This section will go through the physical resources available to visitors with disabilities. Information in this section includes Interagency Passes, interpreters, the all-terrain wheelchair, and local guides.
Resources and Services for Visitors with Disabilities
Passes and Fees
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are permanently disabled or blind are eligible for an Interagency Access Pass, specifically the “America the Beautiful” Access Pass. This free lifetime pass is available U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (this does not have to be a 100% disability). This pass provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies, including RMNP. For more information, visit the USGS site. For a $10 processing fee, this pass can be purchased on the USGS website.
Visitors using an Interagency Pass for access into Rocky Mountain National Park are still required to present a timed entry reservation along with their Interagency Access Pass during the busy summer season.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Accessibility
Ranger-led Programs
Assisted listening devices are available for ranger-led programs with a three-day advance notice. Call the park's main number 970-586-1206 for more information.
Sign Language Interpreter
A certified sign language interpreter can be provided with a month's advance notice to accompany a ranger during a ranger-led program. If you are planning to visit within the month and would like to request an interpreter, the park will do its best to meet the request but may not be able to provide a sign language interpreter for the program. Contact either the main phone number 970-586-1206, or the Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD): 970-586-1319.
The park film shown at Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche visitor centers is captioned for hearing impaired visitors, and features audio description for the visually impaired at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.
Physical Accessibility
Shuttle Busses
Free shuttle buses operate in the Bear Lake Corridor of the park. There is also a Hiker’s Shuttle (add link) that operates from the Estes Park Visitor Center during the summer season. Park shuttle buses are accessible with wheelchair lifts and tie downs. Bus drivers will assist passengers on and off the buses. If you need assistance, ask the bus driver.
For more information on Rocky’s shuttle bus system including routes and fees, please visit our 2023 information page on Shuttle Buses.
All Terrain Wheelchair
Donated to Rocky Mountain Conservancy by the Sam Schneider Legacy Foundation, RMNP is proud to offer this rugged three-wheeled, all-terrain wheelchair at no cost to visitors. It is available for use by any visitor looking for a more versatile wheelchair to navigate the rocky trails, snow covered paths and dirt roads of Rocky Mountain National Park. In addition to rugged wheels and levered handles, this chair has push handles on the back for hiking friends to assist, if needed.
To reserve this all-terrain wheelchair at no cost, please call the Estes Park Mountain Shop at 970-586-6548.
KepEx
Kep Expeditions strives to get “Everybody Anywhere”. The company’s goal is to provide people with the opportunity to safely and comfortably access all that the beautiful Rocky Mountains have to offer. KepEx operates by running daily, personalized tours and custom expeditions in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Their vision includes accessibility and it is their goal to provide vehicles that follow the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for their guests.
KepEx offers specialized guided trips through Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area. They will customize and adapt expeditions and tours to ensure that everybody can have a great experience. KepEx also hosts a variety of different events in hopes of broadening our range of customization and adaption, getting closer to achieving the ultimate goal of “everybody anywhere”.
The name Kep, a shout out to the great Lewis “Kep” Keplinger. He embodied the spirit of achieving new heights and getting everyone, anywhere. In 1868, Kep discovered a route up the previously un-scaled, 14,259 foot Longs Peak, allowing Major John Wesley Powell, an amputee, to be the first to take in the view.