Aspen, Colorado, is celebrated for its stunning landscapes and luxury experiences. With increasing accessibility features, it’s an excellent destination for wheelchair users. This guide covers attractions, transportation, accommodations, amenities, and accessible outdoor activities.
Attractions + Activities
- Maroon Bells: Iconic mountain scenery with picturesque views. A paved path leads from the parking area to Maroon Lake, offering accessible views of the mountains. The path is approximately 1 mile round trip with gentle slopes.
- John Denver Sanctuary: A peaceful park dedicated to the singer, featuring gardens and boulders with his lyrics. Wheelchair-accessible paved pathways with slight inclines, well-maintained.
- Aspen Art Museum: Contemporary art exhibitions in a fully accessible facility. Features elevators, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms. Paved and smooth indoor surfaces.
- Aspen Mountain Gondola: Offers scenic rides and dining at the summit with panoramic views. Gondola is wheelchair accessible; staff can assist with boarding. Paved pathways at base and summit.
- Aspen Highlands: Provides accessible terrain and facilities for winter sports. ADA-compliant ski rentals and adaptive ski lessons available. Smooth, accessible pathways at base.
- Snowmass Village: Nearby resort with accessible trails and activities. Wheelchair-accessible trails and facilities. Paved and smooth trails.
- The Wheeler Opera House: Historic venue for concerts and performances. Paved, smooth indoor surfaces. Accessible seating, ramps, and restrooms.
- Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES): Nature preserve with educational programs and accessible trails. The Hallam Lake trail is accessible with a paved section leading to the lake. Gravel and dirt pathways with paved sections at trailhead.
- Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: Winter sports with accessible trails available at the Aspen Nordic Center. Rentals and adaptive equipment available. Packaged snow trails; inquire about specific access options.
- Golfing: Accessible golf courses like the Aspen Golf Club. Adaptive golf carts available for wheelchair users; accessible tee boxes and cart paths.
- Spa Experiences: Relax at accessible spas such as Remède Spa at The St. Regis. Wheelchair-accessible facilities, including treatment rooms
- Accessible Fishing Areas: Ruedi Reservoir is a scenic spot for fishing with accessible features. Paved parking, accessible fishing piers, and restrooms. Paved paths leading to fishing areas. Roaring Fork River offers some accessible fishing spots. Accessible sections with paved or compacted paths.
Transportation
- RFTA (Roaring Fork Transportation Authority): Accessible bus service throughout Aspen and surrounding areas. Wheelchair-accessible buses with ramps and securement areas. Paved surfaces at accessible bus stops.
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport: Fully accessible with elevators, restrooms, and transport services. Ramps, elevators, and accessible transport options.
- Accessible Van Rentals: United Access offers wheelchair accessible van rentals in Colorado Springs along with Wheelchair Getaways in Denver, Colorado.
Accommodations
- The Little Nell: Luxurious hotel with stunning views and accessible amenities. ADA-compliant rooms, roll-in showers, accessible dining, ramps, and elevators. Ramped entryways, smooth indoor surfaces. Outdoor pool with lift, proximity to Silver Queen Gondola.
- Limelight Hotel: Modern hotel with convenient access to attractions. ADA-compliant rooms, roll-in showers, accessible parking, ramps. Paved pathways, ramps, elevators. Complimentary breakfast, accessible swimming pool, shuttle service.
- Hotel Jerome: Historic hotel blending charm with luxury. ADA rooms, roll-in showers, ramps, elevators. Smooth indoor surfaces, accessible ramps. Accessible dining, pool, valet service.
- Aspen Snowmass Cabins: Provides accessible cabin rentals in the Aspen area. ADA-compliant cabins with roll-in showers, ramps, and accessible amenities.
- Aspen Mountain Lodge: Offers accessible lodge accommodations with outdoor access. ADA-compliant rooms, accessible bathrooms, and pathways.
- Aspen Area Campgrounds: Accessible campgrounds with amenities for wheelchair users. ADA-compliant sites with accessible picnic tables and restrooms.
