Located in sleepy Mendocino County, just east of the hamlet of Philo, Hendy Woods State Park (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=438) is home to an off-the-beaten-path wheelchair-accessible redwood grove. And although it’s easy to pass by this secluded park, it’s definitely worth a slight detour on any road trip along scenic Highway 128. Whether it’s for a picnic and a short stroll, a longer hike through the grove, or even a sleep-over in a camping cabin, a stop at Hendy Woods offers wheelchair-users and slow walkers an abundance of options.
Wander Through the Grove
All Access Trail in Hendy Woods State Park
There are several wheelchair-accessible hikes in Hendy Woods, but they all begin in the day use area parking lot. There’s accessible parking in the lot with level access over to the picnic area, where you’ll find several accessible tables under the trees. There’s also an accessible vault toilet near the parking area.
The shortest accessible trail begins on the other side of the picnic area. The .3-mile All Access Trail, is wide, level and doable for just about everyone. The hard-packed dirt trail, which winds through Big Hendy Grove, is lined with redwoods and ferns. The trail ends on the park road; and from there you can double back through the redwoods for a .6-mile hike, or roll along the paved park road back to the day use area.
The accessible Discovery Loop Trail, which branches off of the All Access Trail, is another good choice. This .45 mile hard-packed dirt trail travels through the grove for a nice .85-mile hike. And if you’re up for a longer stroll, then take the Upper Loop Trail which branches off the Discovery Loop for a nice 1.8-mile hike through the grove.
Camp in the Redwoods
Puma Cabin in Hendy Woods Redwood State Park
Although spending the day at Hendy Woods is a treat, there’s nothing quite like spending the night surrounded by the giant redwoods. And although the Azalea Campground offers four accessible campsites, the adjacent Wildcat Campground also boasts a comfortable wheelchair-accessible camping cabin.
The Puma Cabin (1), which is located right across from the visitor center, is pretty basic, but it will save you from pitching a tent. There’s accessible parking on a cement slab in front of the unit, with level access over to the front door. Although there’s a slight lip on the threshold, most folks can bump over it easily. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the bunk bed (double on bottom, single on top), wood stove, table and bench. Bedding is not provided, and you’ll definitely want to bring an air mattress or an egg crate, as the wooden bunks are bare – and hard. Outside there’s level access to a raised grill and an accessible picnic table.
There’s no water or plumbing in the cabin, but an accessible showerhouse is just a short roll away. Both the men’s and women’s sides include a accessible stall, roll-under sinks, and roll-in showers with grab bars, a lowered showerhead and a built-in shower bench. The pay slots for the showers are within easy wheelchair reach, and the accessible shower stalls also feature enlarged changing areas.
Accessible Shower and Toilet in the Showerhouse at Hendy Woods Redwood State Park
All in all the Puma cabin is a rustic but comfortable wheelchair-accessible lodging option. After all, how often do you get to spend the night in an ancient redwood grove?
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Located in the heart of California’s gold country, Calaveras County is chock full of wild west history. From Mark Twain’s famous jumping frog, to pop-up gold rush towns, and even a guest appearance or two by Kit Carson, there’s no shortage of tales — some taller than others — woven around this area. And there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the history and learn about the colorful past of the gold country than to visit a few Calaveras County museums. Although things were a little rough and tumble back in the wild west days, today these museums offer good access for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Downtown Museum
Sheriff’s Office in the San Andreas Downtown Museum
historicalcalaveras.com/downtown-museum
The best place to start your tour of Calaveras County museums is in San Andreas, at the Downtown Museum. This historic complex is located in three side-by-side buildings, which date back to the 1800s — the old Courthouse and Jail, the Hall of Records and the Odd Fellows Hall.
Although steps grace the historic front entrance, an alternate entrance is available for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Instead on entering the museum from the Main Street entrance, drive around the back of the complex on California Street and park in the accessible parking spot behind the museum. There is a locked gate next to the accessible parking space, which has ramped access to the museum courtyard. To access the gate ring the bell — a real cow bell not a door bell — or call (209) 754-4658. Alternatively, if you’re traveling with a companion, just have them go to the front desk to arrange access.
Inside there’s elevator access to the second floor of the courthouse, which includes the judge’s chambers, law library and the courtroom where Black Bart was tried. There are historical exhibits set up throughout the space and they include everything from a vintage kitchen to a collection of old typewriters, lots of photos, and some artifacts from the native Miwok people. And don’t miss the vault which contains the altar from the Comanche Catholic Church of Immaculate Conception, which was dismantled in 1962.
There’s level access to the courtyard out back but the path to the assay office and the old jail is uneven and too bumpy for wheelchair-users. Still it’s a nice stop and the buildings that you can access are filled with history.
Angels Camp Museum
Stagecoach in the Angels Camp Museum
gocalaveras.com/business/attractions/angels-camp-museum-gift-shop
Next up on the list of Calaveras County Museums is the Angels Camp Museum, which is located about 15 minutes south of San Andreas, on historic US 49. As an added bonus, the Calaveras Visitors Bureau is also located in the main museum building. There’s a flat gravel parking area in front of the building, with level access to the museum. Inside you’ll find exhibits that outline the story behind the Calaveras County Frog Jump, and everything from a vintage trophy to some frog cages.
From the main building there’s stairway access in the back to the other parts of this sprawling museum. That said, wheelchair-users can drive down and park in the accessible parking space in front of the Carriage House. From there, it’s a short level roll to the building. This part of the museum focuses on vintage transportation used in the area, and it includes a nice collection of wagons, steam engines, a fire truck and even a stagecoach. Docents are on hand to answer questions, and this building is a huge hit with kids.
There’s also accessible parking in front of the Mining & Ranching Building, which is located a short walk away. That said, wheelchair-users may want to drive as the path has a slight downhill slope. Exhibits include everything from an old print shop, mining tools and a textile shop, to farming implements, minerals and a nice collection of crystals.
There’s also an old stamp mill near the mining exhibit, and although the pathway is paved, some manual wheelchair-users may require a bit of assistance. And take along a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds, as there’s level access over to some shaded picnic tables.
Heritage Museum
The 44-pound Kautz Crystalline gold specimen in the Heritage Museum at Ironstone Vineyards
www.IronstoneVineyards.com
Although most folks head over to Ironstone vineyards to enjoy a little vino, there’s also a nice collection of historic artifacts in their Heritage Museum. From Angels Camp, continue along Highway 4 to Murphys, then follow Six Mile Road until you hit the winery. It’s a pleasant 15-minute drive through the countryside.
Accessible parking is located near the museum, with level access to the building. As you enter the winery, bear right to visit the museum. There’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair through the museum and adjacent gift shop, which includes a good collection of old mining photos. equipment and documents.
That said, the highlight of the museum is located around the corner, in the vault. The Kautz Crystalline gold specimen, which weighs in at a whopping 44 pounds, is the largest crystalline gold specimen in the world. It was found in nearby Jamestown at the Sonora Mining Corporation Mine in 1992, and was subsequently purchased by Ironstone Vineyard proprietor John Kautz. This unique specimen consists of layers of gold separated by rock, and is said to be the rarest form of gold. To describe it as stunning is an understatement.
The vault also includes some mineral displays, some ancient bones, a few meteorite slabs and even some old coins. And if you’d like to learn more about the history of the area, the adjacent gift shop has a nice collection of books.
The Heritage Museum is well worth a stop, and best of all, there’s no admission charge.
Sierra Nevada Logging Museum
Outside exhibits at the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum in Arnold
sierraloggingmuseum.org
Last but not least on the list of Calaveras County museums is the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum over in Arnold. From Murphys, continue east on Highway 4 and turn left on Dunbar Road. If you hit White Pines Park, turn around, as you’ve gone too far.
There’s accessible parking near the museum, with a level pathway near the entrance. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the exhibits, and wheelchair-accessible family restrooms are located near the front desk. Additionally, there’s barrier-free access to the picnic table on the back deck, which is a great spot to enjoy lunch, or just take a short break.
Exhibits range from forest management and the bark beetle, to the logger lifestyle, tools of the trade and even a display of logging camps. And volunteers are on hand to field questions or offer a deeper interpretation of the exhibits. Outside there’s a large collection of logging equipment under the pines. There is a mostly level trail that leads around the various saws, steam donkeys and a vintage Yosemite Lumber Company engine. And although there are a few rough patches here and there, the majority of the outdoor exhibits are manageable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Visitors will come away with a new knowledge of forest management and a definite appreciation of the hard work of loggers. There’s no admission to this excellent museum, which is staffed by volunteers; but plan ahead as hours and days of operation are limited.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located in Northwestern Virginia, Shenandoah National Park (www.nps.gov/shen) encompasses nearly 200,000 acres of protected lands, including 79,000 acres of wilderness, and a slice of the Appalachian Trail. Truly you don’t even have to get out of your car to enjoy Shenandoah’s majesty, as impressive windshield views can be had just about anywhere along the 105-mile length of Skyland Drive. That said, the park is worth more than a quick drive-through. The good news is, that if you’d like to stay and linger on, Skyland mountain lodge offers some nice wheelchair-accessible accommodations, close to one of the most accessible trails in the park.
A Room With a View
Located near milepost 41, Skyland (www.goshenandoah.com), which was originally known as Stony Mountain Camp, dates back to 1888. And although there have been a few changes to the property since George Freeman Pollock originally broke ground, the natural beauty of the surrounding forest remains unchanged. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this mountain lodge has also added numerous access upgrades over the years.
Accessible parking is located near the lodge office, with an accessible cement pathway down to the front door. Accessible room 14 is located near the office, with accessible parking nearby. This large corner room not only offers excellent access, but also boasts a lovely valley view.
Room 14 at Skyland in Shenandoah National Park
Access features include wide doorways, wood floors, lever handles, a lowered closet rod, and good pathway access. Furnishings include a 19-inch high open-frame king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two night tables, a chest of drawers and a table with two chairs. And if you want to catch up on the news, there’s also a television in the room.
The bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius, and it’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead, and a fold-down padded shower bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink and a lowered mirror. Add in shower controls located within easy reach of the shower seat, and a lowered towel hook near the sink, and you have a very accessible room.
Bathroom in Room 14 at Skyland in Shenandoah National Park
And out on the semi-private front porch, there’s plenty of room to maneuver even the largest wheelchair or scooter. It’s the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the sunset, or to just relax after a busy travel day.
Take A Hike
Access to the public areas of Skyland — which are located next to the office — is equally impressive. There’s barrier-free access to the day lodge, with level access over to the Mountain Room taproom, gift shop and grab-and-go food kiosk. Accessible restrooms are located just off the lobby; and there’s ramp access down to the Pollock Dining Room, which also offers a great view of Shenandoah National Park. Not only is Skyland a great place to spend the night, but it’s also a very accessible spot to grab a bite to eat during the day.
Limberlost Trail in Shenandoah National Park
Additionally, Skyland is located close to the nicely accessible Limberlost Trail. There’s accessible parking near the trailhead, with level access over to this hard-packed dirt trail covered with decomposed granite. The 1.3-mile trail begins in an oak-filled wooded area with ferns and mountain laurels; before it transitions to a wetlands boardwalk, and then crosses the river and loops back to the trailhead.
This area is especially beautiful in June, when the mountain laurels are in bloom, but it also makes for a pleasant hike in the spring and fall. And you can enjoy all of this beauty, just steps from the lodge. It’s definitely worth an overnight stay at Skyland, on your next visit visit to Shenandoah National Park.
Headquartered in South Africa, Access 2 Africa provides wheelchair-accessible South African safaris and tours. Safari offerings include 7 to 12-day wheelchair-accessible safaris to Kwazulu Natal from Durban, and to Kruger and Swaziland from Johannesburg. All safaris include transportation in accessible vehicles — either a ramped van or a bus with a hydraulic lift — with tie-downs and air conditioning, as well as accessible tours and lodgings. Day tours, which include elephant interactions, hot air ballooning, the cat and cheetah rehabilitation center and whale watching, are also available.
Accessible Van at Access 2 Africa
Additionally they offer a floating beach wheelchair at Cape Vidal, where guests can enjoy the surf, and spot turtles and whales. It’s truly a unique experience to enjoy an accessible game drive, and then hit the beach in a floating beach wheelchair.
Access 2 Africa’s floating beach wheelchair at Cape Vidal
And if you happen to cruise to South Africa, Access 2 Africa can arrange for accessible shore excursions from Richards Bay and Durban to Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve and the Zulu Cultural Village. For more information about their wheelchair-accessible South African safaris and shore excursions, visit www.access2africasafaris.com.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
El Capitan, the southern-most point of the Guadalupe Mountains
Named for the mountain range that dominates the landscape, Guadalupe Mountains National Park (www.nps.gov/gumo/) contains the four highest peaks in Texas, and boasts an impressive share of backcountry acreage. If all that sounds a little foreboding for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, then think again.
The park also contains a historic stage stop as well as the ruins of an 1800s ranch — both of which are wheelchair-accessible. They can be easily reached from Highway 62/180, which runs from El Paso to Carlsbad and passes through the southwest section of the park. Not only is Guadalupe Mountains National Park a destination by itself, but it also makes a nice add-on to a Carlsbad Caverns visit. Either way, it’s a good choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers who want to explore a bit of southwest history.
Pinery Stage Station
The Pinery Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The Pinery Visitor Center makes a good first stop in the park. Located just off the highway, there’s accessible parking in front, with barrier-free access to the building. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the exhibits and ranger information desk, and level access to the accessible restrooms.
But the real attraction — The Pinery Trail — starts just outside the visitor center and leads over to the site of the former Pinery Stage Station. The paved accessible trail is dotted with benches, while interpretive plaques that detail the desert plants line the walkway.
The trail ends at an interpretive plaque that explains the importance of this one-time stage stop. Built in 1858, the stop was named for a nearby stand of pines, and since it had an abundant water source it was one of the most favored stations along the 2,800-mile mail route from St, Louis to San Francisco. It’s about a .7-mile round trip hike from the visitor center, however if you can’t manage the distance, there’s also a pullout along the highway near the stage stop. Although the Butterfield Overland Mail Coach only operated for a little over two years, it should be noted that it never missed a run — even in adverse weather.
Ruins of the Pinery Stage Station
Frijole Ranch History Museum
Frijole Ranch History Museum
Another must-see in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the Frijole Ranch site, which is located just up the highway. Accessible parking is located near the accessible vault toilet. And since there are accessible picnic tables in a nearby covered pavilion, this stop is also a good spot for a lunch break.
The accessible Manzanita Spring Trail begins near the parking area, and leads over to the Frijole Ranch History Museum — an open-air exhibit which focuses on the history of this parcel, which was first settled by the Radar brothers in 1876. It was later acquired by the John Thomas Smith family in 1906. They grew apples, peaches, apricots and other fruits, and transported their harvest by wagon to Van Horn — a two-day ride away. The Smith farmhouse still stands, and it’s furnished as it would have been in the early 1900s. The Smith family operated the orchard until 1942, and it later served as a ranger residence, before it was added to the National Register of Historic Sites.
The paved undulating trail continues on past the old farmhouse and ends at Manzanita Spring. It should be noted that there’s a short 15-foot section of the trail that has rocks and dirt along it, from a washout. The good news is, that section is at the beginning of the trail, and if you can make it past that, you won’t have any problems completing the trail. On the other hand, if it’s been repaired, this trail is entirely passable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. All it all, it’s a one-mile round trip hike that offers an interesting look at the farming history of the area.
The annual return of the bald eagles to Carson Valley is once again upon us; and with it comes the four-day extravaganza known as Eagles and Agriculture (www.carsonvalleynv.org/eagles-ag). Hosted by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, the 2025 festival will run from February 6 to February 9. During this time attendees can get a closer look at the raptors, enjoy some great nature photography, and learn a little be more about our national bird.
Bald Eagle Festivities
The festival kicks off with the Opening Reception on Thursday evening. Held in the CVIC Hall in Minden, this event features barrier-free access throughout the venue. The reception includes a display of images shot by local wildlife photographers, and also features a number of falconers with their birds. It’s a good opportunity to get a close look at these elusive raptors. Heavy Hors d’oeuvres are served during the reception, and a cash bar is also available.
The Friday evening Falconers Dinner is another popular event. It’s held at the Carson Valley Inn, which has good access for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. This fun evening includes a sit-down dinner and a keynote agriculture-related speaker. And the falconers also make a return appearance with their birds, only this time they’ll be on stage. A variety of conservation exhibits are also featured at this educational and enjoyable event.
Bald Eagles in the Wild
Don’t forget to save some time to check out the eagles in the wild while you’re in the area. State Route 88 is a popular eagle viewing location for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, as you can just pull over and see the birds from your own vehicle. Cattle placentas are the big attractant — and food source — for the eagles in this area. And since the bovine there give birth from December to February, this rural stretch of highway is a “can’t miss” winter eagle viewing location.
Another good place for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to spot bald eagles is at River Fork Ranch (www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/river-fork-ranch) — a combination nature preserve and working cattle ranch. Located off Highway 206 in Genoa, this 800 acre parcel boasts a patchwork of pastures, meadows and wetlands.
Whit Hill Interpretive Center at River Fork RanchThe trail near the Whit Hill Interpretive Center
There’s accessible parking next to the Whit Hill Interpretive Center, and ramp access up to the porch. Even if the interpretive center is closed, the large wrap-around porch is an excellent vantage point for spotting the eagles in the nearby pastures. Alternatively, the .75-mile trail that begins near the back deck may work for some folks. The trail is fairly level, but there are more than a few bumps along the way; and at times it’s only two-feet wide. Still it may work for some slow walkers, and you can always turn around if it’s too much for you.
View along the trail near the Whit Hill Interpretive Center
A Little Local History
Of course, bald eagle watching is only the tip of the iceberg in Carson Valley, so take some time to learn a bit about the local history during your visit. And the best place to do that is at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center (www.historicnv.org) in Genoa. Housed in the 1915 former high school, the museum features accessible parking, a level back entrance and elevator access to the second floor.
Exhibits include a mock-up of a typical Basque sheepherder camp, complete with the tools of the trade and the ever present sheep dog. Other installations highlight the wild mustangs found in the area, Kit Carson — the valley’s namesake — and the native Washoe tribe. Top it off with a stroll down a Main Street of yesteryear, complete with an old time barbershop, mercantile and dress shop, and you’ll come away with a real appreciation for the history of the area.
For another taste of history, as well as a substantial meal, head on down the street to the J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room (jtbasquenv.com). There’s accessible parking on the right side of the building — which was moved from Virginia City in 1896 — and ramp access up to the front door.
Over the years this classic Victorian building has served as a bar, a hotel and a dining room; and in keeping with tradition, today it offers up the same family-style meals that were once a staple of the local sheepherders and farm hands. Be sure and bring your appetite though, as a typical lunch or dinner includes an entrée with all you can eat soup, salad, stew, beans, French fries, and even a bottle of red wine. And if you have room for it, ice cream is available for dessert.
Spend the Night
Located along the main drag in Minden the Carson Valley Inn (carsonvalleyinn.com) is an excellent — and accessible — place to overnight. There’s accessible parking near the door, with ramp access up to this 149-room casino property through automatic doors. Inside there’s barrier-free access around the lobby, and over to the lowered front desk.
Room 131 features wide doorways, a lowered peephole, lever handles, low-pile carpet and good pathway access. It’s furnished with a 25-inch high open-frame king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two night stands, a chest of drawers, a desk with a chair, a refrigerator, and a table with two chairs.
Room 131 at the Carson Valley Inn
The bathroom has a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a portable shower chair. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated), and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink.
Bathroom in Room 131 at the Carson Valley Inn
The Carson Valley Inn also has wheelchair-accessible rooms with tub/shower combinations. Additionally, toilet risers and tub chairs are available for any room.
There’s good access to all the public areas of the property including the business center, CV Steak and Katie’s Country Kitchen. Best of all, it’s located right next door to the casino, which also features ramp access. It’s the perfect place to stay for a Carson Valley eagle watching adventure.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Despite its foreboding name, Dead Horse Ranch State Park (https://azstateparks.com/dead-horse) is a pleasant place to visit. The unfortunate moniker comes from the Ireys family who came west in search of a better life in the 1940s. After several days of hunting for the perfect ranch, Mr. Ireys asked his kids which place they liked best. The children excitedly replied, “The one with the dead horse in front of it, dad.” And with that response, the family found a new home, and subsequently renamed it to mark the momentous occasion.
Thirty years later, when Arizona State Parks acquired the parcel, retention of the colorful name was a condition of the sale. Today there’s nary a dead horse in sight at this northern Arizona State Park. Instead you’ll find 423 acres filled with accessible trails, fishing and birding opportunities, and comfortable camping cabins. And since it’s just a one-hour hop off Interstate 40 from Flagstaff, it also makes a nice stop on a Grand Canyon visit, or even on a longer western national park road trip (emerginghorizons.com/western-national-park-road-trip-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/).
A Birding Hot Spot
Juvenile American Bittern at Dead Horse State Park, Arizona
Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a prime birding spot in the spring and fall, and the headquarters for the Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival in late April. A word of warning though — it’s too hot for birds or humans during the stifling summer months, so plan your visit accordingly. On the plus side, 180 bird species have been spotted in the park during the prime seasons, including loons, herons, egrets, eagles, hawks, hummingbirds, kingfishers, swallows and ducks.
The best place to get a glance of the avian residents is on the Canopy Trail, which begins in the day use area. Accessible parking is located near the trailhead, and although it’s a short walk from the cabins, there are stairs and other obstacles along the way, so it’s best to drive.
Canopy Trail at Dead Horse State Park, Arizona
The quarter-mile wheelchair-accessible trail has a hard-packed dirt surface and is covered in crushed granite. The wide level trail winds under a cottonwood canopy, so there’s also plenty of shade along the way. About half-way along the loop there’s a picnic table and a large collection of chairs under an enormous cottonwood tree. There are also a number of hummingbird feeders in the area, so it’s the ideal place to just sit back and wait for the birds to appear. And if you’d like to pack along a picnic lunch, there are also sheltered picnic tables on a cement pad near the accessible restrooms in the parking lot.
Visit the Lagoons
Fishing Pier on the Lagoon at Dead Horse State Park, Arizona
Another must-see in the park are the three lagoons located near the end of the main park road. Filled with water from the Verde River, these lagoons are stocked with catfish and trout, and feature accessible trails around them. The trail around the west lagoon is a third-mile long, while the trail around the middle lagoon measures nearly a half-mile. And if you’d prefer a three-quarter mile scenic stroll, then the trail around the east lagoon is just what the doctor ordered.
There’s plenty of accessible parking around all of the lagoons, with barrier-free access to the lagoon trails, which also act as levees. The trails are wide, level and composed of hard-packed dirt, and they are shaded by the trees along the shore. There are also several accessible fishing piers on each lagoon, that offer roll-on access and lowered rails. Additionally if you’d like a longer walk, the trails connect, so you can plan a round-trip hike around all three lagoons.
Spend the Night at Dead Horse Ranch
Antelope Cabin at Dead Horse State Park, Arizona
If you’d like to spend the night in the park, the camping cabins are a nice wheelchair-accessible choice. The cabins are pretty basic, but a definite step up from pitching a tent. Cabin 1 has a paved parking area in front, with level access up to the front porch.
There’s a wide doorway and adequate wheelchair clearance inside the cabin. It’s furnished with a set of bunk beds and a double bed, a chest of drawers, a table and four chairs. The bunk bed is 17 inches high, while the double bed is 23 inches high; and they both offer wheelchair access on one side. Additionally, the chairs can be easily stowed on hooks when not in use, which frees up more floor space. The cabin also has electricity, overhead lights and an air conditioner.
Inside the Cabin 1 at Dead Horse State Park, Arizona
Outside there’s a picnic table on a level grassy area next to the cabin. There is also a fire grill near the table, and a bench on the porch. Cabins 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 also have the same accessibility features.
The bathhouse is located a short walk away along the paved road. The large family restroom includes a roll-in shower with a fold-down shower bench and grab bars, plus a toilet with grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated), and a roll-under sink. . There’s no hand-held showerhead; and as a water conservation measure a one-to-two minute water spurt is released when the shower knob is pressed. Still it’s doable for most folks.
Bathhouse near Cabin 1 in Dead Horse State Park, Arizona
In the end, no matter if you overnight or just stop by for the day, this often overlooked Arizona state park is a definite must-see.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Located 100 miles southwest of Boston, Mystic, Connecticut was a major shipbuilding center during the 1600s. Today the streets of this quintessential New England village are dotted with an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, souvenir shops and eateries. But Mystic is more than just a spot to load up on tourist tchotchkes. This coastal village is also home to two top attractions — both of which focus on the ocean. The Mystic Seaport Museum highlights the maritime and shipbuilding history of the area, while the Mystic Aquarium focuses on creatures and ecology of the sea. And the good news is, both of these popular attractions offer good access for slow walkers and wheelchair-users.
The Historic Seaport
Historic Buildings at the Mystic Seaport Museum
The Mystic Seaport Museum (www.mysticseaport.org) is a required stop on any Mystic visit. This 19-acre open-air museum focuses on maritime history and is filled with shipyard exhibits, historic vessels and maritime galleries. And it’s all built around a replica of a 19th century seafaring village.
Accessible parking is available in the south lot, with ramped access to the Sanger Visitor Reception Center across the street. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the front desk, and a large accessible restroom is located in this building. And the good news is, disabled guests and one companion receive a 50 percent discount on admission.
The seafaring village is filled with over 40 historic and reconstructed buildings. The roads through the village are mostly unpaved but level. The one exception is the area around the Children’s Museum and the Treworgy Planetarium, which has a slight incline. About a third of the village buildings feature level access but many have a step or two at the entrance, narrow doorways and very tight quarters inside. That said, there’s still lots to see for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Take some time to roll through the shipyard, and have a look at the drug store, chapel and shipsmith shop, all of which are accessible. There’s also an accessible path out to the replica of the Brant Point Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point. And don’t miss the Charles W. Morgan Whaleship. Although there’s only stairway access to the vessel, you can still get a good look at it from the dock.
There’s also barrier-free access to most of the inside exhibits, which feature everything from ship carvings and folk art to silver trophies, shop figures and even a rare carousel hippocampus. There’s plenty to see and do — for everyone — in Mystic Seaport.
Under the Sea
Beluga Whale at the Mystic Aquarium
For a slightly different perspective of the sea, head on over to the Mystic Aquarium (www.mysticaquarium.org), where you’ll find everything from sharks and manta rays, to seals, sea lions and even Beluga whales.
There’s barrier-free access to the aquarium, with level access over to the Gift Store and the Saltwater Cafe. Accessible family restroom are located next to the Saltwater Cafe, and loaner wheelchairs are available at the front gate. And, if you are visiting with a personal care assistant, there’s no charge for their admission. Contact the admissions office for more information.
There is good access throughout the campus, with accessible pathways outside, and barrier-free access to the inside exhibits. The spacious indoor gallery features a 35,000-gallon tank filled with eels, pufferfish, sharks and rays. There’s also a ray touch pool, an interesting Amazon exhibit and a large collection of jellyfish. Best of all, you can wheel right up to the glass tank in the main gallery for an up-close-and-personal look at the inhabitants.
Outside, there’s also an impressive collection of marine exhibits. At the top of the list is the Beluga whale exhibit. You can roll right over and get an eye level look at these giants. And don’t miss the incredibly cute African penguins. The excellent Roger Tory Peterson Penguin Pavilion offers visitors an up-close-and-personal look at these comical creatures, both above and below the water.
Finally, check out the 200-foot Marsh Trek accessible boardwalk, for a close look at a variety of freshwater species including mallards, herons, bullfrogs and turtles. And make sure and stop at the seal pup play space on your way out. They are almost as entertaining as the African penguins, and it’s the perfect way to top off any Mystic Aquarium visit.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Stained Glass in the Ridge Top Cabin at Wilderness on Wheels, Colorado
Located 60 miles west of Denver near Kenosha Pass, Wilderness on Wheels (WOW) (www.wildernessonwheels.org) offers wheelchair-users and slow walkers the opportunity to hike through a pine forest, fish in a well-stocked pond and spend the night in a tent, hut or in one of two wheelchair-accessible Colorado cabins.
Founded in 1986 by Roger West, WOW is supported through donations, grants and a robust army of dedicated volunteers. There’s no charge to use the boardwalk trails, fishing pond or picnic areas; and the campsites, huts and wheelchair-accessible Colorado cabins are available at very reasonable rates. Not only does WOW make an excellent day trip from Denver, but it can also be worked into a longer Rocky Mountain National Park road trip itinerary (emerginghorizons.com/all-terrain-wheelchair-in-rocky-mountain-national-park/).
Hike, Picnic & Fish
Riverside Boardwalk at Wilderness on Wheels
Accessible parking is available in a large lot at WOW, with barrier-free access over to the ramped office. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter around the office and gift shop.
There are two boardwalk trails on the property — the River Boardwalk and the Mountain Boardwalk. The half-mile River Boardwalk follows a mountain stream, winds past the fishing pond, and continues through the forest to the rustic log cabin. And if you’d like to enjoy a picnic lunch there’s an accessible gazebo near the beginning of the boardwalk, and a ramped picnic shelter near the campsites.
Additionally, there’s level access over to an accessible fishing platform that overlooks the pond. Some accessible fishing gear — including a wheelchair rod holder — is available in the office, but anglers must supply their own fishing rods and bait. The pond is stocked with rainbow trout, and although no fishing license is required for disabled anglers, there is a limit of three fish per person. Able-bodied fisherman with a fishing license are welcome to try their luck over in the stream that runs alongside the boardwalk.
The Mountain Boardwalk at Wilderness on Wheels
The Mountain Boardwalk begins on the other side of the parking lot. This mile-long trail winds gently up to the ridgetop, which has an elevation of just over 9,000 feet. There are several picnic tables along the way, and lots of spots to stop and rest. There’s also barrier-free access to the adjacent property, where the Family Music Festival is held every August. Wheelchair-users can view the festivities and grab a bite to eat on the boardwalk, while the main seating area is located next to the boardwalk. There’s no charge to attend the festival, but it is a fundraiser for WOW, and donations are gladly accepted.
Camp Under the Stars
Tent Platform at Wilderness on Wheels
If you’d like to sleep under the stars, WOW also has a nice selection of accessible campsites and huts along the Riverside Boardwalk. The campsites each include a charcoal grill, a fire ring and an accessible picnic table. Some of the campsites have tent platforms, while the rest have level space to pitch a tent. And some can even accommodate a RV.
Camping Hut at Wilderness on Wheels
The wheelchair-height huts feature a lockable door. Just bring your sleeping bag, roll it out on the platform, then transfer over and tuck yourself in for the night. One hut also includes a cot. The huts all feature a picnic table — some are covered — a charcoal grill and a fire ring. One of the huts also has electricity.
Campers are asked to bring their own charcoal, but plenty of free firewood is available on site. There are no showers in the campground, but accessible restrooms are located near the office. Potable water is also available near the beginning of the River Boardwalk. Plan ahead though, as advance reservations for the campsites and huts are essential.
Wheelchair-Accessible Colorado Cabins
There are also two wheelchair-accessible cabins available at WOW. The Riverside Boardwalk rustic cabin can sleep four and it features ramp access up to the porch and barrier-free access through the wide front door. It includes a full kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, microwave and dishes. There’s a sleeper sofa in the downstairs living area, and a full bed in the upstairs loft. The unit lacks running water, but jugs of water are provided. It’s a comfortable place to sleep in the pines.
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Riverside Cabin at Wilderness on Wheels
Inside the Riverside Cabin
Riverside Cabin Bathroom
The ridgetop cabin is located near the top of the boardwalk, and you just can’t beat the view. You don’t have to haul your gear up the boardwalk, as you can usually access the cabin from a service road. That said, the road may be impassable for low-clearance vehicles; and if that’s the case the folks at WOW will happily transport you and your gear up to the cabin. Up on top, there’s plenty of room to park an adapted van, and ramp access up to the cabin deck.
The spacious great room includes a kitchen, dining area, and sleeping space. The kitchen boasts a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and a good selection of dishes, cookware and utensils. There’s also a large dining table near the kitchen, and a 25-inch high king-sized bed, plus a 23-inch high twin bed on the other side of the room.
The bathroom is equipped with a tub/shower combination with a hand-held showerhead and grab bars. Other features include a roll-under sink, toilet grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated) and a tub/shower chair.
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Ridgetop Cabin at Wilderness on Wheels
Beds in the Ridgetop Cabin
Kitchen Space in the Ridgetop Cabin
Bathroom in the Ridgetop Cabin
Either one of these wheelchair-accessible Colorado cabins makes an excellent choice for a mountain getaway. Reservations can be made on the WOW website (www.wildernessonwheels.org), but plan ahead as they book up fast.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
There’s a certain seductive allure to Sedona. Some folks come for the mystical experience, while others enjoy gallery hopping. And then there’s the scenery. You just can’t beat the red rock formations that literally surround this Northern Arizona enclave. And the good news is, a good chunk Sedona’s red rock beauty is accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Red Rock Scenic Byway
One of the best ways to enjoy Sedona’s red rock beauty is to take a drive on the Red Rock Scenic Byway. This popular drive is located off of Interstate 17. Just take exit 298, and once you cross the Dry Beaver Creek bridge, the show begins.
The 7.5 mile scenic drive, which winds through the majestic landscape, is often referred to as a “museum without walls”. As you pass Oak Creek Village, the scenery becomes more dramatic. Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s four vortices, is located just past Oak Creek Village on the right. You can’t miss it. Bell Rock is one of the more accessible red rock formations, as the upper part of Bell Rock Trail is wide, level and made of hard packed dirt. It’s doable for most wheelchair-users, however you can also get a great view of the iconic formation from the parking lot overlook.
Be sure to stop at nearby Courthouse Butte to admire the expansive scenery. And don’t miss the Chapel of the Holy Cross (chapeloftheholycross.com), which is built into the red rock buttes. There’s a few accessible parking spots near the sanctuary, and golf cart transportation is available from the remote parking area. The chapel features ramp access, but some manual wheelchair-users may require assistance because of the pitch. Still it’s worth a stop even if it closed, just for a view of the impressive front facade.
Just up the road, the Red Rock Scenic Byway ends at Highway 89A. All in all it only takes 20 minutes to drive the route, but allow for extra time for lots of photo stops And even though a Red Rock Pass is required for hikers, it’s not required for quick photo stops of 15 minutes or less.
Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park (www.azstateparks.com/red-rock), which is located on Highway 89A South is also worth a visit. There are a two accessible trails in the park, but they don’t offer much shade, so it’s best to go early in the day.
Accessible parking is located near the visitor center, with ramp access down to the building. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the gift shop, ranger information desk and interpretive exhibits. Accessible restrooms are located near the front door, and there’s also level access to the theater and classroom next door. And don’t miss the hummingbird garden on the back patio.
The accessible Mesquite Interpretive Loop begins near the parking lot. This short trail features a paved level pathway around garden filled with native plants. There’s a shaded picnic area with accessible tables near the trail; and there’s also a shade structure located in the middle of this quarter-mile trail.
The longer Bunkhouse Trail begins behind the visitor center. Although you can access it from the parking lot, that pathway has a steep grade. Alternatively, there’s level access to the trail from the hummingbird garden. The paved trail is fairly level, although there’s a bit of a grade in the beginning. Power wheelchair-users won’t have a problem, but some manual wheelchair-users may require assistance. There are also some cracks along the paved trail, but other than that it’s fairly smooth rolling.
At about the .2-mile mark there’s an accessible hard-packed dirt trail down to the Kingfisher Bridge, which provides a pleasant — and shaded — view of Oak Creek. From there a hard-packed dirt path follows the creek for another .2 mile before the trail loses its access. All in all it’s a pleasant mile-long out-and-back hike.
Slide Rock State Park
Finally, if you’d like to hit a local favorite, head on over to Slide Rock State Park (www.azstateparks.com/slide-rock). It’s located 20 minutes north of Red Rock State Park on Highway 89A. This park provides access to Oak Creek, and it takes its name from the rocks that many folks use as slides to get into the water.
Unfortunately the path down to the creek is not accessible, but there is a short trail that offers a scenic overlook of the canyon. That said, the admission is pretty steep ($20 to $30 per car, depending on the season) for just that trail; however if you have an Arizona State Park Pass, this park makes a nice lunch stop.
There’s accessible parking near the shaded picnic area — which has several accessible tables — and barrier-free access over to the Pendley Homestead Trail. This paved level trail leads past a small store, and by a display of vintage farming equipment, over to the old homestead which features a tractor display in the adjacent barn.
The trail then connects with the Cliff Top Trail which has a 75-foot paved path out to an accessible overlook that offers an expansive view of Oak Creek Canyon. All in all it’s about a quarter-mile round trip, and it makes for a nice stroll before of after lunch. And if you’d prefer to skip the hike, this piece of Sedona’s red rock beauty is easily visible from the the picnic area.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
