24 Hours in Wheelchair Accessible Denver, Colorado

I always enjoy visiting Denver, Colorado: a lively city, filled with food and art, with a background of soaring mountains. I recently returned for my first trip there as a wheelchair user. Although I had a different perspective this time, I still love the Mile High City.

Here’s my take on Denver’s art district for the wheelchair traveler.

Why Denver Works for Travelers Using a Wheelchair

• Accessible Hotels: Denver partnered with Wheel The World to prioritize accessibility in their hotel common places and rooms.
• Inclusive Activities: Places such as the Art Museum are prepared for not only wheelchairs, but those needing hearing and sight guidance, and neurodivergent assistance.
• 16 ^th Street: I enjoyed this mile-long promenade as a wheelchair user as much as I did able-bodied. It boasts large curb cuts and a FreeRide Trolley with ramps.

Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted.

Where to Go for a Wheelchair Accessible Stay

The Art Hotel is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. It fits perfectly in this Denver neighborhood. It reminded me a lot of 21C Museum Hotel. It presents like a museum, with artwork everywhere and a unique design. I am not alone in recognizing its luxurious feel as The Art Hotel received the honor of No. 1 Hotel in Colorado in the 2025 Readers’ Travel Awards at Conde Nast Traveler.

My accessible king room had an updated bathroom with an ADA roll-in shower. I used a shower chair inside it. The manager sent chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling wine for me. The room was bright with a large desk and an Illy Caffe coffee bar.

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SheBuysTravel Tip: I also spent a night at the Denver Westin Denver International Airport when I missed my flight. It had the largest accessible suite I’ve ever seen. It’s connected to the airport so I literally was able to roll into the terminal a few minutes out of bed. For an easy transition to an early flight, I recommend staying at the Westin.

Wheeling Around the Sites

The hotel’s location made it easy to get around to a lot in the brief time I spent there:

• From The Art Hotel, it’s walkable—or wheelable, in my case—to a day filled with culture. You can start right at the Civic Cultural Center, less than a block from the hotel.
• The Denver Art Museum has a wide-open floor plan, making it easy to get around in a wheelchair. The collections are impressive, mostly contemporary and cause-related.
• From there take a walk to 16 ^th Street, a pedestrian walkway close to cars and open to walking and wheeling through shops, restaurants, play areas for kids and greenery.
• On the way back to the hotel, head back along 14^th Street, where you will pass great photo ops at Civic Center Park and The Greek Amphitheatre.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you have time, consider going to the Clifford Still Museum, with over 3,000 pieces from the Abstract Expressionist. I didn’t make it there, but I was told at the Denver Art Museum it is an accessible friendly art gallery.

Eat at These Spots

• At Fire Restaurant in The Art Hotel, I ate the most delicious omelet. The chef filled it with fresh mushrooms and cheese and topped it with lots of avocado. It was served with a creamy, but not too rich, potato casserole.
• You’ll see how popular Levan Deli & Co is by the crowd in the lobby. Don’t worry as the staff is well versed in getting food prepared and out. It moves quickly. I can’t say enough about the Focaccia and Mozzarella, with roasted tomato pesto. Pair it with the macaroni salad and a flourless double chocolate cookie.

Note: I did go out for dinner in Denver too, but the restaurant I went to, Sunday Vinyl, closed in the short time since I was there.

Getting Around Denver in a Wheelchair

Transportation can get tricky in Denver with mobility aids. They do not currently have Lyft, Uber or taxi WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles). The car service the tourism board booked for me didn’t show up on time to take me to my flight. They found another to get me to the airport and immediately worked on the problem for the future.

• Visit Denver found RideToo, which only does accessible rides. They work out of Denver International Airport with new vans. They offer a flat pickup of $45 plus $3 per mile.
• FreeRide at 16 ^th Street doesn’t just go around the pedestrian mall. It operates with stops from the Civic Center to Union Station, where you can take Denver’s train system to many spots in the city, including the airport.
• If you are in Denver for a few days or more, consider renting a van. Mobility Works will deliver a van with a ramp to the Denver airport for you to get around in.

Read More

• How to Plan a Trip for a Traveler with a Disability
• 11 Best Things to Do in Denver with Kids
• The Most Accessible National Parks in the U.S.
• What to Pack for a Trip to Colorado: A Seasonal Guide