Known as the symbol of the American West, the giant saguaro cactus can only be found in the Sonoran Desert in the Southwestern US and Mexico. These large columnar cacti are covered in spines and develop branches (arms) as they age. There’s nothing like seeing a forest of saguaros framed by a colorful desert sunset. And the best place to do that is at Saguaro National Park (nps.gov/sagu), near Tucson, Arizona. Divided in two sections — with the city of Tucson in between — this scenic desert area offers several accessible trails for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Saguaro East
Ecology Trail in Saguaro East
Located in the Rincon Mountain District, Saguaro East is about 10 miles off Interstate 10. Just take exit 27 and follow the signs to the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center in Saguaro National Park. Accessible parking is located near the visitor center, which offers level access and houses a collection of interpretive exhibits. There’s also plenty of room for a wheelchair in the theater, which shows an introductory film throughout the day. And outside there’s level access around the small native garden, and over to a covered shelter with benches.
The eight-mile Cactus Forest Drive scenic loop begins just east of the visitor center. This one-way drive travels through the heart of a saguaro forest, and boasts fabulous windshield views of the gigantic cacti. There are a number of pullouts along the way, all of which have accessible parking. And if you visit in May, you’ll be treated to an eyeful of showy white booms on the giant cacti.
The first accessible trail is located midway along the drive. There’s accessible parking at the Mica View Picnic Area, with level access over to accessible tables and an accessible vault toilet. Although the entire length of the Mica View trail is not not accessible, the first .7 mile is fairly level and is covered in stabilized granite. The Desert Ecology Trail, which is located just up the road, is also worth a stop. This quarter-mile trail features a paved pathway with benches to sit and rest along the way.
When you reach the end of the scenic loop drive, turn left at the stop sign and head through the Javalina Picnic Area. After you leave the picnic area, look to the right as the road curves, for a view of a tall saguaro with a magnificent crown.
Javalina Picnic area in Saguaro National Park East
Saguaro West
Desert Discovery Trail in Saguaro National Park West
Saguaro West is located in the Tucson Mountain District, which is on the west side of the city, just up the road from the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. From interstate 10, head west on Gates Pass Road, then make a right on Kinney Road. The Red Hills Visitor Center will be on the right, just past the park entrance.
There’s accessible parking in front with level access to the building. Inside there are a number of interpretive exhibits as well as accessible restrooms. Outside there’s a short accessible paved trail that focuses on the ecology of the Sonoran Desert.
The highlight of this section of the park is the Desert Discovery Trail, which is located just a mile past the visitor center, on the left side of the road. This half-mile paved trail features interpretive plaques along the way that describe the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. There are benches to rest along the trail, and it’s a favorite spot to catch a spectacular sunset view amidst the cactus forest.
This section of the park also boasts a scenic drive. The 5-mile Bajada Loop Drive winds through the saguaro forest, with plenty of pullouts along the way. Although the road is not paved, it’s still doable in a low clearance vehicle. And if you’d like to pack along a snack, there are two picnic areas along the loop.
Last but not least, don’t forget to ask about the free ranger programs at either visitor center. Offered in the peak winter season, many of the programs are held at accessible areas or trails in or near the visitor centers. These interpretive programs, which focus on the Sonoran Desert and the Saguaro Cactus, greatly enhance any visit to Saguaro National Park.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Although the Grand Canyon is a bit off the the beaten path, it is possible to visit this national treasure without a car. Of course you can always book a package tour, but if you would like to explore on your own, then rail travel is your best bet. There are a still number of options even with Amtrak, but here’s the best way for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to explore the Grand Canyon without a car.
Ride the Rails
Amtrak Southwest Cheif
The Amtrak Southwest Chief (www.amtrak.com/southwest-chief-train), which offers daily service between Los Angeles and Chicago is the most direct way to get to the Grand Canyon by rail. Although theoretically you can depart from any station along this route, it’s best to depart from Los Angeles because of the timing of the trains. This eastbound train arrives in Flagstaff in the early morning, in plenty of time to catch the first wheelchair-accessible shuttle to the Grand Canyon. The westbound train, on the other hand, arrives in the evening, well after the last shuttle has departed.
There’s good wheelchair access at the Los Angeles and Flagstaff stations, with level access or lift boarding to the trains. Accessible restrooms are available on the train, and wheelchair-users can either transfer to a coach seat or stay in their own wheelchair for the duration of their journey. The Southwest Chief also has an accessible bedroom on the lower level of the train. Although it can be a tight fit for some large wheelchairs, this compartment has more space than a standard one. It also has an accessible toilet and sink. And the best part about traveling in the accessible bedroom is that it comes with complimentary meals and room service.
Groome Transportation (groometransportation.com/grand-canyon) offers accessible shuttle service from the Flagstaff Amtrak Depot to Maswik Lodge in the Grand Canyon. Advance reservation are required, and accessible vehicle requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Alternatively, if you’d like to ride the rails all the way to the Grand Canyon, you can take the Grand Canyon Railway (www.thetrain.com) from Williams. This route involves an additional transfer in an Amtrak Thruway bus from the Flagstaff Amtrak Depot to the Grand Canyon Railway Depot. That said, it’s the preferred route for real rail buffs.
Accessible boarding on Grand Canyon Rail
Explore the South Rim
Grand Canyon shuttle
Once you get to the South Rim, it’s easy to explore the Grand Canyon without a car. After you drop off your luggage at Maswik Lodge, just hop aboard the free park shuttle bus. All shuttle buses are equipped with ramps and they can kneel to accommodate slow walkers. They can accommodate wheelchairs up to 30 inches wide and 48 inches long.
The best way to begin your visit is to take the Village Shuttle over to the Visitor Center. Pick up a map and browse through the exhibits, then take the accessible paved path out to Mather Point for a superb view of the Colorado River and the South Kaibab Trail. Then hop back on the Village Shuttle and get off at Bright Angel an enjoy more canyon views from the Rim Trail. You can do as little or as much this trail as you like, and even stop for a lunch break at one of the rim lodges.
After you’ve explored the rim take the Hermits Rest Shuttle, which stops at the west end of the Rim Trail. The bus travels down the seven mile stretch of Hermit Road to the infamous Mary Colter designed roadside rest. There are nine canyon overlooks along the way, but two must-stops are Hopi Point and Mojave Point. Hopi Point is the highest point along the route, and Mojave Point has a quarter-mile accessible trail that boasts impressive canyon views.
Last but not least, book a accessible Desert View Bus Tour (grandcanyonlodges.com/plan/interpretive-bus-tours). This four-hour tour covers the entire length of Desert View Drive and stops several viewpoints along the way. Plan ahead though, as 48 hours advance notice is required for an accessible bus.
Spend the Night
Although most of the properties inside Grand Canyon National Park have accessible rooms, the accessible shuttle from Flagstaff only stops at Maswik Lodge (grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging/maswik-lodge), so it’s the most convenient way to do the Grand Canyon without a car.
There’s barrier-free access to the lobby of this motel-style property, with level access over to the front desk. The property is spread out between buildings dotted throughout a pine forest, with parking located right outside the rooms. They have accessible rooms that are equipped with either a tub/shower combo or a roll-in shower.
Room 6761 is located near the main lodge in the Cliffrose Building. There’s accessible parking in front, with level access to the room. Other access features include wide doorways, a lowered peephole, lever handles and a lowered closet rod. It’s furnished with two 23-inch high queen-sized beds, with wheelchair access between them, a chest of drawers, a table with two chairs, and a refrigerator. It also has a sliding glass door, with level access out to a small patio area.
Room 6761 at Maswik Lodge
The bathroom has a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated), and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink and a lowered mirror.
Bathroom in room 6761 at Maswik Lodge
Room 6742, which is located in the Spruce Building, has the same general access features and bed configuration as room 6761, except that the bathroom is equipped with a tub/shower combination, with grab bars and a portable shower chair.
Room 6742 at Maswik Lodge
Bathroom in room 6842 at Maswik Lodge
Additionally, there’s barrier-free access to all the public areas of Maswik Lodge, including the restaurants, gift shop and lobby area. It’s a comfortable property, and a great home base for an accessible Grand Canyon without a car visit.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Easy Rider is the quintessential road trip movie; and although much of it was filmed on Hollywood back lots, a good chunk of the scenes were shot on location in the Southwestern US. Even though many of the sites have substantially changed since Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper first climbed on their Harleys for their exotic and erotic adventure, you can still catch a glimpse of this classic 1969 movie at a few key sites. So hop off the beaten path and enjoy a blast from the past at these Easy Rider filming sites on your next Southwestern road trip. Oh yes, and don’t forget to watch or re-watch the movie before you begin your own adventure.
Park Moabi
Located about 10 miles east of Needles off Interstate 40, Park Moabi Road is the site for some of the opening credits of Easy Rider. Billy and Wyatt ride along the road, which borders the Colorado River, as they begin their fateful journey. Although there’s now a Zip line and a large marina at the intersection of Park Moabi Road and National Trails Highway (Route 66), you can still drive a short distance down both sections of the Mother Road before it dead ends. Then after you get back on Interstate 40, you’ll cross the bridge that’s also featured in the opening credits.
La Contenta
One of the most popular Easy Rider filming sites is located near Taos New Mexico. The opening segment of the flick — where Billy and Wyatt scored their Mexican coke — was filmed in El Prado. Formerly the home of the Red Arrow Emporium – which has since relocated down the road – this site is located at 1302 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, just north of Cisneros Street on the west side of the street. Today the building is used by the Red Arrow as warehouse space, so it’s usually deserted. There’s a level spot to park in the front, and barrier-free access around the building. Although the La Contenta sign was added for filming – and since removed — you can still recognize the facade of the building. It’s worth a quick stop, especially if your road trip takes you up the road to the Rio Grande Bridge.
Ballarat, CA
Ballarat Ghost Town
Next up on our Easy Rider filming sites is the ghost town of Ballarat in Southern California. This is where the key scene where Wyatt tossed his Rolex out in the desert was filmed. This former boom town was founded in 1897 following the discovery of gold at the nearby Radcliff Mine, and fittingly named for the famous gold city in Victoria, Australia. It’s located about 45 miles east of Ridgecrest in the middle of the desert, between Trona and Stovepipe Wells. There’s a graded dirt road that leads from Highway 178 to the town site, and although it’s passable in a low-clearance vehicle in dry weather, it’s prone to flooding when it rains. There’s no designated parking, but there’s plenty of room to pull over on the dirt and explore the area. A nearby sign welcomes visitors and reminds folks, “You learn nothing sitting in your car.” There’s plenty of room to wander around the level town site, which is more accurately described as a ruins. There are a few buildings still standing, including the jail and a trading post, but other than that it’s you and the desert. Still it makes a pleasant scenic drive, and there’s even a picnic shelter at the far end of town where you can enjoy a secluded lunch break.
Pine Breeze Inn
One of the most memorable scenes in Easy Rider — where Billy and Wyatt stop at a motel, only to have the “no vacancy sign” quickly illuminated when the owner takes a gander at the duo — was filmed in Bellemont, Arizona, about 12 miles west of Flagstaff. Take exit 185, and continue south for a block, then turn left on Old Route 66. The vintage gas station — which served as the office in the scene — is located about a mile down the road on the left. There’s a nice level area to pull over and take a few photos of the building; however if you want to see the original “No Vacancy” sign, you’ll have to double back to the Route 66 Roadhouse Bar and Grill near exit 185.
Lumberjack Café
Lumberjack at Northern Arizona University
The Route 66 scene where Bill and Wyatt passed the Lumberjack Cafe — marked by a 220-foot tall lumberjack statue — was actually filmed in Flagstaff. The filming site was on Milton Street, near Tucson Street; however that lumberjack statue has since been moved to Northern Arizona University (go Lumberjacks!). Currently the building that was the Lumberjack Cafe is vacant, and a smaller lumberjack statue sits in the parking lot. There are several places to pull in and get a look at the storefront and the statue; however the better photo op is at the university, where the original lumberjack sits outside the Walkup Skydome (1701 S. San Francisco Street). Accessible parking is located directly in front of the statue, so you don’t even have to get out of your car to enjoy it.
Loop Road
Another Flagstaff filming site is located on Highway 89 about 13 miles north of downtown, near the turnoff to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument on Loop Road. This is where Billy and Wyatt picked up the hitchhiking stranger. Save some time to explore Sunset Crater too while you’re in the neighborhood, as there’s a quarter-mile wheelchair-accessible section of the Lava Flow Trail that offers a good look at the mountain that erupted over 900 years ago. Sunset Crater also make a good lunch stop, as the site includes accessible picnic tables and restrooms.
Wuputaki Pueblo
Wuputaki Pueblo, which is located about 35 miles up Loop Road from Sunset Crater, is where the camping scene in the deserted ruins was filmed. And although camping is prohibited at Wuputaki Pueblo, the half-mile wheelchair-accessible trail gives visitors a good view of this 100-room pueblo which was occupied by 85 to 100 people in 1182. And although this sacred site is not physically occupied today, the Hopi people believe their ancestors remain there as spiritual guardians. It does have a certain energy to it.
Sacred Mountain Gas Station
Sacred Mountain gas station
Sacred Mountain Gas Station — where the hitchhiker refuses to let Billy and Wyatt pay for gas — is located nearby. Just take Loop Road back to Highway 89 and head south. You’ll spot the now deserted gas station on the right side of the road, just past milepost 437 at 150 Road. There’s not much else there — just a level spot to pull off and admire the relic — but it does have a certain following.
Las Vegas, New Mexico
The building that once housed Tito’s Gallery was the jail in Las Vegas, NM
Las but not least on our tour of Easy Rider filming sites is Las Vegas, New Mexico. This is where things start to go downhill for Billy and Wyatt. After they join a parade headed down the main drag they are unceremoniously thrown into jail for parading without a permit. Ultimately, that’s where they meet up with (a very young) Jack Nicholson. The parade route is located downtown, on Plaza Street between Hot Springs Boulevard and Gonzales Street. The jail, which was formerly Tito’s Gallery, is on nearby Bridge Street. Just follow Plaza Street past Gonzales and look for 157 Bridge Street on the right. There’s no accessible parking, but parallel parking is available on the street. The sidewalks have a few bumps here and there, but they are doable. As you head back to Plaza Park there’s a slight uphill grade, but street parking is also available near the parade route. And don’t forget to pop in at the Plaza Hotel, across from the park. Also included in the flick, the hotel has been lovingly restored to its former grandeur and now features ramp access. It’s definitely a must-see on any Las Vegas stop.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Road trips are a great way to travel. You can take things at your own pace, pack along all the gear you need, and you don’t have to worry about the airline losing your luggage. And there’s no better way to see some Western US national parks than on a road trip. This epic itinerary begins and ends in Las Vegas and visits nine national parks along the way. The whole route is 1880 miles long, but the longest drive is only 4.5 hours. You can do the whole itinerary, or just tackle a portion of this national park road trip. Either way, it’s a great spring, summer or fall travel choice
The Basics
Although this national park road trip begins in Las Vegas, you don’t have to be a local to give it a try. If you live close you can drive and spend a few days in town before hitting the road. Alternatively, you can grab a flight to Las Vegas and rent an accessible van to explore the national parks.
The good news is, accessible taxis are widely available in Las Vegas. At the airport just join the taxi queue, and the dispatcher will get an accessible cab for you. It’s a quick and easy process, and you don’t have to arrange for accessible transportation ahead of time. If you plan to spend a few days in the city prior to your road trip, most hotels will call for an accessible taxi for you. If you’re staying in a private rental or with friends or family, you can contact Yellow Checker Star Cab (www.ycstrans.com)
directly to order up an accessible cab.
Next, order an accessible van from one of these companies in advance, and you’re all set to hit the road.
For an easy first-day drive, just take Interstate 15 to Hurricane, and then follow Highway 9 to Zion National Park (emerginghorizons.com/zion-national-park/). The drive takes about 2.5 hours, and there’s some great scenery along the way. Hop on the wheelchair-accessible park shuttle at the Zion Visitor Center and explore the park, and then spend the night at a wheelchair-accessible cabin at Zion Lodge.
Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park
Shared use trail in Bryce Canyon National Park
From Zion, take Highway 9 to Mt. Carmel Junction and then hop on Highway 89 north to Highway 12 east. Save some time to stop along Highway 12 at the Red Canyon Visitor Center and take a stroll along the accessible Red Canyon Bicycle Trail. Continue on Highway 63, and follow the signs to Bryce Canyon National Park (emerginghorizons.com/bryce-canyon-national-park). If you drive it straight through, it will take about two hours. And there’s no shortage of accessible things to do in the park, including a roll or stroll along along the Bryce Multiuse Trail.
Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park
Visitor Center in Capitol Reef National Park
To continue along on your national park road trip, backtrack on Highway 63 and make a right on Johns Valley Road, which becomes Highway 22. Next, make a right on Highway 62, and another right on Browns Lane, then head east on Highway 24 through Torrey to Capitol Reef National Park (emerginghorizons.com/capitol-reef-national-park). It’s a scenic two-hour drive. Pick up a map at the visitor center, then take a driving tour of the park. And don’t miss the petroglyphs along Highway 24.
Capitol Reef National Park to Canyonlands National Park
Vista in Canyonlands National Park
The next leg of your national park road trip is about a 4.5-hour drive. From Capitol Reef continue east on Highway 24, then take Interstate 70 east, and Highway 191 south to Highway 63. This will lead you to the Islands in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park (emerginghorizons.com/canyonlands-national-park). This large mesa “island” rises 1,000 feet above the adjacent land and is surrounded by the Colorado River and Green River. And if you don’t fancy camping out in the park, Field Station Moab (emerginghorizons.com/field-station-moab-a-breath-of-fresh-air) has some comfortable accessible rooms, and it’s just a 30-minute drive away.
Canyonlands National Park to Arches National Park
Devil’s Garden Trail in Arches National Park
For the next leg of your national park road trip, take Highway 313 back out to Highway 191 and continue south to Arches National Park (emerginghorizons.com/arches-national-park). It’s a short 35 minute drive. Stop at the visitor center, then take a driving tour of this beautiful park. Don’t miss the trail at Balanced Rock, Wall Street, the trail to the petroglyphs at Wolfe Ranch, and the Windows Section of the park. Although this park offers some spectacular scenery, advance planning is a must, as timed entry reservations are now required (emerginghorizons.com/national-park-entrance-reservations-required-in-2024). And remember, reservations are not available onsite — you need to purchase them online, ahead of your visit.
Arches National Park to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
The next segment of your national park road trip takes about 2.5 hours. From Arches National Park backtrack north on Highway 191 to Interstate 70 east, then take Highway 50 east to Highway 92 in Delta, to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm) entrance. There’s no shortage of scenic views on the seven-mile scenic drive along the south rim of the canyon. Even better — most of the viewpoints are wheelchair-accessible. And when it’s time to bed down for the night, there’s a comfy accessible yurt in Ridgeway State Park, which is about a half-hour away.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
To continue your national park road trip, take Highway 50 east to Interstate 550 to Ridgeway. From there take Highway 60 to Highway 145 south to Cortez. To complete this four-hour journey follow Highway 160 to Mesa Verde National Park (www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm). Highlights at Mesa Verde include the scenic Mesa Top Loop Drive, Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, and the ruins at the Far View Sites. And if you’d like to spend the night in the park, Far View Lodge has some nice accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
Mesa Verde National Park to Petrified Forest National Park
The Crystal Forest in Petrified Forest National Park
From Mesa Verde, backtrack on Highway 160 to Cortez, then head south on Highway 491 to Interstate 40. Go west on the interstate and take exit 311 to reach Petrified Forest National Park (www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm). The Painted Desert is located near the north entrance, and it features expansive views and a former Harvey House (The Painted Desert Inn). The Crystal Forest is worth a stop near the central part of the park, and don’t miss the Rainbow Forest near the South Entrance. And when you’re done, just exit the south entrance and head north to rejoin Interstate 40.
Petrified Forest National Park to Grand Canyon South Rim
Grand Canyon National Park
After you rejoin Interstate 40, head west and take exit 165 in Williams, then follow Highway 64 to Grand Canyon National Park (emerginghorizons.com/grand-canyon-national-park). It’s a scenic three-hour drive. There’s no shortage of accessible things to do on the South Rim, but for a scenic overview of the whole park, take a wheelchair-accessible flightseeing tour on Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines (www.scenic.com). The 45-minute flight departs from Tusayan, and features ramp access and plenty of room to transfer to a seat. And with the large windows on the plane, you won’t miss a thing. For another great view, check-in to Thunderbird Lodge — the only property in the park that offers wheelchair-accessible rooms with canyon views.
Grand Canyon South Rim to Grand Canyon North Rim
View from the North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge
The last stop on your national park road trip is just a four-hour drive away. From the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, follow the South Entrance Road to Desert View Drive and head east. In Cameron go north on Highway 89, and connect to Highway 89A in Jacob Lake, then just follow Highway 67 south to the Grand Canyon North Rim (www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/north-rim.htm). The great thing about the North Rim is that it doesn’t attract as many visitors as the South Rim. And after the day visitors are gone, it’s just you and the other lodge guests. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim has a variety of accessible cabins, many which are equipped with roll-in showers. So plan to spend a few days and enjoy the beauty of the North Rim.
Grand Canyon North Rim to Las Vegas
Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas
To complete your national park road trip, take Highway 67 back out to Highway 89A and head north. Next, travel west across the Kaibab Reservation on Highway 389, which turns into Highway 59 when you cross into Utah. Finally, take Highway 9 to Interstate 15 west and circle back to Las Vegas. It’s just a 4.5 hour drive, with lots of great scenery along the way.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
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.
