RMNP For the Disabled/Handicapped


No matter what type of handicap - mobility, vision, hearing, etc. - is involved, there is much that can be enjoyed in RMNP.  A large amount of the park's most stunning scenery can be viewed right from your car window.  Additionally, those with other limitations can find plenty of activities to make the trip well worthwhile.

Most of this discussion involves mobility issues, but others will be touched on in the discussion of the park itself in Part Two.

Your enjoyment of the park will be greatly enhanced if you take the time to do the right kind of planning in advance.  With some forethought, most obstacles you may encounter can be worked around or avoided altogether. Below are some suggestions culled from personal experience.

Before you go

• Get medical clearance.  Altitude can adversely affect any existing pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions.
  
• Anyone who can only walk short distances might want to consider taking/renting a wheelchair.  The  Estes Park Quota Club has a limited number of wheelchairs available for loan
• Driving
  • Consider renting a minivan if you don't already have one.  Be sure you have plenty of "wiggle room" to make the drive comfortable.
    
  • Plan plenty of stops along the way for rest.  Riding long distances can be very tiring to the handicapped.
    
• Flying
  • Request airline assistance at time of booking.
  • Book early so you can get seats closer to the front of the plane.
  • Take advantage of pre-boarding.
    
  • Make sure you have at least 2 hours between connecting flights.
  • Consider staying the first night or two in Denver or Boulder to make sure there are no adverse reactions to altitude.

• Call and ask for a detailed description before booking.  Not all accomodations that say they are handicapped accessible really are.
  
• Things to watch for include
  • Distance from parking to door and possible obstacles
    
  • Steps/stairs inside or outside of accommodations
  • What floor accessible rooms are on and how far from the lobby/elevator
    
  • Adequate lighting, inside and out
    
  • Type of flooring - carpet is very difficult for a person in a wheelchair to roll across and can trip someone using a walker.  If the room is carpeted, find out what type is used.  A short, tightly woven carpet may be acceptable; but hard surface flooring is better.
    
  • Plenty of room for a wheelchair or walker to maneuver in the room, easy access to both sides of the bed
    
  • Bathroom - size of room; rails installed; accessible shower; door position
    
• Consider getting accommodations with a kitchen.
• Most campgrounds in RMNP have a few accessible sites.  They may be more difficult to get this year due to tree removal.
  

• Traveling with the handicapped may involve extra expenses, so be prepared.  However, once you get into the park, everything's free.
  

• Expect things to take longer than normal.  Allow extra time.  After all, this is a vacation, so relax and enjoy it.
  
• Don't sweat what you can't do; enjoy what you can.
• Be willing to ask for/accept help.  Most people will be glad to be of assistance.
• Know where accessible bathrooms are in advance.
• Check on accessibility of restaurants and availability of handicapped parking before going out to eat.  Call if you are unsure.  Ask if you can make reservations for a table near the door.  Consider take-out.
• Make sure you know the location and phone numbers of medical facilities.

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