Colorado Wilderness on Wheels: A Barrier-Free Mountain Escape

Tucked into the high country near Grant, Colorado, Wilderness on Wheels (WOW) is a rare gem: a wheelchair-accessible wilderness experience in the Rocky Mountains. Founded in 1986—before the Americans with Disabilities Act existed—this nonprofit was built from the ground up to make nature inclusive for all.

Whether you’re looking for a scenic day trip or an overnight mountain getaway, WOW offers a deeply accessible and restorative experience in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

Rolling into the Wilderness: The Boardwalk Trail

At the heart of the property is WOW’s signature feature: a 1-mile-long, 8-foot-wide wooden boardwalk that rises to over 9,000 feet in elevation. The boardwalk gently climbs through blue spruce and aspen forest, winds beside a clear mountain stream, and opens onto breathtaking views of Mount Logan, Geneva Peak, and other alpine ridges.

The trail is fully wheelchair-accessible, designed to allow manual and power wheelchair users to travel independently or with minimal assistance. Along the way, benches offer scenic resting points for soaking in the peaceful surroundings. For many, it’s a chance to truly roll deep into nature without worrying about uneven terrain or barriers.

Accessible Overnight Accommodations

Wilderness on Wheels offers a range of affordable overnight options designed with varying levels of accessibility and comfort. All stays require guests to bring their own bedding, lighting (unless otherwise noted), and drinking water.

• Tent Sites: Eight level, designated tent pads with adjacent accessible outhouses equipped with toilets only (no showers). Each site includes a fire pit and charcoal grill.
• Huts: Five raised wooden shelters at wheelchair height. One has electricity; all include a fire pit and grill, with access to toilet-only outhouses nearby.
• Main Log Cabin: Equipped with a queen bed upstairs and a sofa sleeper downstairs, this cabin has electricity and a basic kitchen (no running water). A wheelchair-accessible outhouse with a toilet is located nearby.
• Ridge Top Cabin: The most private and fully equipped lodging option, this cabin features electricity, running water, a full kitchen, and the site’s only wheelchair-accessible bathroom with bathing facilities. The bathroom includes a bathtub with a transfer bench and handheld shower wand—a helpful feature for many guests, though it is not a roll-in shower. This setup may work well for some but not all wheelchair users, depending on transfer ability and personal needs.
  • The Ridge Top Cabin can be reached by traveling a steep unpaved road or along the boardwalk. While WOW offers assistance using a golf cart or pickup truck, please note that these transportation options are likely not wheelchair-accessible. Guests who use wheelchairs are strongly encouraged to contact staff in advance to discuss mobility needs and plan for safe access.

Beyond the Trail: Fishing, Wildlife, and Community

WOW is more than a trail and a place to sleep—it’s a full outdoor experience, made inclusive:

• Fishing Pond: A stocked, spring-fed trout pond provides a peaceful and accessible spot for catch-and-release fishing. No license required.
• Wildlife Watching: Deer, moose, and birds frequent the property, offering guests a real chance to experience Colorado’s native wildlife up close.
• Community Events: Though larger events vary each year, WOW often hosts small seasonal gatherings with music or shared meals (check the calendar before your visit).

Visitor Notes

• Seasonal Operation: Open Memorial Day through mid-October
• What to Bring: Lighting, drinking water, and mobility aids if needed (some areas are rustic)