Everyone can enjoy the beauty of Estes Park!
Accessible services in Estes Park include lodging, campgrounds, restaurants, trails, shuttle services and more. Below are a few highlights. When using this site to search for accessible lodging options click on the wheel-chair icon under Features to narrow your search to Accessible Lodging.
The Lake Estes Trail is behind the Visitor Information Center is a flat concrete trail (1.4 miles one direction) that borders Lake Estes where there is a fishing pier designed for accessibility. The trail also borders the nine hole golf course, which is a frequent grazing spot for elk — and there are picnic tables so you can pack a lunch and enjoy the scenery.
If fishing is your sport there are accessible fishing areas along the Big Thompson River east of Estes. Local sports shops like Kirks Flyshop can direct you to the good “biting” spots and fix you up with any equipment you may need.
The Estes Park Quota Club has wheelchairs and other hospital equipment available for loan on a temporary basis. Arrangements can be made by calling the Estes Park Medical Center at 970-586-2317. A small, refundable deposit is required on all equipment.
If you’re ready for some adventure, Estes Park Mountain Shop has partnered with RMNP and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy to offer free rentals of the Grit Freedom Chair. This all terrain wheel chair provides visitors with hiking mobility assistance for the Estes Valley. Call 970-586-6548 to make a reservation.
Rocky Mountain National Park is Accessible
US citizens and residents with permanent disability are eligible for an Access Pass. This lifetime pass for free admission into all National Park Service areas is available at no charge.
All park visitor centers and museums have designated parking spaces bearing the International Symbol for Accessibility (ISA). These spaces are reserved for persons with disabilities. If you need to use these spaces, but do not have special license plates or placards for your vehicle, you may obtain a temporary parking permit at any park visitor center.
Assistance dogs trained to serve as aids for persons with medical, mobility, hearing or visual impairments are, by state law, allowed throughout areas of the park otherwise closed to domestic pets. This includes, but is not limited to, hiking trails, buildings, and picnic areas. In order to take your assistance dog into these areas, the animal must be trained and certified, and you should carry proper identification.
Information on a wide variety of subjects about Rocky Mountain National Park is available for loan on audio tapes, large print, or in Braille format. These materials can be checked out and returned to any of the following locations: Park Headquarters, Moraine Park Museum, Alpine Visitor Center and Kawuneeche Visitor Center. The audio tapes require special tape players which can also be borrowed from the park.
Accessible Trails:
RMNP has a number of trails that are considered accessible. These trails are graded and have minimal elevation gain, making them excellent options for visitors with mobility challenges. It is advisable to travel with a companion and to be aware that trail use, weather and other factors can impact the surfaces of some of these trails. It is always advisable to check in with a ranger at one of the visitor centers to inquire about up-to-date trail conditions before heading out.
Camping:
The Park has three campgrounds with accessible campsites. Additionally, there is accessible wilderness camping near Sprague Lake. Click here for more information.
Watchable Wildlife:
Within the park and around Estes Park, wildlife abounds and can often be viewed from the roadway or a parking spot. Elk, mule deer, coyotes and bighorn sheep are the most common sights. Also one can see fox, marmots, squirrels, raccoons and birds including an occasional eagle or owl.