Wilderness On Wheels is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit dedicated to providing nature access to individuals with disabilities. Since 1986, WOW's mountain facility has been open to people of all abilities, their families, friends, and caregivers. We have two wheelchair accessible boardwalks. Along our mountain and creekside boardwalks, we have plenty of picnic spots and places to stop for a rest. Our 2-mile (roundtrip) mountain boardwalk rises to 9,300ft in elevation and allows everyone to experience the Colorado wilderness. We invite you to spend a day hiking, fishing, and grilling. We also offer overnight stays in our accessible cabins, huts, and campsites. Wilderness On Wheels is unique one-of-a-kind accessible facility built for inclusion. We believe nature is for everyone and for 39 years, we have been hosting accessible nature experiences for thousands of people and families.
"My name is Juniper. My husband and I love being in nature and going hiking. After becoming disabled doing things in nature became extremely difficult and rare to be able to do. Shortly after moving to Colorado we found Wilderness On Wheels. When we did the hike we both cried as we sat at the top of the hill because it was so beautiful to be able to hike together again and be in nature together safely. Before we left I had to get a t shirt at the gift shop. The staff were all so kind and I finally felt like I was somewhere I belonged vs feeling as if I had to be dealt with or overlooked. Now when I have a bad day with my disabilities or I need emotional strength I wear my Wilderness On Wheels t-shirt and remember how my husband and I felt that day. Now we constantly look forwards to our next visit and adventure. I'm so grateful to have a place like WOW to be able to enjoy."
"Bruce and I have been enjoying WOW since its opening. We are there multiple times a year with friends and family. It is our "happy place!" - Rubin Bolduc
"Thank you Wilderness On Wheels for providing such a fun and inclusive venue. My daughter and her husband were there today for your fundraiser. He played in one of the bands and she was able to hang out and not feel segregated. The facility, including the fishing pond, amphitheater and campground is not set up to be separate but equal, it's truly an inclusive experience. They were able to relax and have fun, knowing she wasn't going to run into any unexpected barriers. The staff was very thoughtful, friendly and helpful"
"Isaiah finally got to go on his first hike today all thanks to Wilderness on Wheels! I am so grateful for these people that made today possible for Isaiah and the many other kids and adults who are in wheelchairs."
"I love this place. Now we can go hiking and camping together as a family."
"Last Friday a group of elders from Allison Care Center in Lakewood, CO visited your site on Kenosha Pass. Benny Montoya, my dad was one of those visitors, accompanied by Veronica, my sister. He had one of the best days ever up there because the mountains have always been his happy place. Yesterday, after a years long struggle with dementia, in the wee hours of the morning, my dad passed away and went to another happy place and I like to think that he left with a smile in his heart because of his experience at Wilderness on Wheels. Thank you for giving my dad a great day....it was just the right thing for him."
Wilderness on Wheels (WOW) programs and activities provide access to Colorado's wilderness for people of all abilities, their families, friends, and caregivers.
"Your Dad is in the hospital to have his leg amputated," Roger West was told over the telephone. He listened in shock to these words. It was June of 1985, and Roger's father was preparing for a lifetime in a wheelchair. Roger, who lived in the mountains of Colorado started wrestling with a new question, "How do the disabled access nature?"
Roger shared his concerns with Marge Craig, Gary Steel, and Chuck Glad. Chuck, a wheelchair user, noted there were 30,000,000 disabled persons in this country with minimal access to wilderness environments. They decided to form an organization to address this issue.
In March of 1986, Wilderness on Wheels (WOW) was established as a publicly supported, non-profit corporation. Roger leased his 50 acres of land adjoining the Pike National Forest (at the base of Kenosha Pass) to WOW for $1.00 a year. Roger raised funds, obtained donated materials and recruited volunteers. One of the cornerstones of WOW was the Give a Day program, which still exists today. In August of 1986, the facility opened for weekend use - 320 feet of 8-foot-wide boardwalk along the bank of a trout stream. People on wheels camped under a star-bright Colorado mountain sky. By April of 1987, the first phase of the boardwalk was open 7 days a week. 31 years later, WOW has welcomed over 40,000 visitors and volunteers have given over 150,000 hours of their time, energy, and hard work.
Today, the volunteer built, mile-long and 8-foot wide boardwalk rises to 9,300 feet and is the heart of Wilderness on Wheels. It is the only one of its kind in the United States.
Organization name
Wilderness On Wheels Foundation
other names
WOW
1986
Tax id (EIN)
84-1021068
Category
Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
45924 US 285Other
P.O. Box 1007Park County, CO, US
Jefferson County, CO, US