If you haven’t heard, Colorado IS for Seniors.
If you are nearing retirement age or older, travel tops the to-do list for most people, once things return to “normal.”
For you or your family members with reduced mobility or who use mobility devices, you may think that taking a trip to Colorado would not be an ideal location to visit because there may not be a lot for you to do. THINK AGAIN.
If you want to find more things to do in Colorado, visit Exploryst.com
Even though the circumstances of those 65 and older vary widely with regard to budget, interests, and physical abilities, we think you’ll find a few enticing options among the 5 Colorado senior-friendly trip locations that follow.
Glenwood Springs
GOOD FOR: mild to moderate activity, relaxation
Glenwood Springs is Colorado’s Land of Water. Sitting at the intersection of the Roaring Fork and Colorado River in the rugged Rocky Mountains, Glenwood Springs is surrounded by the vast White River National Forest. Along with several natural hot springs, you can zip-line, paraglide, skydive, visit Glenwood Caverns, or head over to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park which has roller coasters and canyon swings that overlook the Colorado River.
Don’t Miss Spot:
Are you ready for relaxation? Glenwood Hot Springs Resort Pool, Lodge & Spa is the largest hot springs pool in the world. Open daily from 9 am – 9 pm, the pool does not require reservations, but it is a first-come, first-serve entry. Available lodge accommodations include wheelchair accessible rooms with roll-in showers or bathtubs.
National Parks
GOOD FOR: adventure, mild to strenuous activity, road trips, multigenerational fun
The price of a lifetime senior pass from the National Park Service is currently $80 for Americans aged 62 or older. For U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities, the Access Pass is $0. For that price, it’s definitely worth making a stop.
Heading toward any of the four national parks (Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison) located within Colorado is worth the trip for seniors, but depending on your mobility, there are some parks that are more accessible than others.
If you use a wheelchair:
The most accessible, in our opinion is the Great Sand Dunes National Park. You can access a portion of the dunes with a traditional wheelchair by using an accessible mat, but there are a limited number of sand wheelchairs available to reserve for adults and children. Mesa Verde National Park is, in our opinion, the least accessible, due to the nature of the cliff dwellings.
Denver
GOOD FOR: mild and moderate activity levels, outdoor adventure, arts and culture
For your next senior travel trip, Denver offers everything from hiking to shopping, history to art, and professional sports to brewery tours, Denver is a place where you can visit for a few days but experience the best of the state.
Depending on the time of year, rugged types can go hiking or skiing in the surrounding mountains (within a 2-hour drive of your hotel).
Best of Denver:
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – hiking may be troubling for those with mobility issues, but the natural rock amphitheater is accessible.
- Craft Beer Tours in Lower Downtown Denver (LODO) – call ahead to confirm the route if you have mobility considerations
- Rockies game at Coors Field or Broncos game at Empower Field at Mile High
Boulder
Some consider Boulder an outer suburb of Denver, except the residents. At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is home to the University of Colorado, the largest in the state. Boulder frequently receives high ratings for health, well-being, quality of life, education, and art. Make sure one of your days in Colorado is in Boulder.
Must See Boulder:
Old South Pearl Street – historic, charming, and a popular shopping district. Get a real feel of Boulder strolling these pedestrian, tree-lined blocks.
Boulder Creek Path – paved, 7.5 mile is used by everyone – joggers, hikers, tubers and kayakers, locals and tourists
Chautauqua (pronounced shuh-TAW-kwuh) is a vast area right at the foot of Boulder’s Flatirons mountains. It encompasses the sprawling lawn of Chautauqua Park, the Colorado Chautauqua historic district, and the Chautauqua Trailhead, from which 40 miles of hiking trails can be accessed. Hike. Eat. Play. Picnic. And more. Minimal parking, so use the free weekend shuttle from downtown Boulder to get there. For those with mobility issues, hiking the Chautauqua Trail, with its 400+ foot altitude gain will be difficult.
Colorado Springs
GOOD FOR: train trips, mild and moderate activity levels, outdoor adventure, arts and culture
Only 90 minutes south of Denver, Colorado Springs has a small “city vibe,” but is still a major metropolitan area in Colorado with amenities and attractions worth the drive for your next senior travel trip.
Our favorite spots are:
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – steep in places, but if you want to hand feed the giraffes, this is the place to go.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Gold Belt Byway Scenic Drive This scenic drive takes you along the historic railroad and stagecoach routes where the most prominent, populated mining towns were located, including Florissant, Victor, Canon City, Florence, and nearby Cripple Creek. Be careful where you park and get out along the route due to steep grades and dirt roads.
If you want to find more things to do in Colorado, no matter your mobility, visit Exploryst.com. #ColoradoisforSeniors
