Updated: November 1, 2023

Local Ambassador: Baeh Gill’s Accessible Itinerary

Plan your next visit with these tips from a local

No one knows the Pikes Peak Region better than our locals. We partnered with Baeh Gill to explore Colorado Springs from her perspective and share insights. Check out the places she explored as inspiration for your next visit!

Photo from @baeh_gill

Meet our local – Baeh Gill!

Baeh Gill, @baeh_gill, is a content creator showcasing wheelchair life, disability advocacy and style on her channels. Originally from Kansas, Baeh spent several years in Colorado Springs before relocating back to her home state. She eats a gluten free, allergen free diet and includes nutrition content on her page as well.

Baeh’s Explorations

Photo by @baeh_gill

Bear Creek Nature Center Terrain Hopper experience

Baeh had a great time exploring trails at Bear Creek Nature Center through El Paso County’s Trailability Program. The program offers Terrain Hoppers, which are off-road mobility vehicles, to visitors with mobility disabilities so they can explore trails previously inaccessible to them.

Things to know – Reservations are required, but renting a Terrain Hopper is free! A staff member or volunteer will accompany you to make sure you know the ins and outs of the Terrain Hopper. Reservations can be made online.

Photo by @baeh_gill

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum tour

Baeh did a tour of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, which is one of the most accessible and interactive museums in the world. One exhibit includes various Olympic and Paralympic sports that visitors can try. Baeh tried Archery, Goalball and more!

Things to know – The Museum’s universal design technologies include open captions, audio-description tracks, assisted listening, universal keypads, RFID-triggered customizations, accessible exhibit spaces with ramped experiences and more. Their full range of accessible features and accommodations can be found online.

Photo by @baeh_gill

Dinner at Red Gravy

Baeh dined at Red Gravy, an Italian restaurant in the heart of Downtown Colorado Springs that has ample options for those with varying dietary restrictions. Since Baeh eats gluten-free, she ordered gluten-free garlic bread, meatballs with ricotta and gluten-free chicken alfredo. Her friend ordered the lasagna. Before heading out, they also visited the speakeasy, Blue at Red Gravy, at the back of the restaurant.

Things to know – Owner and Executive Chef Eric Brenner is originally from St. Louis. He’s been recognized by national publications as well as for his win in the Food Network’s 2014 season of Guy’s Grocery Games. Chef Eric is committed to ensuring his restaurant is accessible to all who dine there. Reservations can be made online.

Photo by @baeh_gill

Stay at The Broadmoor

Baeh was joined by her friend for an overnight stay at The Broadmoor – one of Colorado Springs’ most historic and luxurious properties. They were blown away by the hospitality and equality of service. They first got massages and facials at The Spa then did a tour of the grounds to learn about the history. Their room was fully accessible with lowered beds, roll-under desks and bathroom sinks and shower with a bench and handheld shower head low enough to reach. They dined at Ristorante del Lago where they enjoyed an allergen-free meal of pasta, pizza and tiramisu paired with wine.

Things to know – The Broadmoor team will go out of the way to ensure a great stay for everyone. If you have specific accommodation requests, call ahead of time to talk to the team about what they can do to help make your stay incredible. Stays can be booked online.

Photo by @baeh_gill

Explore at Garden of the Gods Park

Baeh explored Garden of the Gods Park, which is one of the top attractions in Colorado Springs and the world. The trail from the main parking lot – the Perkins Central Garden Trail, is paved and accessible to those who use a wheelchair.

Things to know – The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center is ADA compliant and has three non-motorized wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-serve basis free of charge. Learn more online.

Photo by @baeh_gill

Snack at The Exchange

The Exchange is a favorite coffee shop for locals. Baeh dined with a friend (while getting some work done) where they enjoyed the sunshine, gluten-free apple spice bread, oat milk lattes and Cuban empañadas.

Things to know – This coffee shop has one of the largest selection of baked goods that includes high-quality, house made gluten-free and vegan options. Browse their menu online.

Photo by @baeh_gill

Trivia night at Mash Mechanix Brewing

Baeh brought a group of friends to play trivia at Mash Mechanix. She enjoyed one of their gluten-free drink options – hard seltzers they make in-house. They have some pre-flavored seltzers, and you can also customize their plain seltzer with your own flavor choices. They enjoyed food from the rotation of food trucks outside.

Things to know – Mash Mechanix also has non-alcoholic options – they make sodas in-house. Trivia is held on Monday nights. If you need special accommodations, call ahead to ensure you can reserve a table that works well for you. Review food truck rotation online.

Follow Baeh on social media for more incredible content!