It’s fun to go wine tasting with friends on the weekend. But then you have that age-old problem — who is going to be the designated driver? Of course you could always make a promise to limit your consumption, but sometimes that just doesn’t work. Well, if you happen to be visiting Murphys or Angels Camp on a Saturday, there is another solution — take the Hopper. This short shuttle route connects the two cities and even makes a stop at Ironstone Vineyards. And the good news is, they will also go a little off route with advance notice. So pack your bag, gather your friends, and get ready to enjoy a wine tasting weekend on the Calaveras Hopper.
The Basics
The Calaveras Hopper only runs on Saturdays from 10 AM to 6 PM. But that’s OK, as that’s when the tasting rooms do the bulk of their business. There’s about an hour wait between buses, and the schedules are posted at all hopper stops as well as at calaverasconnect.org/routes/saturday-hopper/. This route is also seasonal — it only operates from March to November.
The fare is a very reasonable $3 (seniors are half price). Drivers do not carry change so the exact fare is required if you pay cash. You can also pay with the Token Transit app, which is available from the App Store, Google Play, or by texting “token” to 41411.
Access is excellent on the Calaveras Hopper, with lift access and wheelchair spaces available. The drivers are also pretty friendly, and are happy to offer assistance if needed.
The route begins in Angels Camp and travels on Highway 4 to Murphys. It makes six stops along the way:
Travelodge Copello (Angels Camp)
WorldMark (Angels Camp)
Save Mart (Angels Camp)
Angels Camp Visitor Center (Angels Camp)
Murphys Creek Theater (Murphys)
Ironstone Vineyards (Murphys)
Murphys Creek Theater is just around the corner from several tasting rooms, and Ironstone Vineyards is a destination in itself. And if you want to get picked up at another spot with ¾ mile of the route, then call (209) 754-4450 at least two hours in advance. Additionally, drivers will usually stop at any safe location along the route. So enjoy a little Saturday wine tasting in Calaveras County, and leave the driving to the Hopper.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 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 Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Although the America the Beautiful Passes (emerginghorizons.com/how-to-get-a-lifetime-national-park-pass) grant free admission to US national parks, not everybody qualifies for them. Of course you can always purchase a yearly pass that will get you in any national park; however if you only visit a few parks that’s not very cost effective. On the other hand, not all national parks charge an admission fee. With that in mind, here are six national parks you can visit for free.
North Cascades National Park
Accessible pier on Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park
emerginghorizons.com/north-cascades-national-park
Located in Northern Washington, North Cascades National Park, not only offers free admission, but it also boasts nearly three miles of wheelchair-accessible trails. Enjoy a short jaunt on the .3-mile Trail of the Cedars, or go for a longer hike on the 1.4-mile accessible section of the River Loop. Or just enjoy the scenic drive on the State Route 20 Corridor.
Redwood National & State Parks
Prairie Creek trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
emerginghorizons.com/redwood-national-and-state-parks
Nothing beats the majesty of Northern California’s coastal redwoods in this mixture of federal and state lands. There are numerous wheelchair-accessible trails, campsites and attractions in both the original national park, and the three additional state parks. And if you’d like to spend the night, two of the state parks offer wheelchair-accessible camping cabins.
Great Basin National Park
Wheeler Peak Overlook in Big Basin National Park
A bit off-the-beaten-path in Eastern Nevada, Great Basin National Park is one of America’s least visited national parks. And that makes it a great place to get away from the crowds. There are numerous accessible overlooks on the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive that offer excellent views of the “great basin”. And if you’d like to stretch your legs, the wheelchair-accessible Island Forest trail makes a .4-mile loop through a pine and fir forest.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cades Cove in Great Smokey National Park
Although there’s no entrance fee to this popular national park, there is a parking fee if you stop for longer than 15 minutes. That said, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail begins just outside of Gatlinburg, and winds 5.5 miles through a hardwood forest filled with chestnuts, oaks, maples and magnolias. You can stop along the way and snap a few photos, and still visit without a parking pass. And it’s an absolutely beautiful fall foliage drive.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Everett Covered Bridge in Cuyahoga National Park
This Ohio national park offers a scenic drive along the Cuyahoga River, plus several accessible trails and attractions. Save some time to stop at the Canal Exploration Center and the Breckville Nature Center, and don’t miss the Everett Covered Bridge. And if you’d like a little hike, then take the wheelchair-accessible Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath to the Beaver Boardwalk.
Kenai Fjords
View of Exit Glacier
Wrapping up our list of national parks you can visit for free is Kenai Fjords National Park. Although you can certainly visit this Alaska national park by taking a cruise to see some of the nearly 40 glaciers in the Harding Icefield, you can also get a good view of Exit Glacier from the shore. Located three miles north of Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park boasts a one-mile wheelchair accessible loop trail that leads through a cottonwood forest to an accessible viewing area. And you just can’t beat the sight of Exit Glacier, as it seemingly spills down the mountain.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Driving along Prison Road the sight of the massive granite walls of Folsom State Prison are unmistakable, as you approach the nation’s first maximum-security prison. Interestingly enough, the granite for the walls was quarried by the prisoners, and the imposing structure was later built by inmates back in the early 1900s. That’s just one of the fun facts you’ll learn on a visit to the Folsom Prison Museum (www.bighouseprisonmuseum.org).
To be honest, visiting the museum is a tad bit intimidating, as it’s located just inside the prison grounds. That said, I timidly approached the guard after following the “museum” signs that led to the prison entrance, and hesitantly stammered, “I’m looking for the museum”. I heaved a giant sigh of relief when the guard cracked a smile and enthusiastically directed me to the museum entrance, located just beyond the checkpoint.
Accessible parking is located across the street from the checkpoint, and there’s a level pathway over to the ramped museum. Inside, quarters are a bit tight in the historic structure, however there’s still room enough to maneuver a wheelchair around the exhibits. The tiny restroom is not accessible — so plan ahead — and there’s about a half-inch step down to the Johnny Cash room, but again it’s all quite manageable.
The Folsom Prison Museum
Folsom Prison Museum
Operated by retired correctional officers, the museum features an impressive collection of weapons, shackles and confiscated items. Highlights include a hand-crank Gatling gun, a substantial number of inmate-crafted firearms, and even a homemade bomb. Add in some old gas masks, an operating table and Rick James’ guitar, and you have a very eclectic collection. There’s also a sizable display of things made from everyday items by the inmates, including a purse made from potato chip bags, a Ferris wheel crafted from a quarter-million toothpicks, a hangman’s noose made from toilet tissue and a number of creative soap bar carvings. A large collection of California license plates also adorn one wall in this room, just to remind folks where they are all manufactured today.
There’s also a room devoted to Johnny Cash, who visited the prison and recorded a live album there in 1968. There’s a load of photographs of Cash and his wife at the prison, along with his own “gag” mug shot and even some stationary from the Sacramento hotel where he stayed. It’s definitely a must-see for any Cash fan.
Granted this small museum doesn’t warrant a dedicated trip to Folsom; however if you’re heading to South Lake Tahoe on Highway 50, it’s definitely worth a stop. Just take the Folsom Boulevard exit, turn left and then make a right on Natoma Street. From there turn left on Prison Road which dead-ends in the visitor parking lot. And when you’re back on your way to Lake Tahoe, take note of the granite mileage markers along the road, as those were also crafted by Folsom Prison inmates.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
At first glance it appears that Northern California’s coastal redwoods are out of reach for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. After all, these majestic giants are located in some pretty remote areas. Granted, many redwood groves present some formidable access barriers; however these three coastal stands offer a nice selection of accessible trails, picnic areas and even camping cabins. So check out these wheelchair-accessible coastal redwoods on your next California road trip
Redwood National Park
Lost Man Creek trail in Redwood National Park
Located about 320 miles north of San Francisco, Redwood National Park (emerginghorizons.com/redwood-national-and-state-parks/) tops the list of the Golden State’s wheelchair-accessible coastal redwoods. Although the drive through the park offers some stunning windshield views, the Lost Man Creek Trail is definitely worth a stop. The trail is easy to find — just follow Highway 101 north for about five miles from Orick, and turn on Lost Man Creek Road. The trailhead is about a mile down the road.
There’s accessible parking near the trailhead, next to an accessible vault toilet, with level access over to the trail. This former logging road is wide, level and free of obstacles for the first half-mile. After that the grade becomes steeper and there are rocks and other obstacles along the way, until the last bastions of access are obliterated at the ¾-mile point. Still, it makes a lovely out-and-back one-mile hike.
Additionally, there’s an accessible picnic table on a level dirt pad near the trailhead, so bring along a lunch and enjoy your repast in the shaded grove. It’s the ideal way to top off this very accessible hike.
Trees of Mystery
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Ox at the Trees of Mystery
The Trees of Mystery (www.treesofmystery.net) is another fun stop on Highway 101. It’s located about 25 miles north of the Lost Man Creek Trail, up in Klamath. You can’t miss it, as a giant statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Ox mark the site of the kitschy yet cool roadside attraction.
There’s plenty of accessible parking in the large lot, and barrier-free access over to the gift shop and ticket booth. The main attraction at this site is the Sky Trail, an aerial tramway which takes visitors on a scenic journey through the tree tops. There is a .8-mile trail that leads from the parking lot to the upper Sky Trail station; however it has a steep grade and a substantial cross slope in a few places, so it’s not a good option for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Alternatively, accessible transportation in a lift-equipped vehicle to the upper Sky Trail station is available for anyone who can’t manage the trail.
There’s ramped access up to the upper Sky Trail station, with roll-on access and plenty of room for a wheelchair in the individual gondola cars. Be sure and stop for a view from the adjacent observation deck before you board though, as the bird’s eye view is magnificent. From the upper Sky Trail station, it’s a seven-minute 1570-foot descent back down to the lower station. And when you get there, treat yourself to some fudge or ice cream, and take time to browse through the gift shop. It’s a fun stop and definitely a unique way to experience the coastal redwoods.
Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park
The Simpson-Reed-Trail at Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park
Last but not least on the list of wheelchair-accessible coastal redwoods is Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=413). This Northern California state park is located about 20 minutes north of Klamath along scenic Highway 199, near Crescent City.
One of the highlights of this park is the accessible Simpson-Reed Discovery Trail, which can be found near the end of Walker Road, off of the main highway. Accessible parking is located next to the accessible vault toilet, near the trailhead. This one-mile loop, passes a number of fallen giants as it weaves through the forest and along the Smith River. It’s a very pleasant — and accessible — stroll.
And if you’d like to spend the night in the park, there are four accessible camping cabins in the campground. Cabins 24, 26, 30 and 105 feature accessible parking with ramp access up to the front porch. They are each furnished with two bunk beds, with a single on top and a double on the bottom. Other cabin features include, electricity, lights, a heater, a raised grill and an accessible picnic table.
Guests need to bring their own bedding, and an air mattress or mattress pad is also recommended. There’s no water in the cabins, but an accessible showerhouse with a roll-in shower is located nearby. It’s a beautiful campground, and the perfect place to top off a visit to California’s wheelchair-accessible coastal redwoods.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Located a little over two hours from Sacramento, the tiny town of Murphys is barely a blip on the map. And although that’s not such a good thing if you need the services of a metropolitan city, it’s just what the doctor ordered if you’re seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. And the Courtwood Inn (www.courtwoodinn.com) is the perfect place to get a heaping helping of the latter. As an added bonus, you just can’t beat the wheelchair access.
Courtwood Inn
Perched on a pine-covered hillside just outside of town, this five-room tennis-themed inn is the brainchild of Larry and Chris Parker. It’s named for two things that this tennis pro couple holds near and dear — the game of tennis and their lovely three story cedar log lodge. And although local codes didn’t require an accessible room, the Parkers opted to include one, so everyone can enjoy this peaceful mountain retreat.
Access is excellent at the inn, with accessible parking just steps from the front door, and level access to the entrance. Inside, there’s barrier-free access throughout the great room, which offers a magnificent view of the pine-studded hillside. In keeping with the tennis theme, each guestroom is named after a grand slam event, and decorated with items reminiscent of the host country. The accessible US Open room is located right off the great room.
Wheelchair-Accessible US Open Room
The US Open room at Courtwood Inn
Access features in the US Open room include wide doorways, level access and plenty of room to maneuver even the largest wheelchair or scooter. It’s furnished with a 32-inch high king-sized bed, but with advance notice it can be replaced with a lower bed. Other furnishings include two bedside tables, a chest of drawers, two chairs and a small table.
Decorated in a red, white and blue palette, the color scheme reflects the location of the US Open; while rackets, balls and even a poster for the event can be found throughout the room. And for a bit a local flavor, the room also comes adorned with a stuffed frog, in honor of Mark Twain’s famous short story, The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.
The bathroom is equipped with a tiled roll-in shower with a built-in shower bench and a hand-held showerhead. A portable shower chair is also available. Other access features include a roll-under sink, and toilet grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated). There’s also a hydrotherapy tub in the bathroom, and in keeping with the Calaveras theme, the standard rubber ducky has been replaced with a rubber frog. There’s also a refrigerator and a coffee maker in the large walk-in closet, which is adjacent to the bathroom.
Bathroom in the US Open Room at Courtwood Inn
The Little Extras
One of the best features of this room is actually located outside — the large deck that offers a great view of the surrounding forest. There’s level access to the deck through a sliding door, and plenty of room to roll around outside. It’s a nice place to watch the sunset or enjoy a quiet morning cup of coffee.
There’s also barrier-free access to the dining room, where Chris serves up a healthy breakfast every morning. And the beverage bar, along with homemade snacks and goodies is open all day.
Although it took the Parkers nearly two years to build their dream inn, they didn’t stop there. They also added tennis courts (the lower one is accessible) and now they offer private tennis lessons to their guests. It’s the perfect fit for two former professional tennis players, and a great addition to this tennis-themed inn. And they are always adding new features to the inn, so check back often — you never know what else the Parkers might have up their sleeves.
Inside the Couetwood Inn
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Power beach wheelchairs at Coronado Beach in San Diego, California
Although a number of San Diego beaches have beach wheelchairs and beach mats, a few locations go one step further. Along with the standard beach wheelchairs — that require a strong helper to push — some San Diego beaches now have power beach wheelchairs to loan.
These San Diego power beach wheelchairs are somewhat of a cross between a standard beach wheelchair with large balloon tires, and a power wheelchair with a joystick. They are easy to operate, and after a brief orientation from the lifeguard you can easily cruise along the sandy beach. And the best part about the power beach wheelchairs is that they allow wheelchair-users independent access to the beach. You don’t need a helper to push you and you can go wherever you want and take things at your own pace. They are also a great option for slow walkers who may tire easily trudging over the sand.
These power beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come basis; however it’s best to call in advance as some locations have limited hours.
The San Diego power beach wheelchairs must stay at least five feet away from the water; however if you’d like to go for a swim, then check out the floating beach wheelchairs at Moonlight Beach in nearby Encinitas. You will need some assistance to wheel these chairs down to the water, but once you hit the surf they float. You can choose to enjoy the ocean by yourself, or have a companion there to assist you. Either way, it’s a great way to enjoy the water.
And if you’d prefer to stay dry, they also have power beach wheelchairs available at Moonlight Beach. For more information about the floating beach wheelchairs or the power beach wheelchairs at Moonlight Beach, call (760) 633-2740.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
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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Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
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.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
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.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
It’s fun to go wine tasting with friends on the weekend. But then you have that age-old problem — who is going to be the designated driver? Of course you could always make a promise to limit your consumption, but sometimes that just doesn’t work. Well, if you happen to be visiting Murphys or Angels Camp on a Saturday, there is another solution — take the Hopper. This short shuttle route connects the two cities and even makes a stop at Ironstone Vineyards. And the good news is, they will also go a little off route with advance notice. So pack your bag, gather your friends, and get ready to enjoy a wine tasting weekend on the Calaveras Hopper.
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