A More Accessible Durango for Everyone
Planning a mountain getaway should feel exciting, not uncertain. For some travelers, this excitement is overshadowed by thoughts like, “Will my hotel have accessible amenities?” or “Can I do this activity with my friends or family?”
Finding accessibility information to help quell these questions can be hard when choosing a reliable destination. That’s why Durango’s recent designation as an Accessibility Verified destination through Wheel the World is such an important milestone for visitors and residents.
Accessibility benefits more travelers than people realize. More than one in four Americans live with a disability, and millions more travel with mobility limitations, sensory sensitivities, or age-related accessibility needs. Together, travelers with disabilities and their companions contribute more than $100 billion annually to the U.S. travel economy. Making travel accessible can create more opportunities for adventure, boost economies, and help relieve stress for travelers and their companions.
This recent verification means that seeking out detailed information on accessible paths, parking spaces, adventures, and more is easier to find. The creation of comprehensive accessibility information helps ease the stress that you might have before you arrive and expands access to Colorado travel experiences.
Why Accessibility Matters for Modern Travel
Accessibility affects people in many different ways. Travelers with disabilities, seniors, veterans, families with young children, individuals recovering from injuries, and their travel companions all benefit from improved information and infrastructure.
At some point in life, nearly everyone will encounter changing accessibility needs. That’s why accessibility is increasingly viewed as an essential part of good hospitality and destination stewardship. By improving accessible infrastructure, Durango is creating a destination that is for travelers with varying accessibility.
Accessibility improvements don’t just benefit travelers; they provide better access for residents. If you live in Durango, you will interact with this infrastructure during your day-to-day. Building a base of knowledge on accessible travel creates a community that is easier to navigate and enjoyable for all.
What Does Accessibility Verified Mean?
Durango earned its Accessibility Verified destination designation through Wheel the World, a travel organization focused on expanding access to experiences through detailed accessibility information. Receiving this certification is kind of like getting a Michelin star in accessible tourism.
Wheel the World’s assessment of Durango included on-site measurement and document taking of over two-hundred details from restroom sizes to turning space to shower type and size. ADA compliance is important, but Wheel the World goes further than compliance to create an inclusive guide that tackles entranceways, pathways, bathrooms, and seating.
Searching for information online can become a jumble of information that quickly goes from one tab to twenty. Wheel The World’s level of transparency provides peace of mind during the planning process by compiling all the information into one place. This assessment covers not only the inside of the buildings, but also the experiences you can have outside, like an accessible bike ride winding along local trails with the Adaptive Sports Association.
How Durango Earned the Designation
It means one thing to see a Google page that says a business is accessible; you might feel more certain knowing that someone went to the business and measured everything to ensure it was so. Through collaboration with Visit Durango, the Colorado Tourism Office, Wheel the World, and local businesses, Durango was evaluated and recognized as an accessible destination.
Getting this designation involved detailed assessments from Wheel the World representatives who visited participating lodging, restaurants, attractions, and recreation businesses. These representatives took firsthand measurements, photos, and reviews to provide information that is vetted, verified, and accurate.
This partnership between Visit Durango and local businesses supports a broader state-wide initiative to increase inclusive travel in Colorado. You might not consider yourself in need of accessible infrastructure, but by making these services more visible, a cycle of improvement begins that will extend into the future and improve accessibility in Durango for locals and visitors.
Accessible Experiences Across Durango
We all have an idea of our perfect Durango day. Maybe it’s renting gear from 4Corners Riversports and having some fun in the sun at Lake Nighthorse. The perfect day might look like hitting the trail with friends, or eating a delicious meal downtown at accessibility-verified partners like El Moro Spirits and Tavern. Sometimes this information can be lackluster or even nonexistent.
The Accessibility Verified program helps travelers identify options that work best for them by providing detailed information about infrastructure, like access ramps, rather than assumptions. Wheel the World’s assessment provides information on the accessibility amenities at cultural experiences as well, providing information on spots like the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum and The Powerhouse.
Accessibility is not one-size-fits-all, and every traveler has unique needs that influence the can and can’t dos of their trip. For travelers seeking accessible things to do in Durango, this verification highlights amenities at local favorites like Ska Brewing and connects visitors with outfitters equipped to assist with rafting and jeep adventures.
Planning an Accessible Trip to Durango
When you sit down to plan a trip to Durango, you might be interested in doing an iconic Durango experience like the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Instead of going on a wild goose chase searching online for hours, you can go straight to Wheel the World’s guide on accessibility in Durango and see that the train has one wheelchair accessible car, but it sells out fast, so you should book the car in advance.
By researching specifics ahead of time, you can find the experience that fits your needs and travel style, reduce some uncertainty, and explore Durango with the confidence of a master planner.
Adventure Belongs to Everyone
Wheel the World’s Accessibility Verified designation reflects Durango’s ongoing efforts to help more people experience the landscapes, recreation opportunities, and community connections that define the destination. By providing clear accessibility information, visitors can better plan their adventures and discover experiences that fit their needs and interests.
Accessible travel helps connect more people with the local trails, rivers, and businesses, and the high-altitude beauty that makes Durango a special place to be.
After all, adventure is at its best when more people can experience it.
