full of gravel so it would take them a lot of time to move around the trail. Actually the path was surprisingly manageable for Kunho’s wheelchair. Even though the
R K M
Lake Nature Trail even had a special campsite for wheelchair users. But,
20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
173
Basics About the Park Rocky Mountain National Park, located in northern Colorado, offers spectacular mountain scenery. While many visitors come for hiking, rock climbing, skiing and including the famous Trail Ridge Road, as well as a few accessible trails. Most of the accessible attractions and trails are concentrated in the northeastern area of the park, around Estes Park. Check out the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Estes Park or any other visitor center for details on accessibility. Also check out the long, winding Trail Ridge Road for accessible viewpoints and incredible scenery.
Weather Rocky Mountain National Park weather conditions vary widely based on where in the park you visit, due to stark changes in elevation between anticipate visiting. Here are some general guidelines: Spring Unpredictable and variable; some areas experience snow while others have summer-like temperatures. Bring layers and prepare for a range of temperatures and storms.
Autumn Blue skies and generally dry. Crisp temperatures during the day and cold at night. Bring layers.
Summer Afternoon thunderstorms and wind are typical. Bring layers as the
Winter Deep snow hits some areas of the park, although lower elevations on the east side usually stay clear. Bring winter gear and be prepared for storms.
drop as much as 10 to 20 degrees unexpectedly,
174
20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Visitor Centers Alpine Visitor Center (11,796 feet) Intersection of Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road (970) 586-1222 Entrance Bathroom Parking Hours
fully accessible main entrance accessible restrooms at east end of visitor center lot with designated handicap parking Daily 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Alpine Visitor Center is open only during the summer. This visitor center includes a drinking fountain, bookstore, information desk, ranger-led programs, and exhibits on the Alpine Tundra region. Designated handicap parking and accessible restrooms are available. The indoor accessible restrooms are available early June through mid-September. Fully accessible vault toilets are also available 24 hours a day.
R K M
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center (7,840 feet) U.S. Highway 36, three miles west of Estes Park (970) 586-1206 Entrance Bathroom Parking Hours
ramps accessible restroom in front of visitor center lot with designated handicap parking Daily 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is open year round. This visitor center has designated handicap parking with curb cuts, accessible one lowered public telephone. The lower level is accessible via ramp by the lower parking lot at the rear of the building. Restrooms are outside next to the visitor center. There is a lowered park relief map in the lobby and ranger talks are sometimes offered. A park orienta-
20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
175
Basics Visitor Center Fall River Visitor Center (8,250 feet) (970) 577-0043 Entrance Bathroom Parking Hours
fully accessible main entrance accessible restrooms in adjacent store lot with designated handicap parking 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fall River Visitor Center is open daily from the end of April though late October, and on weekends during the winter. This visitor center has accessible parking with curb cuts, restrooms and a restaurant. strooms are located in the adjacent store via a covered walkway. The upper level offers wildlife exhibits and visitor information. The lower level has a children’s discovery room. Ranger talks are sometimes offered.
Kawuneeche Visitor Center (8,720 feet) One mile north of Grand Lake on the east side of US Highway 34 at the entrance to the park (970) 627-3471 Entrance Bathroom Parking Hours
fully accessible main entrance accessible restrooms adjacent to the visitor center lot with designated handicap parking 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Kawuneeche Visitor Center is open all year round. This visitor center offers designated handicap parking with curb cuts, a bookstore and information desk, an auditorium, and several exhibits. Accessible restrooms are available adjacent to the visitor center. Ranger talks the auditorium.
176
20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Visitor Center Moraine Park Discovery Center (8,140 feet) Bear Lake Road, 1.5 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance (970) 586-8842 Entrance Bathroom Parking Hours
fully accessible main entrance lot with designated handicap parking 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Moraine Park Discovery Center closes during the winter. This visitor center offers designated handicap parking with curb cuts, accessible restrooms, a drinking fountain, bookstore, information desk,
R K M
cultural history exhibits and is accessible by staff-operated lift. Ranger-led programs are offered.
20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
177
Basics Public Transportation Park Shuttle Bus One of the most convenient ways for a wheelchair user to travel across the park is via the free shuttle service. All Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle buses are accessible. The shuttle has three routes, listed below: Moriane Park Route Hours of Operation: every 30 minutes from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Bear Lake Route Hours of Operation: every 10-15 minutes from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Hiker Shuttle Route Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Bus leaves from Estes Park Visitor Center.
Courtesy of the National Park Service. The use of National Park Service maps in this book does not indicate endorsement of 20 States on Wheels by the NPS. 178
20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Camping In Rocky Mountain National Park, there are three campgrounds that have accessible campsites: Moraine Park, Glacier Basin and Timber Creek. Individuals with America the Beautiful Access Passes and Golden Age Passes can camp at a 50% discount.
Reservations For Moraine Park Campground and Glacier Basin Campground, during the summer, from May to September, campers must book reservations through the website at recreation.gov, or call (877) 444-6777. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and they advise booking campsites as soon as possible.
R K M
Campgrounds Moraine Park Campground (8,150 feet) Reservation Price Accessible Sites Bathroom
reservations through website during summer winter (Oct-April) $14/night for winter, $20/night for summer A39, A40, A41, A42 by campsite A42
Moraine Park is the only year-round campground in the park. The campground is located in a ponderosa pine forest above the meadows of Moraine Park on Bear Lake Road, approximately two and a half miles south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Loop A has four reservable accessible campsites
20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
179
Basics Campgrounds Timber Creek Campground Reservation Price Accessible Sites Bathroom
$20/night B22, B24, B26, B39 by campsites B22, B24 and B42
Timber Creek, located in the Kawuneeche Valley along the Colorado River, west side of the Rocky Mountains. The campground has 98 sites in total with four designated accessible campgrounds with accessible restrooms, picnic taamphitheater at the campgrounds. The campsite is open in general from the end of May to the beginning of November.
Glacier Basin Campground Reservation Price Accessible Sites Bathroom
reservations through website during served during winter (Oct-April) $20/night B33, B35, B61 and B60 by campsite B34, and B33
The Glacier Basin Campground, which is located six miles south of Beaver Meadow Station, has 150 sites in total. Loop B has 4 accessible campsites campsite during the summer can be made up to six months in advance at (877) 444-6777.
35 20 States on Wheels 180 Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Sprague Lake Accessible Backcountry Campsite The America the Beautiful Access Pass does not pertain to this campsite. This camping area is a special wheelchair accessible backcountry campsite near wheelchair users. The vault toilet is fully accessible. The area includes picnic taparking lot via an accessible trail. Reservations must be made for Sprague Lake Camp in advance and a backcountry permit obtained. Both are available from the on the west side of the park. at the Sprague Lake area and no wood vendors come to this area, unlike at other campgrounds.
80517. The camp has a three-night camping limit.
Lodgings Rocky Mountain National Park does not offer lodging options inside the park. However, nearby areas such as Estes Park and Grand Lake offer a wide variety of accessible lodgings. The following websites provide lists of wheelchair accessible lodging options: www.estes-park.com/features/Disability-Accessible www.estes-park.com/wheelchair-accessible-lodging-rocky
20 States on Wheels 35 181 Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
R K M
Accessible Trails
The beautiful Bear Lake. The beginning of this 0.8 mile loop trail is accessible, but there is a 16% gradient towards the far end of the loop.
Courtesy of Daniel Mayer
Bear Lake (9,475 feet)
Bear Lake Trailhead, Bear Lake Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517 Bathroom Parking
accessible restroom available by the parking lot lot with designated handicap parking
Bear Lake, located 14 miles southwest of Estes Park on Bear Lake Road, is one of the most famous and popular trails at Rocky Mountain National Park. Around the trail are various benches and rest areas with multiple views of the mountain peaks ahead. The lake parking lot, about 200 yards from the trail enof the trail is accessible, but assistance may be necessary to go up the 16% gradient towards the far end of the trail loop.
Coyote Valley Trail (8,840 feet) Coyote Valley Trailhead, Grand Lake, CO 80447 Bathroom Parking
accessible restroom by the parking lot before the entrance of the trail lot with designated handicap parking
Coyote Valley Trail, located 40 miles west of Estes Park on Trail Ridge Road, is a one mile, level path on the west side of the Kawuneeche Valley that follows the Colorado River. The Arapaho Native Americans that inhabited this area named the valley Kawuneeche, which means valley of the coyotes. There are in fact coyotes that live here, as well as deer and elk. The trail is accessible with a 1 mile level, packed gravel trail. The trail has accessible parking, picnic tables and restrooms (vault toilets). 182
20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Lily Lake (8,880 feet)
Lily Lake Trailhead, South Saint Vrain Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517 Bathroom Parking
accessible restroom by parking lot lot with designated handicap parking
Lily Lake, located 7 miles south of Estes Park on S St Vrain Ave, is a family friendly trail option with a level, accessible trail that circles around the lake hard packed gravel. Lily Lake also offers a variety of picnic options, as well as (vault toilet).
Sprague Lake (8,690 feet)
R K M
Sprague Lake Trailhead, Estes Park, CO 80517 Bathroom Parking
accessible restroom by parking lot lot with designated handicap parking
Sprague Lake is located 10 miles southwest of Estes Park on Bear Lake Road. Visitors will enjoy Sprague Lake’s panoramic views of the Continental Divide including Half Mountain, Thatchtop Mountain, Taylor Peak, and many more. If Bear Lake is too crowded, try visiting Sprague Lake, which offers accessible parking, picnic tables and restrooms. The trail is accessible with a half-mile packed gravel is also an accessible campsite In this area (see Camping section for details). The view from Sprague Lake Trail. This half mile packed gravel trail loop is fully accessible.
Courtesy of Daniel Mayer
20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
183
Accessible Viewpoints
Courtesy of Daniel Vorndran
Trail Ridge Road Viewpoints Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in America. This 48 mile road boasts spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. The road may ascend as much as 4,000 feet in a matter of minutes, and the maximum altitude is 12,183 feet. There are many beautiful view points along the road. The following is a list of those viewpoints that have wheelchair accessible features.
Hidden Valley (9,240 feet) 12 miles west of Estes Park Bathroom Parking
accessible restroom facilities available lot with designated handicap parking
This former ski area is today a recreational site with scenic views and hiking trails. Hidden Valley has accessible parking, restrooms and covered picnic pavilions with accessible picnic tables. It also has 400 feet of paved accessible trail.
184
20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Trail Ridge Road is known for its spectacular views.
Forest Canyon Overlook
R K M
(11,716 feet) 18 miles west of Estes Park Bathroom Parking
none lot with designated handicap parking
This scenic viewpoint is famous for its gorgeous views of the mountains, forests and wildlife. Forest Canyon Overlook has accessible parking but does not offer restrooms or picnic tables. There is a short, 0.2 mile paved trail to the scenic overlook, but parts of the trail are very steep and uneven.
Rock Cut Overlook & Tundra Communities Trail (Rock Cut 12,310 feet; trail gains 260 feet) 20 miles west of Estes Park Bathroom Parking
accessible restroom available lot with designated handicap parking
This overlook offers views of where the mountain was blasted through to make room for Trail Ridge Road, exposing various layers of rock. Rocky Cut Overlook offers accessible parking and accessible restrooms. The 0.5 mile paved Tundra Communities Trail is rather steep and uneven. 20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
185
Accessible Viewpoints Alpine Visitor Center (11,796 feet) 24 miles west of Estes Park Bathroom Parking Hours
accessible restroom available lot with designated handicap parking Summer (Memorial Day - Labor Day, weather permitting) : Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fall (Labor Day - Oct. 12, weather permitting) : Daily 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Winter (Oct. 12 - Memorial Day) : Closed
The Alpine Visitor Center, located 11,796 feet above sea level, is the highest visitor center in the United States. The Center has a restaurant, gift shop, accessible parking and accessible restrooms. The information desk is accessible.
Milner Pass - Continental Divide (10,758 feet) 28 miles west of Estes Park Bathroom Parking
accessible restroom available lot with designated handicap parking
Accessible parking and restrooms (vault toilets) are available. This spot marks the divide between the headwaters of the Cache la Poudre River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean, and the headwaters of the
186
20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Holzwarth Historic Site (8,884 feet) 37 miles west of Estes Park Bathroom Parking
accessible restroom available lot with designated handicap parking
These historic cabins once served as a homestead and lodgings for guests to the park. Holzwarth Historic Site offers handicap parking, though the lot is unpaved, and accessible restrooms. The picnic tables are not accessible. The 0.5 mile gravel trail to the historic site is accessible but can be steep in some places. A staff-operated golf cart can take visitors to the historic site during the summer. The historic cabins are not accessible and some walkways around the site are rough and unpaved.
R K M
Bowen-Baker Gulch Trailhead (8,864 feet) 38 miles west of Estes Park Bathroom Parking
accessible restroom available lot with designated handicap parking
This trailhead offers wonderful views of the mountains and two gorgeous lakes. The trail itself, unfortunately, is not accessible. Bowen-Baker Gulch Trailhead has accessible parking and restrooms. The picnic tables, however, are not accessible.
Harbison Meadows (8,688 feet) 44 miles west of Estes Park
Bathroom Parking
none lot with designated handicap parking
This picnic site was once the residence of the famous homesteaders Kitty and Annie Harbison. Harbison Meadows offers handicap parking and two accessible picnic tables in a covered pavilion. The Meadows do not offer restrooms. The packed gravel path from the parking area to the picnic area is somewhat sloped. 20 States on Wheels Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
187