Grand Canyon National Park
Located in Northwestern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. Carved by the Colorado River and the forces of nature, the majority of this geological formation lies within the borders of the national park. That said, the West Rim, which boasts a horseshoe shaped glass walkway out over the canyon, is located on Hualapai land. But no matter what area of the park you visit, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views at this national treasure.
Insider Tips
- For an interesting look at the history of the Fred Harvey Company, El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge, pop into the Bright Angel History Room on the South Rim. Exhibits include artifacts from these two Harvey Houses, as well as old photos, an 1880 Harvey House dinner gong, and even a vintage Harvey Girl uniform. It also includes information and photos from a Harvey Indian Detour excursion, which took train passengers on a five-night trip to nearby Native American sites. Both the canyon entrance and the main entrance of the Bright Angel Hotel are wheelchair-accessible.
- All the in-park lodges, except Bright Angel Lodge, have accessible rooms. That said, Kachina Lodge is the only property with an elevator, so it’s a good choice for slow walkers who want an upper floor standard room, but cannot do stairs.
- Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines offers accessible flightseeing excursions over the Grand Canyon in fixed-wing aircraft from the Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan. There are six stairs up to the aircraft door, but a portable ramp is available for anyone who can’t manage the climb. Wheelchair-users must transfer to a seat near the aircraft door, and wheelchairs are stored at the airport. It’s a great choice for a scenic overview of the park.
Grand Canyon National Park Accessible Itinerary
Nearby National Parks
Barrier-Free Travel
the Grand Canyon
for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers