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mesa-verde-pithouse

Wheelchair-Accessible Mesa Verde National Park

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Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park

Although Mesa Verde is now a national park, it was once home to the Ancestral Pueblo people. Today this Southwestern Colorado area boasts the remains of intricately crafted cliff dwellings, pueblos and pithouses that date back to 600 AD. And although there are some access obstacles, it’s still possible for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore portions of the ancient ruins. So here’s the scoop on how to plan a wheelchair-accessible Mesa Verde National Park (www.nps.gov/meve) visit.

Explore Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center

The best place to begin your visit is at the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, which is located near the park entrance. There’s accessible parking with ramp access up to the visitor center, and plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair around the interpretive exhibits, ranger information desk, and book store inside. The building also houses a research center, where visitors can catch a glance at the archaeologists at work through wheelchair-height observation windows. Top it off with a loaner wheelchair, accessible restrooms and an accessible picnic table with a view, and you have everything you need.

After you finish exploring the visitor center, grab a map and follow Mesa Top Ruins Road towards the high point in the park — Park Point. This scenic route winds across the mesa and offers several excellent photo stops along the way; but the most accessible choice is Montezuma Valley Overlook. Not only does this stop offer a superb valley view, but it also has an accessible picnic table and vault toilet.

Another must see are the Far View Sites, which are located a few miles south of Far View Lodge. At one time this area housed as many as 50 villages, but today the pueblo-style ruins includes Far View House, four other villages and a dry reservoir. Unfortunately, uneven terrain hampers wheelchair access to all of the ruins, but Far View House is doable for most folks.

You can also get a good view of Pipe Shrine House in the distance from the far corner of the site. Some slow walkers may also be able to access the entire 3/4-mile dirt loop trail that begins at the far corner of this site. The trail is fairly level, but it has some gravel, rocks and uneven spots along the way.

Visit Chapin Mesa Headquarters

Next up on your wheelchair-accessible Mesa Verde visit is Chapin Mesa Headquarters. From the Far View Sites, continue along Chapin Mesa Road and turn right at the stop sign. Chapin Mesa Headquarters has a large variety of services, including a museum, restrooms, ranger information, gift shops, a restaurant, a picnic area and some great views. The most convenient accessible parking is located in the main parking lot, across the street from the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum.

From the parking lot, there’s an accessible pathway to the front door of the museum, which is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the National Park Service. And thanks to a multi-year renovation project, there’s wheelchair-access to the lobby, the bookstore, the auditorium and the galleries. Not only did the renovation provide improve physical access, but the historic structure was also preserved during the process.

Formerly the exhibits in this museum focused on the story of the park entirely from a 20th century archeological perspective. The new exhibits, which were designed in collaboration with the Colorado Museum of Natural History, offer an added perspective from the Native communities, who consider Mesa Verde a sacred place. It’s an excellent museum, and a must-see on any visit.

Save some time for a glance at Spruce Tree House, the third-largest cliff dwelling in the park. Although it’s not accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers, you can still get a good view of it from the back deck of the Chief Ranger’s Office. There’s a wheelchair-accessible pathway from the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, and plenty of room for large wheelchairs and scooters on the deck. As an added bonus, occasional ranger programs are also held there.

Drive the Mesa Top Loop

Sun Temple at Mesa Verde National Park

Although there are two scenic mesa drives, the Mesa Top Loop is the the best choice for a wheelchair-accessible Mesa Verde visit. This scenic six-mile drive features a variety of archeological sites grouped in chronological order, and offers a good representation of the variety of housing styles used by the Ancestral Pueblo people.

The first stop along the drive is the Pithouse site, which features one of the oldest permanent structures on the mesa. There’s a level pathway out to a covered structure which protects the excavated pithouses. These semi-subterranean structures, which date back to 600 AD, took advantage of the earth’s natural insulation.

The Pithouses & Pueblos site, which dates back to 700 AD to 950 AD is also a recommended stop. A short .2-mile loop trail leads out to the ruins, which includes standard pithouses as well as masonry structures. There’s level access to both structures, with plenty of room for wheelchairs inside. This stop offers a good overview of how the shelter styles evolved over a few hundred years.

The Mesa Top Sites, which date back to 900 AD are just up the road. A .1-mile trail leads out to the ruins, which was home to three different villages  that were were built on top of one another. The three circular towers, which are the most intact features, were part of the last village built on the site in 1075 AD.

Make a quick stop at Sun Temple, and follow the paved path to the ruins, but don’t miss Cliff Palace View, near the end of the drive. There’s a paved path out to a lowered viewing scope, which offers an excellent view of Cliff Palace in the distance. And if you can’t manage the short walk, there’s also a good view of the cliff dwelling from the parking area.

Spend the Night

A great way to top off a wheelchair-accessible Mesa Verde visit is to spend the night in the park. Of course you can always camp out at Morefield Campground, but if you’d prefer a few more creature comforts, then Far View Lodge (www.visitmesaverde.com) is the perfect choice. Located about a mile north of the Far View Sites, this 150-room property features good wheelchair access and great views of the surrounding countryside.

There’s accessible parking near the main lodge building, with level access to the lobby. From there is just a short drive to accessible room 159. The room includes a threshold ramp, wide doorways, a lowered clothing rod and good pathway access. Decorated in a decidedly western theme, it’s furnished with a 22-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, a chest of drawers, a desk and a refrigerator.

The spacious bathroom is equipped with a three-foot-square transfer-type shower with a fold-down shower bench, grab bars and a handheld showerhead. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and there is a roll-under sink just outside the bathroom. The room is very nicely done, and they even remembered to lower the towel bars.

On of the best features of this room is the private balcony, which offers level access and plenty of room for a wheelchair. Even if it’s too cold to sit outside, you can still enjoy the view from the large picture window. And since there’s no television in the room, you can occupy your time by star gazing and enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer — and that’s reason enough make Far View Lodge your home base in Mesa Verde National Park.

 

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rocky-mountain

All Terrain Wheelchair in Rocky Mountain National Park

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Rocky Mountain National Park

Thanks to a generous donation from the Sam Schneider Legacy Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy now has a GRIT Freedom Wheelchair to loan visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park. Initially the Foundation offered this all-terrain wheelchair to former Conservancy employee Quinn Brett, who sustained a spinal cord injury while climbing in Yosemite. Brett told the foundation that she would rather let as many people as possible have access to the all terrain wheelchair, and suggested that it be donated to the Conservancy. So now more people can use this all terrain wheelchair in Rocky Mountain National Park.

GRIT Freedom Chair

The donated GRIT Freedom Chair has two standard wheels on the sides of the seat, and a smaller wheel in front of the chair. It can be operated independently with the lever handles on each side of the seat. Alternatively, a companion can use the push handles on the back to propel the chair. Not only will the GRIT Freedom Chair navigate the accessible trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it’s also built to tackle rugged backcountry trails.

The all terrain wheelchair in Rocky Mountain National Park is housed at the Estes Park Mountain Shop at 2050 Big Thompson Avenue in Estes Park. There is no charge to use the wheelchair, which can be reserved by calling (970) 586-6548. For safety purposes it’s recommended that all terrain wheelchair-users hike with a companion, and that folks bring along plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent and snacks. And don’t forget extra medication, in case there is a delay returning to Estes Park. Additionally, users must be able to transfer to the all terrain wheelchair independently, or with assistance from a companion.

And thanks to the generosity of Estes Park resident Brian Keapplinger, more all terrain wheelchairs will be available in the future. Says Zach Zehr of Estes Park Mountain Shop, “He’s reached out to us to extend the inventory of mobility chairs, for when people come to us and say, ‘Hey, we’d love to use this but it’s already on reservation.’”
For more information about the all terrain wheelchair in Rocky Mountain National Park, visit www.estesparkmountainshop.com/summer-rentals

 

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Staunton State Park Track Chairs for Wheelchair-Users

Staunton State Park Track Chairs for Wheelchair-Users

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Make no mistake about it, Staunton State Park (cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunton) includes some challenging physical access barriers for folks with mobility issues. That doesn’t mean you should cross it off your “to visit” list though. Quite the contrary, as track chairs are now available at this Colorado park. These all terrain wheelchairs make inclusive access a possibility for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Says Track Chair Program Manager Natalie Bostow, “The goal of our program is to help everyone experience the outdoors, and to enable wheelchair-users and slow walkers to enjoy hikes with friends and family. And the Staunton State Park track chairs are our means to accomplish that.”

An Innovative Program

The Staunton State Park track chairs are the result of a collaborative partnership. The Friends of Staunton State Park (friendsofstauntonstatepark.org) raised the funds to buy the track chairs, while the state park manages the program. To date, a robust group of volunteers have conducted more than 1,000 track chair hikes

The track chairs have tank tracks instead of wheelchair tires, which makes it possible to explore terrain that’s off-limits to standard wheelchairs. They can be operated with a joystick — either a golf ball, a tennis ball or a t-bar — which can be mounted on either side of the track chair. You do need some hand dexterity to operate these chairs; however if you can operate a power wheelchair, you can probably operate a track chair.

Suspension and non-suspension track chairs are available, but the suspension models offer much smoother rides. A car seat is also available, so small children over the age of two can utilize the track chairs. The track chairs can accommodate up to 350 pounds, and there are variety of transfer boards and a sling lift on hand to facilitate safe transfers. The track chairs will work for almost everyone; however because of safety issues they are not appropriate for someone who is 100% ventilator-reliant.

And the track chair rules are pretty simple. All track chair users must be accompanied by a companion as well as a volunteer. After a short orientation the volunteer will walk behind the track chair, so they can jump in to help out if the user can’t manage things. Generally speaking though, the volunteers are there for support and they try to let users be as independent as possible.

Take a Hike

The Staunton State Park track chairs are free, but reservations are required. They can be made online on  the Staunton State Park reservation form. They are available from June to October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations open for the season on May 1, so plan ahead as they fill up quickly. And if you have any questions, just call (303) 816-0912.

When you get to the park, follow the signs to the Meadow Parking Lot. There’s accessible parking in front of the track chair garage, and an accessible picnic table next to it. There’s also an accessible vault toilet in the parking lot.

The track chairs have a battery range of about eight miles, but volunteers usually keep the hikes to four or five miles, just to be on the safe side. All of the track chair trails depart from the Meadow Parking Lot.

The most popular track chair trail is the Davis Ponds Trail, which is a 2.7-mile beginner trail with some stream crossings. There’s an accessible fishing pier and a picnic table at the mid-point, and adapted fishing poles are available at the track chair garage.

The more advanced 2.3-mile Mason Creek Trail includes some rock obstacles, but it also includes a peaceful meadow and stone house ruins. The longest and most difficult track chair trail is the 3.5-mile Staunton Ranch Trail, which travels through aspen filled meadows and offers a great view of Pikes Peak.

The track chairs also come with a backpack that has rain gear, additional water, tools and a blanket, but track chair-users are asked to bring water, medication, additional clothing layers, a seat cushion, a hat, sunblock and glasses. And don’t forget to pack along a lunch as there are a number of pleasant picnic spots to stop for a break throughout the park.

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Western National Park Road Trip for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers

Western National Park Road Trip for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers

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Road trips are a great way to travel. You can take things at your own pace, pack along all the gear you need, and you don’t have to worry about the airline losing your luggage. And there’s no better way to see some Western US national parks than on a road trip. This epic itinerary begins and ends in Las Vegas and visits nine national parks along the way. The whole route is 1880 miles long, but the longest drive is only 4.5 hours. You can do the whole itinerary, or just tackle a portion of this national park road trip. Either way, it’s a great spring, summer or fall travel choice

The Basics

Although this national park road trip begins in Las Vegas, you don’t have to be a local to give it a try. If you live close you can drive and spend a few days in town before hitting the road. Alternatively, you can grab a flight to Las Vegas and rent an accessible van to explore the national parks.

The good news is, accessible taxis are widely available in Las Vegas. At the airport just join the taxi queue, and the dispatcher will get an accessible cab for you. It’s a quick and easy process, and you don’t have to arrange for accessible transportation ahead of time. If you plan to spend a few days in the city prior to your road trip, most hotels will call for an accessible taxi for you. If you’re staying in a private rental or with friends or family, you can contact Yellow Checker Star Cab (www.ycstrans.com)
directly to order up an accessible cab.

Next, order an accessible van from one of these companies in advance, and you’re all set to hit the road.

Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals
wheelersvanrentals.com

Mobility Works
www.mobilityworks.com

United Access
www.braunability.com/unitedaccess/us/en.html

And before you set out on your adventure, check out these helpful tips for exploring a national park in a wheelchair (emerginghorizons.com/tips-for-exploring-a-national-park-in-a-wheelchair/).

Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Accessible Zion Lodge in Zion National Park

For an easy first-day drive, just take Interstate 15 to Hurricane, and then follow Highway 9 to Zion National Park (emerginghorizons.com/zion-national-park/). The drive takes about 2.5 hours, and there’s some great scenery along the way. Hop on the wheelchair-accessible park shuttle at the Zion Visitor Center and explore the park, and then spend the night at a wheelchair-accessible cabin at Zion Lodge.

Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park

Shared use trail in Bryce Canyon National Park

From Zion, take Highway 9 to Mt. Carmel Junction and then hop on Highway 89 north to Highway 12 east. Save some time to stop along Highway 12 at the Red Canyon Visitor Center and take a stroll along the accessible Red Canyon Bicycle Trail. Continue on Highway 63, and follow the signs to Bryce Canyon National Park (emerginghorizons.com/bryce-canyon-national-park). If you drive it straight through, it will take about two hours. And there’s no shortage of accessible things to do in the park, including a roll or stroll along along the Bryce Multiuse Trail.

Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park

Visitor Center in Capitol Reef National Park

To continue along on your national park road trip, backtrack on Highway 63 and make a right on Johns Valley Road, which becomes Highway 22. Next, make a right on Highway 62, and another right on Browns Lane, then head east on Highway 24 through Torrey to Capitol Reef National Park (emerginghorizons.com/capitol-reef-national-park). It’s a scenic two-hour drive. Pick up a map at the visitor center, then take a driving tour of the park. And don’t miss the petroglyphs along Highway 24.

Capitol Reef National Park to Canyonlands National Park

Vista in Canyonlands National Park

The next leg of your national park road trip is about a 4.5-hour drive. From Capitol Reef continue east on Highway 24, then take Interstate 70 east, and Highway 191 south to Highway 63. This will lead you to the Islands in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park (emerginghorizons.com/canyonlands-national-park). This large mesa “island” rises 1,000 feet above the adjacent land and is surrounded by the Colorado River and Green River. And if you don’t fancy camping out in the park, Field Station Moab (emerginghorizons.com/field-station-moab-a-breath-of-fresh-air) has some comfortable accessible rooms, and it’s just a 30-minute drive away.

Canyonlands National Park to Arches National Park

Devil’s Garden Trail in Arches National Park

For the next leg of your national park road trip, take Highway 313 back out to Highway 191 and continue south to Arches National Park (emerginghorizons.com/arches-national-park). It’s a short 35 minute drive. Stop at the visitor center, then take a driving tour of this beautiful park. Don’t miss the trail at Balanced Rock, Wall Street, the trail to the petroglyphs at Wolfe Ranch, and the Windows Section of the park. Although this park offers some spectacular scenery, advance planning is a must, as timed entry reservations are now required (emerginghorizons.com/national-park-entrance-reservations-required-in-2024). And remember, reservations are not available onsite — you need to purchase them online, ahead of your visit.

Arches National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

The next segment of your national park road trip takes about 2.5 hours. From Arches National Park backtrack north on Highway 191 to Interstate 70 east, then take Highway 50 east to Highway 92 in Delta, to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm) entrance. There’s no shortage of scenic views on the seven-mile scenic drive along the south rim of the canyon. Even better — most of the viewpoints are wheelchair-accessible. And when it’s time to bed down for the night, there’s a comfy accessible yurt in Ridgeway State Park, which is about a half-hour away.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park

To continue your national park road trip, take Highway 50 east to Interstate 550 to Ridgeway. From there take Highway 60 to Highway 145 south to Cortez. To complete this four-hour journey follow Highway 160 to Mesa Verde National Park (www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm). Highlights at Mesa Verde include the scenic Mesa Top Loop Drive, Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, and the ruins at the Far View Sites. And if you’d like to spend the night in the park, Far View Lodge has some nice accessible rooms with roll-in showers.

Mesa Verde National Park to Petrified Forest National Park

The Crystal Forest in Petrified Forest National Park

From Mesa Verde, backtrack on Highway 160 to Cortez, then head south on Highway 491 to Interstate 40. Go west on the interstate and take exit 311 to reach Petrified Forest National Park (www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm). The Painted Desert is located near the north entrance, and it features expansive views and a former Harvey House (The Painted Desert Inn). The Crystal Forest is worth a stop near the central part of the park, and don’t miss the Rainbow Forest near the South Entrance. And when you’re done, just exit the south entrance and head north to rejoin Interstate 40.

Petrified Forest National Park to Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon National Park

After you rejoin Interstate 40, head west and take exit 165 in Williams, then follow Highway 64 to Grand Canyon National Park (emerginghorizons.com/grand-canyon-national-park). It’s a scenic three-hour drive. There’s no shortage of accessible things to do on the South Rim, but for a scenic overview of the whole park, take a wheelchair-accessible flightseeing tour on Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines (www.scenic.com). The 45-minute flight departs from Tusayan, and features ramp access and plenty of room to transfer to a seat. And with the large windows on the plane, you won’t miss a thing. For another great view, check-in to Thunderbird Lodge — the only property in the park that offers wheelchair-accessible rooms with canyon views.

Grand Canyon South Rim to Grand Canyon North Rim

View from the North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge

The last stop on your national park road trip is just a four-hour drive away. From the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, follow the South Entrance Road to Desert View Drive and head east. In Cameron go north on Highway 89, and connect to Highway 89A in Jacob Lake, then just follow Highway 67 south to the Grand Canyon North Rim (www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/north-rim.htm). The great thing about the North Rim is that it doesn’t attract as many visitors as the South Rim. And after the day visitors are gone, it’s just you and the other lodge guests. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim has a variety of accessible cabins, many which are equipped with roll-in showers. So plan to spend a few days and enjoy the beauty of the North Rim.

Grand Canyon North Rim to Las Vegas

Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas

To complete your national park road trip, take Highway 67 back out to Highway 89A and head north. Next, travel west across the Kaibab Reservation on Highway 389, which turns into Highway 59 when you cross into Utah. Finally, take Highway 9 to Interstate 15 west and circle back to Las Vegas. It’s just a 4.5 hour drive, with lots of great scenery along the way.

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Drive the Pikes Peak Highway

Drive the Pikes Peak Highway

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Pikes Peak Highway

Known as America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak is a don’t-miss while you’re in the Colorado Springs area. Of course you can certainly admire the mountain from afar; however there are also two accessible ways to get to the top. One way is take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and leave the driving to someone else. And although the railway is also a must-do while you’re in the area, save some time to take the other accessible route to the top — drive the Pikes Peak Highway. Not only is it an equally scenic alternative, but you can take things at your own pace and spend as much time on top as you like.

The Basics

The Pikes Peak Highway is located about 15 miles west of Colorado Springs, just off Highway 24 in Cascade. The tollgate is a quarter-mile past the North Pole amusement park. In an effort to make sure there’s ample parking at the summit for all guests, a timed entry permit is required from late May to late September. The permits are good for a two-hour window, and one permit per car is required. In addition to the permit, everyone in the car must also purchase an admission ticket. Timed entry permits and admission tickets are available at https://coloradosprings.gov/pikes-peak-americas-mountain/page/tickets-and-reservations.

The road closes at night, and although it’s technically open year-round, the higher elevations are closed in the winter. Typically the road is only open to the 13-mile mark beginning in mid-October, or after the first snow storm. The round-trip drive itself usually takes two to three hours, but if you plan on stopping at every viewpoint, allow four or five hours. Best bet is to get an early start and have at least a half-tank of gas when you begin. Don’t be in a rush to get to the top, but remember to use the pullouts if you go slower than the traffic flow.

Crystal Reservoir

Crystal Reservoir

The 20-mile route starts at 7,800 feet and climbs to the 14,115-foot summit with lots of scenic overlooks along the way. Pikes Peak is first visible around the three-mile mark as the highway winds through Pike National Forest.

The Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center is located at the six-mile mark. Accessible parking is available on a level asphalt patch and there are accessible vault toilets in the parking lot. There’s level access to the visitor center and gift shop, and some nice accessible picnic tables on a cement slab next to the visitor center. And there’s also a short 200-yard paved pathway down to the boat ramp, which offers a nice view of the reservoir. The path to the right of the visitor center winds past some accessible restrooms and also dead ends in the reservoir. It’s about a .2-mile round trip hike.

The road begins to slowly climb up the hill past the Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center, and the Halfway Picnic Area is about four miles ahead on the right. At first glance this stop appears to be a no-go for wheelchair-users as there are no accessible parking spots or restrooms along the main road. That said, if you turn down the dirt road just before the parking area there’s a nice secluded accessible table next to an accessible vault toilet. And there’s a large level area to park near the facilities.

Glen Cove and Beyond

The Glen Cove Lodge

Glen Cove, which is located near mile 13, is also worth a stop. There’s accessible parking in front of the lodge, with ramp access to the front door. Inside there’s plenty or room to maneuver around the gift shop, and over to the small café which offers burgers, hot dogs and snacks. An accessible family restroom is also located inside. A small picnic area with accessible tables on a cement pad is located on the the right side of the building. Glen Cove is also the site of the mandatory brake check on the way back down the mountain.

As you climb up the mountain past Glen Cove you get a real sense of the the elevation gain. After mile 14 there’s a lot of exposure and precious few guardrails, so if you’re skittish about heights it’s best to turn around at Glen Cove. Alternatively you can take the shuttle bus from the mile 7 parking area. Advance tickets are required to take the shuttle, and a lift-equipped bus is available upon request. Shuttle tickets can be purchased at https://coloradosprings.gov/pikes-peak-americas-mountain/page/tickets-and-reservations.

Be sure and stop at the pullout near mile 16 for an impressive view of the switchbacks below, as well as Pikes Peak Reservoir and the Platte River Valley. And as you near the top, be on the lookout for big horn sheep

At the Summit

At the top there’s accessible parking and barrier-free access to the Summit House, which was constructed in 2021. Inside there’s level access to the visitor center, a gift shop, a cafeteria and accessible restrooms. The cafeteria serves up sandwiches, burgers and soup, but their homemade doughnuts are a must on any Pikes Peak adventure.

Save some time to browse through the interpretive exhibits which include information on the history, geology and climate of Pikes Peak, as well as an entertaining story about the first woman to summit the mountain — “the bloomer girl”. And don’t forget to take the elevator upstairs for more spectacular mountain views before you head back down the mountain. And when you head downhill, you’ll be treated to an entirely new set of windshield views!

View from the summit of Pikes Peaks Highway
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ancients-visitor-center-pit

Explore Canyons of the Ancients in a Wheelchair

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Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum

Located in Southwestern Colorado, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/canyons-of-the-ancients) is home to a high density of archeological sites filled with well preserved Native American artifacts. Although many sites on the 170,000 acre preserve lack wheelchair access and are located along dirt and gravel roads, it’s still possible for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore part of this national treasure.

In fact the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum (www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/CANM-visitor-center-museum) is home to a substantial collection of artifacts and interpretive exhibits, as well as two excavated pueblos. And not only is it reachable without a four-wheel drive vehicle, but it also boasts excellent wheelchair access. So pack a picnic lunch, hit the road and enjoy a day immersed in the Ancestral Puebloan culture.

Learn About the Ancestral Puebloans

Pit House exhibit in the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum

The Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum is located on Highway 184 in Dolores, which is about 10 miles northeast of Cortez. There’s accessible parking in the large lot, with ramp access up to the museum. A wheelchair is available for loan at the front desk, and there are also wheelchair-accessible restrooms in the building. And although there’s a small admission fee, there’s no charge for folks with an America the Beautiful Access Pass.

There’s level access to the theater, with plenty of room for wheelchairs on the sides. Two films are shown throughout the day. One presents two perspectives of the Four Corners area — from both archaeologists and Native Americans; while the other focuses on how to visit the sites with respect.

The bulk of the exhibits in this excellent archaeological museum focus on the Ancestral Puebloans and the historic cultures of the Four Corners Area. Once called the Anasazi, their civilization flourished for about 700 years and then mysteriously disappeared around the late 1200s. Exhibits include a large collection of baskets, pottery, weapons and knife blades, along with a large model of a two story pithouse. There’s barrier-free access throughout the galleries, and lift access to both levels of the pithouse.

A good chunk of the exhibits are devoted to archeological digs done in the area, and they include descriptions of the work at the sites, and artifacts excavated from them. There are lots of hands-on exhibits about the general work of archaeologists, and displays about how sites are excavated. And there are even real artifacts excavated from Ancestral Puebloan sites that you can pick up and touch. It’s a very comprehensive museum, with excellent wheelchair access.

Visit the Pueblos

The Escalante Pueblo Ruins

In addition to the museum, there are also two pueblos to explore at this site. These multi-room units sometimes had more than one story, and included a subterranean ceremonial chamber, or kiva.

The Dominguez Pueblo is located along an accessible level path, right outside the museum. Although it dates back to 1123, it wasn’t excavated until the 1970s. It’s named for one of a pair of Spanish explorers who discovered other Puebloan ruins in the area. This four-room structure is believed to have been home to two families. A kiva was also discovered during the excavation, however it was later backfilled in order to protect the integrity of that fragile structure.

The Escalante Pueblo is located about a half-mile from the museum, along a paved trail. Although the trail was built to ADA standards, it’s uphill with level stretches to rest along the way. Benches and interpretive plaques dot the trail, and there’s level access to several ramadas which have standard picnic tables near the beginning of the trail. The trail is quite doable for power wheelchair-users, but manual wheelchair-users may need some assistance in a few places. The trail gradually climbs to the top of the hill, and offers some nice views of the countryside along the way.

There are level trails around the Escalante Pueblo, and a number of interpretive plaques offer insight to the former residents. This larger communal dwelling was also excavated in the 1970s, and it contains at least 20 rooms and a kiva. It’s believed to have been constructed in 1129, but it was subsequently occupied by two other groups in 1150 and 1200. There’s level access over to a nearby shade structure, and there’s also an excellent view of the reservoir from this hilltop perch. It’s a great way to end a Canyons of the Ancients visit!

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Museum of Colorado Prisons – Haunted or Haunting?

Museum of Colorado Prisons – Haunted or Haunting?

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Museum of Colorado Prisons

There’s something more than a bit unsettling about visiting a museum that’s located within spitting distance of a territorial prison. Be it the razor wire, the guard towers or the overly secure gates, it just doesn’t make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Add in some of the grizzly artifacts in the Museum of Colorado Prisons (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Museum%20of%20Colorado%20Prisons/255235554627336/), and you’ll get a definite chill up your spine. That said this Canon City favorite is definitely worth a visit, as not only does it present a comprehensive history of the Colorado prison system, but it also manages to inject a bit of humanity into the mix.

The Museum of Colorado Prisons

Located in historic Cell House 4, the museum building once housed female inmates. And although it’s a historic building that dates back to 1935, they’ve done a pretty good job with access. There’s stairway access in front, but there’s a ramped entrance and accessible parking in back. Just ring the buzzer and someone will open the door. To view the downstairs gallery, go out the back entrance and roll around the building on the level sidewalk to the accessible lower front entrance. And while you’re in front, don’t forget to have a look at the vintage gas chamber exhibit.

Gas Chamber at the Museum of Colorado Prisons

Upstairs there’s level access down the cellblock corridor, where there are artifacts from the old prison system, vintage prison garb, inmate art, and lots of photos. Some of the cells also contain themed exhibits, and although they may be a bit tight for power wheelchair-users, you can still get a pretty good overview of the exhibits from the hallway. Some of the themed exhibits feature details about escape attempts, behavioral control, executions, and the prison section of the public cemetery known as Woodpecker Hill. There’s also a large collection of contraband, skillfully crafted prison weapons, and more than a few creepy prisoner creations.

Inmate Artwork on display at the Museum of Colorado Prisons

Downstairs there’s barrier-free access to most of the former kitchen and dining hall, which is filled with more exhibits. The exception is the small laundry area which has a few steps up; although you can still peer into it. Perhaps the most memorable artifact is the jumpsuit worn by an inmate in the Labor Day 2018 escape, that took place while people were visiting the museum. Imagine looking at a collection of prison weapons, then glancing up to see a prisoner scaling the adjoining prison wall. Fortunately the escapees were caught a few hours later.

Haunted or Haunting?

To be honest, it’s hard to go through this museum without having a chill or two run up your spine. And if you think you may be overreacting or perhaps the victim of an overactive imagination, then think again. The Museum of Colorado Prisons has been singled out as one of the most haunted sites in the state by many paranormal organizations. And in fact ghost hunts and haunted tours are held there throughout the year.

So why is it haunted? Well first off, it’s in close proximity to an active prison that dates back to 1871, where torture, floggings and other brutal practices were commonplace. And then there were the executions, which were far from humane. Take the automatic hangman for example. This tool was designed to relieve the guards of guilt from pulling the trap door lever at hangings. Instead, the device was activated when the prisoner stepped on the platform, and a weight slowly triggered the mechanism that controlled the trap door.

And of course there’s no shortage of weapons on display in the museum, many of which were possibly used to brutally end a person’s life – be it an inmate or a guard.

Is the Museum of Colorado Prisons haunted or just haunting? Who knows; but as one museum employee shared, “I’m sure there are some spirits here. I often hear noises, footsteps and sometimes whistling when I’m here alone. And I know I’m not imagining that.“ Either way, this often overlooked attraction is definitely worth a stop. Is it really haunted? Judge for yourself on your next Canon City visit.

Barrier-Free TravelUtah National Parksfor Wheelers and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

Barrier-Free Travel
Utah National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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