In the heart of Grant, Colorado, Wilderness on Wheels (WOW) stands as a beacon of inclusive outdoor recreation. This unique 22-acre campground was founded in 1986 by Roger West, inspired by his father’s experience as an outdoorsman who later relied on a wheelchair.
West’s vision was driven by the question, “What does a disabled person do to enjoy the mountains?” This inquiry became the foundation for WOW’s creation.
The centerpiece of WOW’s accessibility is a one-mile boardwalk that winds through pine and aspen trees at an elevation of 9,000 feet. This pathway offers a generally smooth journey for wheelchair users, walkers, and strollers, although some areas may be bumpy. The boardwalk’s design provides a more accessible experience compared to traditional park trails, making nature enjoyable for all visitors.
WOW provides a range of accessible campsites, including ground-level tent sites, raised platforms, and two fully-equipped cabins. These sites feature adaptations such as raised fire pits, allowing wheelchair users to safely participate in campfire activities.
Picnic areas are designed with tables without benches, enabling easy access for those using wheelchairs. The campground adheres to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring all facilities, from campsites to restrooms, are accessible and meet specific dimensional requirements.
The success of WOW relies on volunteer efforts from community organizations like Boy Scout troops and local clubs. These volunteers are essential in maintaining and improving the facility, engaging in tasks from painting benches to repairing the boardwalk.
WOW has become an inspiration for accessible outdoor spaces globally, with a similar version established in Japan. The campground operates from late May until the first significant snowfall, typically around October, with gates open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wilderness on Wheels serves as a gathering place where individuals with mobility challenges can connect, share experiences, and feel part of a supportive community. It invites everyone to experience the beauty of nature, regardless of their mobility needs, fulfilling its mission to provide access to Colorado’s wilderness for people of all abilities, their families, friends, and caregivers.
