Arches National Park now has an all terrain wheelchair available for loan. This Extreme Motus chair is fitted with three balloon tires, has a long wheelbase, and requires at least one person to push and maneuver the unit. It has a maximum user weight limit of 250 pounds, and a maximum user height limit of 6 feet. The Arches all terrain wheelchair is available for loan at the Arches Visitor Center on a first-come basis. A waiver must be signed prior to checking out the chair, and a ranger will provide a brief training session on how to use the chair. The park cannot store personal wheelchairs, so alternative arrangements must be made while using the Extreme Motus chair.
The Arches All terrain wheelchair can be used on these easy trails, with one assistant.
Landscape Arch Trail
Double Arch Trail
Skyline Arch Trail
Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail
Double Arch Trail at Arches National Park
Although the Extreme Motus chair is not prohibited on the following trails, sections of them may have steps, uneven terrain and other obstacles that may require the assistance of more than one operator.
Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail
Broken Arch Trail
Park Avenue Trail (from Courthouse Towers Viewpoint)
Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail
Fiery Furnace (Viewpoint Trail only)
Delicate Arch Trail
Tower Arch Trail
Finally, it’s important to note, that the all terrain wheelchair is prohibited on these trails, as they are impassable without causing damage to the natural environment.
As your walk into the front lobby of Calistoga’s Mount View Hotel (mountviewhotel.com), you’re transported into a different era – a kinder, gentler time devoid of traffic jams, Zoom meetings and text messages. Truly you feel the stress just melt away as you amble through the quiet lobby. In a way, it’s hard to believe that you’re in bustling Napa County, as you survey the interior of this historic property. It’s the prefect spot to relax and regenerate.
A Mount View Primer
Lobby at Calistoga’s Mount View Hotel
Built in 1919, this Calistoga hotel was the brainchild of Johnny Ghisolfo, also known as “Mr. Calistoga” by the townspeople. Johnny served several terms as mayor, and was well liked, so the hotel became a natural gathering place for the locals. In 1938 he added two wings to the property, which he managed until 1964. He then turned over operations to his son Johnny Ghisolfo, Jr.
By the 1970s time had taken its toll on this grand old property. In 1979 designers Jerry Roy and Paul Pilgrim transformed the mission revival property to an Art Deco gem for the new owners. Subsequently the Mount View Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, and in 2024 it received the Art Deco Preservation Award from the Art Deco Society of California. And the good news is, even though it’s a historic property, wheelchair-access wasn’t overlooked in the renovation.
Wheelchair Access and More
Adding access features to a historic property can be a tricky, especially when the property is on the National Register of Historic Places. That said, the folks at the Mount View Hotel did an excellent job in preserving the past, while adding modern access features.
Accessible street parking is located across the street from this historic Calistoga hotel, and the folks at the front desk are happy to offer luggage assistance. There’s level access to the lobby and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair through the historic lobby to the front desk.
Accessible room 115 is located around the corner and up a ramp. Access features include wide doorways, lever handles and low-pile carpet for easy rolling. The room is furnished with a 28-inch high queen-sized bed, a table and two chairs, two nightstands and a coffee cart. There is wheelchair access to both sides of the bed, but the coffee cart (which is on wheels) may have to be moved a tad. There’s also a refrigerator and even an espresso maker in the room.
Room 115 at Calistoga’s Mount View Hotel
The oversized bathroom includes a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a tiled roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down slatted shower bench. Other access features include a toilet with grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated) and a roll-under sink.
Bathroom in room 115 at Calistoga’s Mount View Hotel
All in all it’s a comfortable and accessible garden room, that’s close to all the hotel amenities.
Stay and Play
Pool at Calistoga’s Mount View Hotel
And at the top of that hotel amenity list is the property’s “backyard”. There’s level access to this pool and spa area with lift access to the heated pool and the mineral whirlpool. You can relax in a cabana during the day and enjoy a drink around one of the poolside firepits in the evening. It’s the perfect place to just chill and recharge at this historic Calistoga hotel.
And when comes time to tie on the feed bag, Robert’s Tropical Table is located right in the hotel. There’s level access to this Caribbean-themed eatery that offers food and drinks with a slightly Jamaican twist.
Finally if you want to explore Calistoga, the Mount View Hotel is just steps from wine tasting, good food, ice cream, galleries, gift shops and even a beer garden. The town is level, and the sidewalks are in good repair, so wheelchair-users and slow walkers will have no problems getting around, And if you have troubles deciding where to go or what to do, just ask the hotel concierge as he is well versed in everything nearby. Bottom line — you can do as little or as much as you want at this nicely accessible property.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Most people don’t really think about wheelchair access, but to be honest it’s in the back of my mind everywhere I go. I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to accessibility. I’d like to say that bad access doesn’t even faze me any more, but it does. Sometimes I just can’t believe folks can’t get it right in this day and age. And then there are the unexpected good surprises, like Mitchell Point Tunnel.
A Little History
Located down in Northern Oregon, the original Mitchell Point Tunnel dates back to 1915, when John Arthur Elliott built it along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The highway was subsequently re-routed when larger cars wouldn’t fit through the tunnel; and then it was then closed and later demolished when the interstate was constructed in the 1960s. But lo and behold the Oregon Department of Transportation decided to reconstruct a pedestrian version this highway landmark in 2021.
Suffice it to say it was a huge project, and it took many years to complete. Finally in 2025 the new – and improved – Mitchell Point Tunnel was opened, and much to my surprise, it offers excellent wheelchair access. Granted, it’s not that difficult to include access when you are constructing something from the ground up, but it’s amazing how often simple access features are overlooked.
So here are a few access details that they got right at the new Mitchell Point Tunnel.
Parking
Accessible parking is easy, right? Well perhaps it is, but you’d be amazed at how many folks get it wrong. There are only about 16 spaces in the tiny Mitchell Point Tunnel parking lot, but they did manage to include an accessible parking space with adequate room for ramp deployment. And it’s located right next to the trailhead and the picnic area. It’s not rocket science, but I’m thrilled they got it right.
Good pathway access at Mitchell Point Tunnel
Pathway Access
There’s a paved accessible pathway that runs from the accessible parking area, past the picnic tables and over to the tunnel. Once inside the tunnel, the pathway is also paved and wheelchair-accessible. No gaps, no bumps, no access shortfalls. It’s a pleasant half-mile round-trip stroll.
Cutouts so everyone can enjoy the view below
The View From Above
Now here is where this project really shines – in the view department. To say that this short trail offers a scenic view of the Columbia River below is an understatement. That said, I totally understand that the powers-that-be had to “idiot-proof” things and make a wall high enough so that some bozo doesn’t hop up on it for a selfie (trust me it happens). Their solution was to make archway cutouts in the rock wall below, so that you can get a good view from a seated position. Not only does it help keep the idiots in line, but it’s also an attractive and accessible solution.
The view from inside Mitchell Point Tunnel
Inside the Tunnel
I was equally impressed with the full sized cutout windows that they have inside the tunnel. Granted they had to put up railing because of “stupid people”, but they still look good and are also quite functional. These five openings let natural light in the tunnel so it’s easier for everyone to navigate and see possible tripping hazards. Without these openings it would be pitch black in the tunnel, and people would be grabbing for their phones to safely navigate. I’ve been in tunnels like that before, and this one is so much safer.
Accessible Vault Toilets
Granted, vault toilets are not my favorite amenity; however they are necessary. These models are on a cement slab with good access from the accessible parking space. Many times vault toilets are just placed on the dirt, and over time erosion creates a large step up to them. These are done right. And of course, there’s plenty of room for even the largest wheelchair or scooter inside.
And they didn’t forget truly accessible picnic tables at Mitchell Point Tunnel
Picnic Tables
Last but certainly not least, they remembered the accessible picnic tables. And they are close to the accessible parking space. They are on a nice new level asphalt surface, and they are the true accessible models – with room on the ends for wheelchairs. Add that all up and the Mitchell Point Tunnel makes a great accessible stop to enjoy the view, stretch your legs, use the facilities or have a picnic lunch.
So stop in and check out the Mitchell Point Tunnel for yourself, on your next Oregon road trip, It’s easy to find – just take exit 58 off of Interstate 84 near Hood River, follow the signs, and enjoy!
I’m often asked what I think is the most important element of an accessible travel destination or facility. That’s a tough call for sure, because I truly believe all access elements are important, no matter how small or inexpensive. That said, there’s one critical building block that’s consistently overlooked, when it comes to accessibility – signage.
Accessible signage seems simple enough when it’s in place, but it can lead to a lot of confusion, and maybe even injury when it’s overlooked. Here are some examples of where a little signage could of gone a long way to improve the accessibility and overall visitor experience.
Where’s the Entrance?
Accessible entrances are one of the basic building blocks for inclusion; however even in this day and age, not all businesses have them. I’ll skip the debate of why so many things are not “readily achievable” and get to the meat of the matter here – signage at inaccessible entrances.
Sure, I’ve gone to plenty of places with wheelchair-users, only to find a step or two at the entrance. For me, it’s not problem, as I can just go in and ask about the location of the accessible entrance for my friends. Sometimes they pull out a portable ramp, while other times I’m directed to an alternate entrance, usually in back. It’s time consuming, but it works. Everybody gets in the door.
But what if you’re not there with someone that can navigate the inaccessible entrance and go inside to inquire about things? That’s where accessible signage comes in. I’ve seen way too many inaccessible buildings that lack any signage as to where the accessible entrance may be. Oh, and if you’re going to put a phone number on your sign, make sure it goes to a phone that you actually answer. Don’t even get me started on that one.
You’ve Got to Be Kidding!
And then there was this shopping center in Philadelphia that had stairs up to the front entrance. Two flights of stairs, mind you. So I walked around the large building several times, but I just couldn’t see any type of accessible entrance. It was puzzling for sure, as this seemed like an establishment that had enough money to make things accessible.
So I tromped up those two flights of stairs to the entrance. And what do I find at the entrance? A sign with a phone number that says to call for information about the accessible entrance. OK, folks, this isn’t rocket science – if a person needs an accessible entrance then they are most likely not going to be able to read the sign at the top of two flights of stairs that gives them the magic phone number. Put the sign on the ground level where a person who uses a wheelchair can actually find it.
And yes, I did call the phone number. It went to voice mail and I never received a return call. Again, put a phone number that you routinely answer on all access signs, because the person that’s calling probably needs immediate assistance.
Scratching My Head
Signage is good, but to be honest, sometimes it makes me scratch my head. I’ve visited more than one place that just has blue wheelchair signs intermittently scattered around the grounds. Not at entrances, or facilities, but just haphazardly scattered. It’s like they purchased a set amount signs and they were determined to use them all. I guess it really didn’t harm anything, except it made me scratch my head. It also made me wonder if they were suppose to be used somewhere else, like an accessible entrance or a path of travel.
And then there was the garbage can. We were camping in Oregon and on our way out of the campground we stopped to throw out our trash. Some public garbage cans can be very complicated. At this location there was one can for plastic, one for paper, one for refuse, and the list went on. To be honest it was confusing because there was also a list of things you couldn’t put in each can. And then at the very end there was a trash can standing alone, and it had the blue wheelchair sign on it. I guess it was accessible, but so were the other 20 cans that I just passed. And to be honest, a quad would have a really difficult time getting the lid off – it was hard for me. So, I couldn’t really figure out what it was for, but since I didn’t understand the other cans either, I just put all our trash in that one.
And then there are signs, that make absolutely no sense, but have nothing to do with access. We were driving down the highway on a road trip a few weeks ago and we saw a sign that read, “Intermittent Road Work for the Next 52 Miles”. Really? Talk about being non-committal.
Don’t Forget Printed Material
And although accessible signage is important out in the real world, it’s also equally important in printed material. You want to let folks know about access to your place of business in all your printed material. Otherwise, if accessibility isn’t listed, many folks will assume your business is not accessible. And you will lose out on business; and it won’t be just wheelchair-users, but also their friends and family who want to go to an inclusive place.
Case and point is a brochure I picked up the other day about a new shuttle service to some Oregon waterfalls. It’s a great service, as it can be difficult to find parking at some of the scenic waterfalls on the route; however there wasn’t one word about accessibility mentioned in the brochure.
They took the time – and space — to describe the routes, make notes of all the stops, and include information about bus connections to neighboring cities, but there wasn’t one word about wheelchair access. So I went to their website and it did state that they were wheelchair-accessible, and told folks to be sure and note their needs when they made reservations so appropriate vehicles could be dispatched. How hard would that be to include in the brochure? Just saying.
Where Am I?
One of the most frustrating things about accessible signage, or lack thereof, is that it can turn a nice outing into a frustrating challenge. I’ve looked at hundreds of accessible trails, because it’s something that interests my readers. My goal is to give folks solid and accurate information so that they can easily access and enjoy accessible trails. But sometimes that’s a challenge for me.
Charles and I were out exploring some accessible possibilities one day, and after a nice picnic lunch we set out to find this accessible trail. It was mentioned on the park website, but the directions to the trailhead were unclear. When we got to the park we followed several signs to nowhere, and then one to a trail that branched off in three different directions, with no signage whatsoever. We then found a sign for the trail on the other side of the park, and figured if we followed it, it would lead back to the start. Wrong, it led to a a trail that wasn’t even on the map. In the end I gave up, and so will most other people.
The same is true, when we set out to find this new accessible boardwalk on a lake. Some people said it went around the lake, but we couldn’t find it. Turns out the trail goes around the lake, but the accessible boardwalk is only a portion of that trail. And with zero signage it was just by luck we found it. Now at least we can tell others where to look, as it’s a pretty cool trail. But a little signage would of helped.
The reserve is owned and maintained by the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, and it’s funded through donations, grants and membership dues. And even with this limited funding, their signage is excellent. Additionally, all of their trails of wheelchair-accessible.
They way I look at things, if this small reserve can provide such excellent signage on a limited budget, then anyone can do it. It’s a beautiful preserve and you always know exactly where you are, and what trail leads where. At the trailheads there’s a large map, showing your location, and listing the length of all the trails. And every time you cross another trail, it’s clearly marked. You have absolutely no doubt where you are at any point in Kilchis Point Reserve. It’s really a great place to visit.
Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also give a shoutout to the National Park Service for their excellent trail signage. They not only list the location of the trails, but also include the length, width, slope and cross-slope. So not only can you determine the accessibility of a trail, but again, you always know exactly where you are.
So see, it is possible to get the signage right. I’d really like to see more of that in the future.
If a trip across the pond is in your future, then make sure and get a Eurokey for access to wheelchair-accessible restrooms in many European countries. This universal key provides access to restrooms that have accessible toilets, lifts, and lifting platforms, which are usually locked for safety or maintenance reasons. This key allows travelers with a disability independent access to toilet facilities in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and many other European countries.
After you receive your key, be sure and download the Eurokey app. This handy resource gives users the locations and detailed information about accessible restrooms that can be accessed with this universal key.
For more information about this program, or details on the key ordering process, email info@eurokey.ch.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Although it’s relatively easy to determine if a building is wheelchair-accessible (stairs vs. a level or ramped entry), it’s a bit more difficult to evaluate the accessibility of a trail. At first glance it might appear that if a wheelchair-user can manage a trail, then it must accessible, right? Well, not exactly, because not all wheelchair-users have the same ability. And then there are slow walkers. What if they can’t manage the trail.
Road trips are an excellent vacation choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Not only can you take things at your own pace on a road trip, but you can also map out a custom itinerary that includes accessible attractions, rest stops and lodging choices. Plus you can pack along all of your equipment, and you don’t have to worry about wheelchair damage by airline baggage handlers.
Additionally, a wheelchair-accessible road trip is are a great way to explore small towns that are often overlooked on large group tours. And although some small towns may lack accessible facilities, that’s not the case across the board. With that in mind, here are 36 towns across America that have wheelchair accessible lodgings, attractions and even trails. Some are along less traveled byways, some are near national parks, and some are located on popular road trip routes; however they’re all worthy of consideration on your next road trip adventure. So add them to your itinerary on your next wheelchair-accessible road trip.
If a trip to Japan is in your future, then surf on by this website with tons of accessibility information (www.accessible-japan.com). It’s a consumer-created resource with details about wheelchair-accessible attractions, transportation and lodging throughout Japan. Additionally, the website includes information about wheelchair-accessible day tours, and companies that offer wheelchair-accessible options. Essential information about getting around, accessible transfers, disability discounts, equipment rentals, voltage and suggested guide books and resources are also included. And if you’d like to know about something that isn’t listed on the website, there’s a link to a forum where you can ask additional questions.
All in all, it’s a very comprehensive resource for accessible travel in Japan.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
I use a manual wheelchair, and I plan to travel to London next year. I read online that I will need a RADAR toilet key in order to use the accessible public restrooms. Is this true, and how do I get this key?
RADAR toilet keys were the brainchild of the Royal Association of Disability and Rehabilitation, hence the catchy acronym. In the UK the single-use disabled toilets in public areas, office buildings, restaurants and pubs are kept locked, as they are larger than the standard loos, and sometimes people use them for other purposes (use your imagination on that one). It was also thought that having a key would keep these toilets available to people who really need them. So the key system was set up and RADAR sold keys to people that self-certified that they have a need for an accessible toilet.
Today RADAR is part of Disability Rights UK (DRUK), and they have RADAR toilet keys for sale on their website at disabilityrightsuk.org/shop/official-and-only-genuine-radar-key. These keys also work at Changing Places Toilets (changing-places.org/), which include all the standard access features, plus and adult changing tables and hoists. It should be noted that there are other companies that sell RADAR toilet keys, but since they are not the official keys, they may or not work on all disabled loos.
Do you absolutely need a RADAR toilet key when you travel to London? Not really, as keys are usually available at the venues, and you can obtain them by just asking an employee. That said, sometimes there may not be an employee on-site, or they might have problems locating the key, so there could be a delay in getting one. Since the cost of the key is minimal, and it doesn’t take up much room, I don’t see the harm in purchasing one online before you depart. Although you probably won’t need it most times, you’ll definitely be glad you have it if you do.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
I’ve been covering accessible travel for nearly 30 years, and in that time I have most certainly seen a lot of changes. Travel really is more accessible today for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Granted, if you are in your 30s, you probably don’t remember what things were like decades ago with the archaic attitudes about disability — before the ADA and other laws made access possible. If that’s the case I totally understand why you feel things are still not accessible enough, as that’s a fair assessment from your perspective.
