Our family just returned from a fall road trip across Colorado that truly took our breath away. With a wheelchair user in our family, we stick to road trips for ease and accessibility. This journey was especially memorable, with golden aspens in full display and awe-inspiring scenery around every turn. We organized our adventure into three scenic loops:
1. Denver -> Nederland -> Rocky Mountain National Park
2. Denver -> Guanella Pass -> Georgetown -> Breckenridge -> Frisco -> Independence Pass -> Twin Lakes -> Leadville -> Glenwood Springs
3. Glenwood Springs -> Carbondale -> Maroon Bells -> Aspen -> Fairplay -> Denver
Each loop offered its own unique views, and I’m excited to share our experiences in detail!
Day 1: Lyons, Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park
Our first stop was the charming town of Lyons, where the fall harvest decorations added a festive touch to our photos. Next, we explored Estes Park, a delightful town that’s fully drivable and lined with scenic shops and streams—a must for fall color enthusiasts. To ensure smooth entry, we pre-booked our permit.
Upon entering Rocky Mountain National Park, we were greeted by the mesmerizing sight of golden aspens surrounding the viewpoints. The park is impressively accessible, with wheelchair-friendly paths and convenient parking at key spots like Bighorn Drive and along Trail Ridge Road, where a boardwalk lets wheelchair users cross and capture the scenery. The journey back to Denver via the Peak-to-Peak Highway capped off our day with spectacular fall foliage.
Day 2: Guanella Pass, Independence Pass & Leadville
The next morning, we headed to Guanella Pass, passing through Georgetown and savoring the vibrant colors lining the route. Our journey continued through Breckenridge and Frisco, two scenic gems offering beautiful fall views and wheelchair accessibility.
The drive along Independence Pass to Twin Lakes was one of the highlights, with dense groves of aspens creating an immersive autumn experience.
Accessibility Tips:
• Independence Pass: Accessible parking and restrooms are available, and with assistance, wheelchair users can reach the scenic viewpoint to soak in the stunning landscapes.
• Twin Lakes: The area offers a rest stop with a gas station and convenience store, as well as an easy drive along the lake for photo opportunities.
From Twin Lakes, we continued to Leadville, a charming town that’s perfect for enjoying the golden aspens set against rugged mountain backdrops.
Stay Tuned for Day 3: Maroon Bells, Aspen, and Beyond
Each loop provided a unique journey, blending natural beauty with wheelchair-accessible options, making it a memorable and inclusive experience for our entire family. In my next post, I’ll be sharing details from our visit to Maroon Bells and beyond—a must-see for anyone traveling through Colorado!
This trip allowed us to experience the beauty of Colorado in full autumn splendor, while enjoying an accessible and comfortable adventure.
