California

Most Accessible Destination for Wheelchair-Users?

Most Accessible Destination for Wheelchair-Users?

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Grand Canyon National Park

I know you’ve visited a lot of places, and I wondering what you think the most accessible destination for wheelchair-users and slow walker is. And why.

I’ve been covering accessible travel for nearly 30 years, and I’ve certainly seen some great examples of accessibility; including many places which go above and beyond the letter of the law.

Las Vegas (www.lvcva.com) tops my most accessible destination for wheelchair-users and slow walkers list. They truly have made it accessible to everyone. You can easily hail an accessible taxi at the airport, the monorail is accessible, and many hotels have wheelchairs or scooters for loan. Many properties have more than the minimum number of accessible rooms, and some hotels even have ceiling track lifts, (which are not required under the law.)

San Diego Marina

I also love San Diego (www.sandiego.org). Not only does it have the perfect climate year round, but there are free loaner power beach wheelchairs at many beaches. This is important because standard beach wheelchairs are heavy and awkward to push, while the power beach wheelchairs offer wheelchair-users independent access to the beach.

Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park

And of course I love the US National Parks; in fact I’ve written many books about them. People with a disability can get a lifetime pass that’s good for free admission to all the national parks, and most of them have accessible trails, lodging and facilities. A National Park road trip is a good choice as you can easily pack along all your medical equipment, and take things at your own pace.

Cruise ship in Curacao

Of course cruises are also a popular choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. That said, before you pick a cruise, make sure that accessible shore excursions are available at your ports of call. Additionally, check to see if any of the ports are tender ports, as most tenders cannot accommodate wheelchair-users.

Houses of Parliament, London, England

Overseas, I like London, as all London Black Cabs are required to be wheelchair-accessible. Visit London Taxi Tours (www.visitlondontaxitours.com) even offers a wide variety of wheelchair-accessible tours. The tours are conducted in new London Black Cabs that are equipped with ramps, and each tour includes a knowledgeable local driver and guide.

Hope that helps. Accessibility is really improving worldwide, and wheelchair-users and slow walkers have many more choices today than they did 20 years ago. And I can imagine it will be even better 20 years from now.

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Visit the Kings Canyon Sequoias This Spring

Visit the Kings Canyon Sequoias This Spring

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Entrance to King’s Canyon National Park

If a trip to the giant sequoias is on your spring travel agenda, then look no further than Kings Canyon National Park . Often overshadowed by the Giant Forest in nearby Sequoia National Park, the Kings Canyon section of the park offers an equally impressive stand of Giant Sequoias. And like its Sequoia National Park counterpart, the Kings Canyon grove boasts an accessible trail for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. So pack a picnic lunch, hit the road, and enjoy a visit to the Kings Canyon sequoias this spring.

Get Your Bearings

Known as the gateway to Kings Canyon National Park, Grant Grove is home to Giant Sequoia groves that were logged back in the 1800s, as well as stands of timber that were preserved for future generations. From Fresno, it’s just an hour drive on Highway 180 to the Big Stump Entrance of the park. From there it’s just a short drive to the Kings Canyon Visitor Center.

Accessible parking is located next to the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, with curb-cut access up to the sidewalk and level access over to the building. Inside, there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the ranger information desk, small book store and interpretive exhibits. There’s also level access to a small theater where a film about the park runs throughout the day.

From the visitor center, head over to Grant Grove Drive, which is located off Highway 180, across the street from the road to Crystal Springs Campground. This short but scenic route leads through a Giant Sequoia grove and terminates in the General Grant Tree parking lot. Even if you are unable to navigate any of the trails in the grove, this drive is a must-do, as it boasts several pullouts and offers some excellent windshield views of the grove. It’s a good way to get an up-close-and-personal look at the Giant Sequoias, even if you are unable to get out of your vehicle. The view from the General Grant Tree parking lot isn’t bad either.

Hike Around the Kings Canyon Sequoias

Trail to the General Grant Tree

One of the main attractions in this grove is the impressive General Grant Tree. This 1,700 year-old stately giant is 40 feet wide and towers 268 feet above the grove. And for a closer look, there’s a half-mile loop trail that leads out to the iconic tree.

The paved trail first passes a grove of young sequoias, then circles the gigantic Fallen Monarch sequoia, before it reaches the General Grant Tree midway along the route. Although the trail isn’t entirely level, it’s generally doable for most folks, with plenty of benches to sit and take a rest along the way. That said, the trail that leads around the back of the General Grant Tree is steep and not accessible, but you can still get a nice view from in front of the tree.

After the trail passes the General Grant Tree, it winds around the Gamlin Cabin, which was built in 1872 by a pair of brothers who grazed sheep in the area. The trail then edges by the Centennial Stump (a 16-foot section of this tree was displayed at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia), and passes by the other end of the Fallen Monarch, before it returns to the parking area. As an added bonus, the grove is shaded, so it makes for a nice stroll even in the midday sun. And it’s the perfect way to top off a springtime visit to the Kings Canyon sequoias.

 

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Escape to the Monterey Peninsula

Escape to the Monterey Peninsula

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Located on the Monterey Peninsula, Asilomar Conference Center (visitasilomar.com) dates back to 1913, when it opened its doors as a YWCA leadership camp. Over the years the 107-acre beachfront campus morphed into a full service conference facility. That said, remnants from the past remain, as 11 of the original Julia Morgan buildings dot this refuge by the sea. And although the venue is an excellent choice for a conference, reunion or retreat, Asilomar is also a good pick for a leisurely seaside getaway. As an added bonus, since Asilomar Conference Center is located on a state beach (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=566), a good deal of attention has been paid to access, so it’s also a great option for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

Spend the Night

The “Stuck-Up” Inn at Asilomar Conference Center

Built in 1913, the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall originally housed a classroom, the library and a gift shop. Today this Julia Morgan building serves as a lobby, front desk and information center for this favorite Monterey Peninsula lodging choice.

There’s accessible parking in the adjacent lot with barrier-free access to the building. Inside there’s plenty of room to roll around the thick redwood floor to the front desk. Although the building serves a utilitarian purpose, take some time to admire the architecture; from the massive stone fireplace to the exposed redwood beams.

Although Asilomar has added some modern rooms over the years, two of the accessible rooms are located in a historic building, close to the social hall. Nicknamed the Stuck-Up Inn, this building was once home to a group of college women who thought the menial work they were hired to do was beneath them. Accessible parking is located near the front entrance and there is ramped access up to the front door. The large common area features plenty of room to wheel around, and it has an accessible public restroom.

Accessible rooms 401 and 413 both feature good pathway access, and hardwood floors for easy rolling. One room is furnished with a full bed, while the other offers two twin beds. And both bathrooms are nicely equipped with a roll-in shower with a hand-held showerhead, grab bars and a fold-down shower bench. Other access features include plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair, and toilet grab bars. A plastic shower bench, and a toilet seat riser with attached grab bars can also be added to these — or any other — rooms upon request.

Inside the Stuck-Up Inn

Explore the Area

Asilomar is definitely the place to reflect and commune with nature; in fact it’s not unusual to look out your window and see deer grazing in the surrounding woodlands. That said, take some time to get out and discover what the conference center itself has to offer.

Although the property is hilly in places, an accessible shuttle service is available. This ramp-equipped van is available 24 hours a day to transport guests and their luggage anywhere on the property. Just Dial 0 on any house phone or call the front desk (831-372-8016) from your cell phone.

Merrill Hall at Asilomar Conference Center

Several of the historic Julia Morgan buildings now boast modern access features. These include Merrill Hall, the Crocker Dining Complex and the Chapel. And if you work up an appetite while exploring the grounds, Phoebe’s Cafe in the social hall offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, beverages and sweet treats. There’s also an accessible picnic and campfire area, as well as a lift-equipped pool on the grounds.

Dune boardwalk at Asilomar Conference Center

Of course the best thing to do at Asilomar is to enjoy the natural surroundings. The accessible Dunes Boardwalk begins near the Crocker Dining Complex and travels over the dunes for a quarter-mile to the rocky ocean shore. And if you’d like a longer hike, the Coast Trail begins just north of the conference center. This accessible one-mile trail runs along the coast and offers some gorgeous ocean views. If, on the other hand, you’d like to explore the beach, a beach wheelchair is available for loan at the front desk. In the end, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this accessible slice of the Monterey Peninsula.

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Wheelchair-Accessible Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge

Wheelchair-Accessible Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge

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Accessible Explorer Cabin 9 at Tenaya Lodge

Located just outside the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park (www.emerginghorizons.com/yosemite-national-park), Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (tenayalodge.com) has long been a favorite pick for park visitors. And although this luxury property boasts a robust selection of accessible rooms and cabins, the wheelchair-accessible Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge offer guests an upscale glamping experience in a secluded forest location. Add in a custom-built accessible bus for tours of Yosemite Valley, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect national park getaway.

The Explorer Cabin Concept

Located a short drive away from the main lodge, the Explorer Cabins offer a bevy of creature comforts combined with the personalized services and perks of a full-service resort. Nestled in a sugar pine and incense cedar forest, the cabins exude a dual theme of exploration and community. They inspire guests to explore Yosemite’s great outdoor areas, and then invite them to commune with their fellow travelers and share their adventures in the intimate public spaces dotted throughout the Explorer Cabin complex.

The cornerstone of the complex is the 1,800-square foot Explorer Clubhouse, an exclusive communal retreat with an expansive deck that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding forest. There’s accessible parking in front, with level access over to the clubhouse, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair inside. Explorer Cabin guests check-in at the clubhouse, and later they can lounge by fire or grab a bottle of water before a hike.

A light breakfast, which is included with the Explorer Cabins, is available in the Explorer Clubhouse each morning. Breakfast offerings include pastries, breakfast burritos, fruit and beverages. And don’t miss the wine reception each evening. And if you’d like to enjoy some s’mores around one of the firepits, then stop by for their S’moregasboard, where you can build your own tasty s’mores kit.

Another exclusive feature of the Explorer Cabins is the onsite Camp Host. This roving ambassador is available to offer sightseeing suggestions, book spa appointments or even offer tips for roasting the perfect marshmallow. Think of the Camp Host as a remote concierge — an ambassador of adventure that’s ready, willing and able to offer personal assistance to create a more memorable Yosemite visit.

Accessible Explorer Cabins

There are five wheelchair-accessible Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge — Cabins 9, 17, 24, 34 and 42. Cabin 9, which is a premium accessible cabin is located a short walk from the Explorer Clubhouse. Accessible parking is located next to the two-bedroom unit, with level access to the front door. Access features include wide doorways, lever handles, lowered environmental controls, good pathway access and plank floors for easy rolling.

The living area is furnished with a 11-inch high sleeper sofa and an easy chair, which are nestled in front of a cozy gas fireplace. The adjacent kitchenette is equipped with a sink, a microwave, and a refrigerator. It also boasts counter seating with two bar stools.

The master bedroom is furnished with a 23-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, a chest of drawers and two night stands. There’s level access out to the roomy back deck, which offers a sweeping view of Big Creek, and is furnished with two Adirondack chairs. The second bedroom is a bit smaller, and it’s also furnished with a 23-inch high queen-sized bed. There’s room enough for a manual wheelchair on one side, but this bedroom is really best suited for a slow walker.

The spacious bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius. It’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower seat. Other access features include a roll-under sink with a lowered mirror, and toilet grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated).

Cabin 42 is also an accessible premium cabin, and cabins 17, 24 and 34 are accessible deluxe cabins. They all have the exact same access features and furnishings as cabin 9; but the deluxe cabins have a porch instead of a back deck.

Tour Yosemite Valley

Wheelchair-accessible tour bus

Even if you don’t stay in one of the wheelchair-accessible Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge, you’ll still want to book a tour of Yosemite with the lodge. And the good news is, they have a luxurious wheelchair-accessible bus that can accommodate everyone. With a retractable glass roof, visitors get a full 360-degree view of all of Yosemite’s grandeur — even in inclement weather. And if you want to enjoy the wind in your hair, the driver can easily retract the glass roof for that real convertible feel.

The accessible tour bus features lift access and is equipped with wheelchair tie-downs. Wheelchair-users and slow walkers can opt to stay in their own wheelchairs or transfer to one of the comfortable bus seats. The day long Yosemite Valley tour includes stops at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Valley View. And you’ll also have some time to spend in Yosemite Valley to ride the shuttle bus and explore more of the park.

You just can’t beat the convenience of a Tioga Lodge Tour, as you can dodge the traffic and parking woes, and still manage to see all of the major Yosemite Valley sites in one day. It’s the perfect choice if you have limited time in the park. So book a Tenaya Lodge tour on your next Yosemite visit, for a perfectly accessible seamless travel experience.

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Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers

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Revelation Trail at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Located 50 miles north of Eureka, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=415) features one of California’s last stands of old growth redwoods. And although there are several accessible trails through the grove, the recent acquisition of a track chair makes it easier for everyone to get up-close-and-personal to these majestic beauties. This lush state park makes a great day trip; however if you’d like to linger on a bit, there are also wheelchair-accessible camping cabins in the park. Either way, it’s a relaxing, refreshing and remote getaway.

Drive Through the Redwoods

Although a hike through the redwoods is grand, the drive to the park on Newton B. Drury Parkway is equally appealing. You can access the parkway from Highway 101, six miles north of Orick or four miles south of Klamath – just watch for the signs. This is probably the top scenic drive in the park. It’s about 10 miles long and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete the whole thing. This two-lane road winds through an old growth redwood forest, with a number of pullouts along the way.

Be sure and stop at the Big Tree Wayside, which is on the right, just north of Cal Barrel Road. There are accessible parking spaces and vault toilets near this wayside exhibit, and a 100-yard paved level path to the tree. Even better, there’s ramp access up to this 304-foot giant, which towers over the surrounding forest. Even if you can’t walk or roll very far, you’ll still be able to experience this exhibit.

Big Tree Wayside

The Prairie Creek Visitor Center is located about a mile south of the Big Tree Wayside. There’s accessible parking nearby, and level access to this small park office. Inside you can pick up a map, get your questions answered and buy a souvenir. It’s also the place where you can pick up the loaner track chair for an accessible jaunt through the redwoods.

Borrow a Track Chair

Action Track Chair

The loaner track chair at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.is the result of the efforts of David’s Chair, Redwood Parks Conservancy and Redwood National and State Parks. This Action Trackchair is fitted with tank tracks instead of wheels, and allows wheelchair-users and slow walkers better access to developed outdoor areas.

The Action Trackchair is 20 inches wide and can accommodate a maximum weight of 400 pounds. If you cannot transfer independently you will need to bring someone to assist you, as park employees and volunteers are prohibited from providing transfer assistance. Reservations for the track chair can be made at https://www.redwoodparksconservancy.org/permits/davids-chair. The chairs are available seven days a week, and visitors may choose to borrow the track chair from 9AM to 12PM or from 1PM to 4PM.

Visitors are allowed to take the track chair on the Redwood Access Trail and the Revelation Trail. The .7-mile Redwood Access Trail begins at the visitor center and winds through the redwood grove and the day use area. Along the way the Revelation Trail branches off the Redwood Access Trail and then reconnects to it about .3-miles down the road.

The Elk Meadow Picnic Area, which is located near the end of the Redwood Access Trail, makes a good lunch stop. There’s level access to accessible picnic tables on a level grassy area, and accessible restrooms are located nearby. As an added bonus, elk are known to visit the meadow across from the picnic area, so keep your eyes peeled.

Spend the Night

Cabin 3 at Prairie Creek Campground

If you’d like to spend a night or two in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, there are four accessible camping cabins in Elk Prairie Campground. Cabins 1, 2, 3 and 4 are all grouped together and they each have accessible parking with ramp access up to the front porch.

Each cabin can sleep six, with two bunk beds which have a single bunk on the top and a double bunk on the bottom. There are no mattress pads on the beds, so it’s best to bring foam padding or an air mattress. Guests also need to bring their own bedding, as it’s not provided. There’s also space outside for a small tent that can accommodate two more guests. Other cabin features include a small counter, electricity, lights and a heater. And there’s a raised grill, an accessible picnic table and a bear box outside in a level area.

There’s no water in the cabins, but there’s a paved path to a showerhouse with accessible family shower rooms. These shower rooms include a toilet with grab bars, a roll-under sink with an angled mirror, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold down shower bench. There’s also a full five-foot turning radius in these spacious units.

Family shower room near the accessible cabins

And since the cabins are just across the street from the meadow frequented by the Roosevelt elk, they also offer a prime elk viewing location. It’s a relaxing and accessible spot to spend a night or two.

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calaveras

Experience the Calaveras County Frog Jump

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Every Spring professional frog teams from around the world flock to the heart of California Gold Country, to compete in the Calaveras County Frog Jump. Held on the third weekend in May in the tiny hamlet of Angels Camp, this competition first debuted in the pages of Mark Twain’s short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”.

As the story goes, a local man who was somewhat of a compulsive gambler bet a stranger that his frog would win a jumping contest. The stranger subsequently sabotaged the gambler’s frog, by filling its mouth with heavy lead bullets which rendered it too heavy to jump. And although the colorful characters in Twain’s tome were a product of the author’s vivid imagination; legend has it that the inspiration for this work came from a tale overheard in an Angels Camp tavern.

The first “modern” frog jump was held back in 1928; and today this popular event has evolved into a four-day celebration, which is now part of the Calaveras County Fair. And although access at the first frog jump was probably pretty difficult for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, today things have evolved so now everyone can enjoy this popular event. So make plans now to attend the famous, fun and festive Calaveras County Frog Jump.

Calaveras County Fair Basics

Held at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, this small town fair is filled with fun activities and events. From the Youth Parade on Thursday morning to the Destruction Derby on Sunday afternoon, there’s no shortage of family friendly activities to be had.

There’s accessible parking near the fairgrounds entrance with level access over to the fairgrounds. Inside some of the pathways are steeper than others, but most are doable for manual wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And of course, there are also accessible restrooms on the grounds.

If you’d like to save a few bucks on parking and skip the traffic then park your car at Save Mart in Angels Camp and take the free Calaveras Connect shuttle directly to the fairgrounds. Access is excellent on all Calaveras Connect vehicles, as they offer lift access and wheelchair spaces. And the drivers, who are extremely friendly, are happy to lend a hand if you need assistance. For more information about the shuttle schedule and hours, visit www.calaverasconnect.org/.

Another way to save time at the gate is to purchase your tickets online at www.frogtown.org. Sometimes the line backs all the way out to the parking lot at this popular event; and if you have your tickets in hand you can just stroll past that long line to the entrance gate.

Once inside there’s no shortage of entertainment, from shows and skits for the kiddos to live music foe everyone. And there’s level access to the livestock area which is filled with chickens, goats, pigs and cows; as well as the inside exhibits which feature everything from artwork and baked goods to quilts, preserves and a smattering of local businesses. And of course there’s no shortage of fair food to whet your appetite.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Jump!

Of course the highlight of the fair is the Calaveras County Frog Jump. There are two frog jumping stages at the fairgrounds — the Main Stage and the Lily Pad. The serious competition takes place on the Main Stage, but anyone can jump their frog for fun on the Lily Pad. A lot of first timers practice on the Lily Pad, before they move on to the Main Stage.

The competition begins when a frog jumper places his frog on the starting pad. After that he’s not allowed to touch him; however he can jump, yell, sing, hop, or do whatever he can to get the frog to jump. After three jumps the distance is measured from the starting pad to the final landing spot. It’s entertaining to watch the frog jumpers as each one has their own unique method of getting their frog to jump. The current record is 21 feet 5¾ inches, which was set by Rosie the Ribiter in 1986.

The competition begins on Thursday, and the top 50 frogs compete in the finals on Sunday afternoon. And the winner gets bragging rights, and a $5000 prize if they beat the current record jump. And when they’re not competing the frogs stay in the luxurious Frog Spa, which is located near the competition area.

The Calaveras County Frog Jump is a fun and accessible event. Make plans to spend the whole weekend, and enjoy some of the other accessible offerings in the area.

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Yosemite National Park

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Set aside as a national park in 1890, Yosemite includes over 1,200 square miles of scenic beauty in the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains. From glaciated granite formations to verdant meadows and ancient giant sequoias, there’s something for everyone in this Central California national park. And although Yosemite boasts a large wilderness area, there’s no shortage of accessible trails and attractions in Yosemite Valley, where the lion’s share of visitor services are located.

Insider Tips

  • The historic Yosemite Cemetery, which dates back to the 1870s, is often overlooked by visitors. Located across the street from the Yosemite Museum, it’s a must-see for history buffs. The hard-packed dirt paths through the cemetery are level, and although there are a few bumps near the entrance, the route is navigable for most wheelchair-users and slow walkers. A guide to the cemetery is available at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center — and don’t miss the special ranger program and campfire at the cemetery on Halloween.
  • Although Hetch Hetchy Valley is the starting point for a number of inaccessible wilderness hikes, Hetch Hetchy Road also offers some beautiful windshield views along the drive. The road travels through gray pine, incense cedar and black oak forests, and features expansive views across the canyon once the road opens up. As an added bonus, you can catch glimpses of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir from almost the beginning of the road.
  • If you’d like a room with a spectacular view, then reserve room 421 at the Ahwahnee. Not only is this accessible room outfitted with a king-sized bed and a roll-in shower, but it also offers one of the best Half Dome views in the park.

Yosemite National Park Itineraries

Nearby National Parks

Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia National Park

More About Yosemite National Park

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Sequoia National Park

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Located in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sequoia National Park is home to a large grove of stately giant sequoia trees, including the 275-foot tall General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth. The park is about a four-hour drive from Yosemite Valley, via Highways 41, 99 and 198, through Visalia to the Ash Mountain park entrance. From there the Generals Highway travels through the foothills up to the Giant Forest, and then continues through the Sequoia National Forest and on to Kings Canyon National Park.

Insider Tips

  • The most accessible way to get to the General Sherman Tree is to park in the lower accessible parking lot on the Generals Highway, and take the quarter-mile paved trail over to the tree. And if you can’t manage the entire length of the trail, you can still get an excellent view of the towering giant about .1-mile up the trail.
  • You know you’ve found a good picnic spot when you see that the rangers also frequent it – and that’s exactly the case for Pinewood Picnic Area. Located on the Generals Highway just north of the Big Trees Trail, not only is this picnic area very pleasant, but it’s also one of the most accessible ones in the park. The shaded grove features a paved pathway over to the accessible tables and grills, with accessible vault toilets nearby. Additionally, there’s level access to many of the standard tables in the grove.
  • Wuksachi Lodge, which is located four miles north of the General Sherman Tree, offers a nice selection of accessible rooms. To be more specific, the property boasts eight accessible rooms, all of which have roll-in showers. There’s also good access to the main lodge building which houses the Peaks Restaurant, that offers patrons a panoramic view of the surrounding forest.

Sequoia National Park Accessible Itineraries

Nearby National Parks

Kings Canyon National Park
Yosemite National Park

More About Sequoia National Park

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Redwood National and State Parks

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Jointly managed by the National Park Service and California State Parks, this park includes the original federal land plus three Northern California State Parks. The federal area — Redwood National Park — is located southeast of the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center in Orick. The California additions include Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. They are located along Highway 101 between Orick and the Oregon border. Highlights of this 131,983-acre preserve include several stands of ancient coastal redwoods, prairies dotted with Roosevelt Elk and 40 miles of scenic coastal drives. As an added bonus, there’s no admission charge or day-use fee for this park.

Insider Tips

  • Although there’s certainly no shortage of majestic redwoods along Newton B. Drury Parkway in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, make sure and stop at the nicely accessible Big Tree Wayside. Going south on the parkway it’s on the left and marked simply as “Big Tree”, and going north it’s not marked at all, but it’s the first turn on the right after Cal Barrel Road. From the accessible parking area it’s a short 100-yard walk on a paved level path to this 304-foot giant. And there’s even ramp access up to the tree.
  • Hop off of Highway 101 just south of Crescent City and enjoy a scenic drive along Enderts Beach Road. This winding route is lined with redwoods and offers a coastal view every now and then. It’s just a five minute drive to the end of the road, where there’s an accessible ocean overlook. Try and hit this short detour in the afternoon though, as the thick coastal fog hangs over the area in the mornings.
  • Spend the night in a redwood forest in one of four accessible cabins in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Each cabin can each sleep six, with two bunk beds with a single bunk on the top and a double bunk on the bottom. Other cabin features include a small counter, electricity, lights and a heater. There’s also a raised grill, an accessible picnic table and a bear box in a level area outside each of the cabins. And the accessible showerhouse near the visitor center is equipped with a spacious roll-in shower.

Redwood National and State Parks Road Trip Resources

Nearby National Parks

Lassen Volcanic National Park
Yosemite National Park

More About Redwood National and State Parks

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Pinnacles National Park

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Located east of the Salinas Valley between Hollister and King City, Pinnacles is California’s newest national park. Formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, the extruded magma was further sculpted over time by the wind and rain. Today these pinnacle-like geological features seem to magically rise out of the chaparral-covered ground. A healthy chunk of backcountry occupies the center section of the park, and serves as a divider between the more developed east and west sections. Wildlife – including everything from the common black-tailed dear to the endangered California condor – thrives in this rural location. And you just can’t beat the night skies, as the park is located miles away from the light pollution of the metropolitan cities.

Insider Tips

  • Pinnacles National Park is a prime site to spot some of the still endangered California condors. One location they seem to favor is the ridge just southeast of the campground. The best times to look for them are in the early mornings and late afternoons when they like to catch the thermals, or in the evenings when they come in to roost in the trees. And if you’d like a closer look at them, there’s an accessible viewing scope just across the street from the East Pinnacles Visitor Center.
  • The longest accessible trail in the park — the Prewitt Point Trail — is located on the West Side. This one-mile loop begins off the patio of the West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station, and winds along the hillside and offers excellent mountain views. There’s about a 70-foot elevation gain along the way, with level spots to rest after each uphill stint. This hard-packed dirt trail passes the trailhead to the Jawbone Trail, then continues on to the Pinnacles Overlook, before it winds back down to the start. It’s best to take this trail in the morning though, as there’s precious little shade along the way.
  • Pinnacles Campground boasts 10 accessible tent cabins in loop B. They all have a ramped entry, as well as steps up to the wide front door. There’s level access over the thresholds and all of the tent cabins include two singles and a queen-sized bed, with ample room to maneuver a wheelchair inside. The solar powered units also include a fan and a light. Outside there are two Adirondack chairs, an accessible picnic table, a grill and a bear box at each site. And although the cabins contain beds with mattresses, guests must provide their own bedding.

Pinnacles National Park Road Trip Resources

Nearby National Parks

Yosemite National Park
Kings Canyon National Park

More About Pinnacles National Park

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