As the only in-park lodging option, Zion Lodge (www.zionlodge.com/) is a popular choice for visitors to Zion National Park. This historic property was originally constructed in the 1920s, but it was destroyed by a fire in 1966. Although it was quickly rebuilt, the new design lacked the historic appeal that visitors had come to appreciate, so it was rebuilt once again to resemble the original structure. And not only does the property offer a nicely accessible — and secluded — cabin; but you just can’t beat the location as it’s literally surrounded by Zion Canyon.
Wheelchair-Accessible Cabin at Zion Lodge
Interestingly enough the cabin section of the fire survived the 1966 fire, so you’ll be staying in a piece of Zion history. That said, accessible cabin 529 is a modern wheelchair-accessible Zion Lodge cabin.
Although personal vehicles are prohibited on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, confirmed Zion Lodge guests receive a permit to drive to the hotel and an access code to park there. From the accessible parking space, there’s level access to the main lodge, and barrier-free access to the front desk, bookstore and accessible restrooms.
Cabin 529 is located a short walk away from the main lodge, but that’s a good thing, as it’s nicely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the main lodge. Accessible parking is available directly in front of the cabin, with ramp access up to the front porch. Access features include wide doorways, a level threshold and good pathway access. The rustic cabin is furnished with a 27-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, a desk with a chair, and two side chairs. And just to set the ambiance, the original coal-powered fireplace has been converted to propane.
The bathroom is equipped with a roll-in shower with a fold-down shower bench, grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated), and the bathroom also includes a roll-under sink and a portable shower bench. Best of all, there’s no television in the cabin, so you can just sit back and enjoy the sounds of Mother Nature.
Additionally, the cabin is located at the far end of the parking lot, so it doesn’t face any other cabins. It’s the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the splendor of Zion Canyon from your own front porch.
Bedroom in Cabin 529
Shower in Cabin 529
Toilet in Cabin 529
Zion Lodge Perks
Zion Lodge
Of course a comfortable wheelchair-accessible Zion Lodge cabin with a great view is only one of the perks of staying in the park. First of all, Zion Lodge is home to the two in-park restaurants. The Red Rock Grill is just a short elevator ride away from the main lobby and the front desk. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner; the menu features a combination of American classics and Southwest favorites.
The more casual Castle Dome Café, which is closed during the winter months, is located to the left of the gift shop, just off the main lobby. There’s level access to the snack bar, which offers coffee and pastries in the morning, and burgers, hot dogs, fries and other snack items throughout the rest of the day. Accessible seating is available in the adjacent patio. And if you’d like an adult beverage, there’s level access to the outdoor Beer Garden, which is located next to the café.
Another perk of staying at Zion Lodge is the scenery. Not only can you enjoy Zion Canyon from your own cabin, but it’s not unusual to spot wild turkeys and deer on the front lawn of the main lodge. Get up early and stake out a place on the patio, and enjoy a little wildlife viewing with your morning coffee.
And finally, it’s easy find and book the accessible cabin. Just go to the website, pick a date, and select your room to book it online. It’s that easy — no phone calls or special requests are required.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Many US National Parks offer a variety of wheelchair-accessible lodging options within their borders. That said, sometimes it’s just not possible to snag a reservation at some of those popular properties. And then there are those remote national parks that don’t offer any in-park lodgings. The solution? Consider booking a property in a national park gateway city. With that in mind, here are some wheelchair-accessible lodging picks located close to some favorite US national parks.
The Jim Bridger Cabins in Gardiner is at the top of our wheelchair-accessible lodging list. Located near the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, this complex features a wheelchair-accessible two-bedroom cabin. It includes a compact kitchen, a living room with a fireplace and large bathroom with a roll-in shower. And there’s even elevator access to the top deck, which offers some great star gazing opportunities.
The Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone are located in West Yellowstone, just a short drive from the West Entrance to the park. They have two accessible one-bedroom cabins which each have a small kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. They also include a spacious front porch and several public fire rings where guests can whip up some s’mores.
Located across from the railroad station in West Yellowstone, this historic property was built in 1910 by the Great Northern Railroad. Today it still boasts an old world ambiance but it also includes a nice accessible room with a roll-in shower. It’s a great property for railroad buffs, and it’s just a few minutes from the park entrance.
West Glacier Village has two wheelchair-accessible cabins, which each have a full kitchen, a large living room and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. And if you’d like to let someone else do the cooking, the complex is just a short walk away from West Glacier Village, where you’ll find a few eateries and shops.
Zion National Park
AutoCamp Zion
emerginghorizons.com/autocamp-zion-excels-in-accessibility/ This unique lodging complex, which offers a collection of upscale Airstream camping trailers, is located about 20 miles from the South Entrance to Zion National Park. The accessible cabins feature a small kitchen and living area and a bathroom with a large roll-in shower. Add in some nice public spaces, a few fire rings and a swimming pool with a lift, and you have all the essential vacation elements.
This charming little complex is located along Highway 12 about 15 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park. It includes an accessible cabin with a small kitchen, and a nicely equipped bathroom with a roll-in shower. It’s also got a roomy front porch and a nearby picnic table.
There are no lodges inside of Arches National Park, but Slackline Moab is located in its namesake town, about four miles away from the national park entrance. It has a variety of accessible rooms. Some rooms have roll-in showers, while others have tub/shower combinations. Add in a gear shop, a café, and a nice fire circle, and you have a comfortable and accessible property.
Located near the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park on Highway 41, Waybound Yosemite includes a number of top-drawer wheelchair-accessible cabins, called “havens”. They are nestled in a sugar pine forest next to Tenaya Lodge, and they are available in a variety of bed configurations. The havens also include a kitchen, living area and a small deck. Add in the clubhouse and a few firepits and you have everything you need in an accessible cabin. And guests have access to all the facilities at Tenaya Lodge.
Like its sister property in Zion, AutoCamp Yosemite features comfortable accommodations in upscale travel trailers. It’s located near the Arch Rock Entrance to the park, on Highway 140. The complex includes several accessible units that have a kitchen, living area and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. Add in a spacious deck to enjoy the sunset and you have a very relaxing lodging choice.
This North Cascades retreat features an accessible guestroom with a roll-in shower and a porch with a view. It’s located in the hamlet of Mazama on the eastern side of the park. Along with the creature comforts, the lodge borders a small scenic lake. And if you get a hankering for a pizza, there’s a parlor within walking distance.
Named after a local bush pilot this two-bedroom home features excellent access and has one bathroom with an oversized roll-in shower. It’s located just five miles from the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, and it has some pleasant outdoor spaces, a fully stocked kitchen and even a pool table in the game room. A comfortable and accessible find.
Operated by the YMCA of the Rockies, this complex includes hotel-style accommodations nestled in a Ponderosa Pine forest, about three miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The larger accessible rooms are a great option for families as they have multiple beds, plenty of space and large bathrooms with roll-in showers. Add in some accessible public areas, and a nice cafeteria and you have everything you need for a comfortable – and accessible – stay.
Last but certainly not least on our list of wheelchair-accessible lodging picks, is this collection of Alaska properties located near Denali National Park. Although there are no lodges within the park these three nearby properties have a nice selection of accessible rooms. And as an added bonus, some properties even have a wheelchair-accessible shuttle to and from the park. They all make a great home-base for a Denali visit.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located on the quieter northern side of the Columbia River, Skamania Lodge has long been a top choice for a relaxing nature getaway. But make no mistake, you’re not exactly roughing it at this upscale mountain lodge. That said, even with the luxurious touches and attentive service, you’re still connected to the outdoors in just about any space on the property.
Skamania Lodge has also been proactive about wheelchair access. Not only do they offer some beautiful accessible lodge rooms, but they also have a secluded wheelchair-accessible treehouse (emerginghorizons.com/sleep-in-a-wheelchair-accessible-treehouse-at-skamania-lodge/). The former is great for family visits, while the latter is excellent for a romantic getaway. The newest addition to the Treehouse Village is a collection of luxury cabins, including a nice wheelchair-accessible unit. So, pack your bags, leave the big city behind you and relax in a Skamania Lodge wheelchair-accessible cabin.
Skamania Lodge Wheelchair-Accessible Cabin
Cabin 744 at Skamania Lodge
There’s level access to the lobby at this outdoor-themed lodge, with plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair to the front desk. From there, it’s a short drive to the gated treehouse section of the property, where the wheelchair-accessible cabin is located. Cabin 744 (also known as Horsetail Falls) includes a private parking space in front, with plenty of room for an adapted van. And if you happen to drive an EV, there’s also a charging station there.
There’s barrier-free access to the spacious front porch, and a comfy Adirondack chair in front. Access features in this one-bedroom cabin include wide doorways, lever handles, good pathway access and laminate floors for easy rolling.
The great room includes a stone gas fireplace, a king size sofa bed, a dining table with four chairs and a compact kitchen. The kitchen features a roll-under sink, and a lowered microwave and refrigerator. The whole cabin exudes a woodsy ambiance, with high ceilings, wood beams and natural wood accents.
A large barn door leads into the bedroom, which is furnished with two 22-inch high open-frame queen-sized beds, with wheelchair access in the middle and the right side (as you face them). Other furnishings include a nightstand, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. And to make you feel welcome, there’s a stuffed mini-Sasquatch on the bed.
There’s excellent access in the cavernous bathroom, which includes barn door access and features a full five-foot turning radius. It’s outfitted with a roll-in shower with a fold-down shower seat, grab bars and a hand-held showerhead (as well as a traditional showerhead). It also includes a roll-under sink and a toilet with grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated).
(click thumbnail to see full size image)
Living Area in cabin 744 at Skamania Lodge
Living Area and Kitchen in cabin 744 at Skamania Lodge
Bedroom in cabin 744 at Skamania Lodge
Bathroom in cabin 744 at Skamania Lodge
Enjoy the Outdoors!
But the good access doesn’t end on the inside of the Skamania Lodge cabin — it continues out on the private deck. There’s level access out to the deck from both the great room and the bedroom, and it’s a beautiful place to relax as it borders the forest. Furnishings include a table and four chairs, and a sofa. And there’s plenty of room for a wheelchair-user to roll around and enjoy it all.Smores on the DeckThere’s also a propane fire pit on the deck, which offers some light and warmth on those chilly nights. And the folks at Skamania Lodge thought of everything, as they included a s’mores kit, so you can enjoy a tasty treat around the fire. The deck is also a great place to have your morning cup of coffee, and enjoy the songs of the local avian residents.
Truly this cabin has all the bells and whistle for access — including remote control blinds and drapes — and the secluded space to relax with that special someone. It’s really the best of both worlds.
If you’d like to take a hike, there are three accessible trails located nearby (emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-columbia-river-hikes/). Sam’s Walker Trail is about 15 minutes west of the lodge, while the Catherine Creek Universal Trail and the Balfour Klickitat Loop are about 40 minutes in the other direction. Pack along a picnic lunch and make it a day excursion.
The Columbia Gorge Museum (www.columbiagorgemuseum.org), is also worth a stop, and it’s just up the street from Skamania Lodge. This family friendly museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts that chronicle the history and culture of the Columbia River Gorge. There’s excellent access throughout the museum, and the building itself is a work of art. Exhibits about history of the gorge line the first floor, while the unique Don Brown Rosary Collection occupies a substantial chunk of the upper gallery. This unusual exhibit includes nearly 4,000 rosaries, and it was the catalyst for the formation of the Skamania Historical Society in 1926. It’s a fitting — if not somewhat eerie — way to top off a Columbia Gorge Museum visit.
Finally, be sure and save some time for a quick side trip to Schreiner Farms (emerginghorizons.com/schreiner-farms/) on your way to or from Skamania Lodge. There’s no charge to drive through this family farm, which houses everything from antelope and camels to bison, giraffes and even zebras. It’s located about 45 minutes west of the lodge in Lyle, and it’s a fun road trip diversion. You never know what you’ll see.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Perched high above the namesake mountain lake, Crater Lake Lodge (explorecraterlake.com) has been welcoming visitors since 1915. And although the historic lodge evokes memories of a kinder and gentler time, this National Register property also boasts modern-day access upgrades. As a result this lakeside retreat is the perfect overnight choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers who want to extend their stay in this scenic national park. So pack your bags and get ready to explore Crater Lake, with an overnight or two at wheelchair-accessible Crater Lake Lodge.
Wheelchair-Accessible Crater Lake Lodge
Crater Lake Lodge
Although steps grace the front entrance, there’s ramp access on the left side of Crater Lake Lodge. Accessible parking is located around the corner near the side door, which is just steps from the accessible room. And there’s also a drop-off area in front, for folks who can’t manage distances.
Inside, there’s plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair around the cavernous lobby, which is dominated by a massive stone fireplace. There’s also a barrier-free pathway to the front desk, and to the accessible room just down the hall.
Accessible room 107 features a wide door with a lowered peephole, and plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair or scooter inside. It’s furnished with a 26-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, a desk with a chair, and a side chair.
Room 107 at Crater Lake Lodge
The bathroom is equipped with a tub/shower combination with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down tub bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink. And like the bedroom, the bathroom is very spacious, with plenty of room for a wheelchair or scooter.
Bathroom in room 107 at Crater Lake Lodge
Additionally, in keeping with the ambiance of days gone by, the guest room is pleasantly devoid of a phone and a television — as are the remaining guest rooms.
Pleasant Public Areas
There’s also good access to the public areas of the lodge, including the great hall, the terrace and the dining room. Guests can enjoy a selection of beverages, appetizers, soups, salads and desserts in the great hall or on the terrace; or indulge in a full menu of Northwest specialties in the dining room.
The terrace offers the best views of the lake, but you’ll also get an eyeful if you snag a window table in the dining room. And for an even better view of the lake, take a stroll on the accessible paved trail behind the lodge. Just take the ramp down from the terrace, and you’re good to go.
Even if you don’t spend the night, Crater Lake Lodge is definitely worth a stop. Sit back and enjoy a cocktail on the terrace and watch the sunset over the lake. It’s the perfect — and very accessible — way to end a day at this scenic Oregon national park. Keep in mind though that wheelchair-accessible Crater Lake Lodge is only open from May to October, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Sunset view from the terrace at Crater Lake Lodge
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Named for Ebenezer Bryce, a Scottish immigrant who settled in the Paria Valley in 1875, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for the spire-like hoodoos that seem to magically rise from the canyon floor. Created by a combination of freezing, thawing and erosion, these unusual limestone formations were sculpted over millions of years. Today, this Utah national park is often described as a cave without a ceiling; as the hoodoos bear a striking resemblance to stalagmites found on cavern floors.
Insider Tips
Free wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus transportation through the park amphitheater is available from April through the end of September. Although cars are allowed along this route, parking is at a premium during the busy summer season, so taking the shuttle bus is the easiest way to see the park.
Don’t miss the Bryce Canyon Shared Use Path – the longest accessible trail in the park. This paved trail begins outside of the park at the shuttle staging area at Ruby’s in Bryce Canyon City, and travels 2.4 miles to the park entrance, then continues another 2.6 miles to Inspiration Point. It also connects with the shuttle system at the visitor center, general store, lodge, Sunset Point, Sunset Campground and Inspiration Point, so you can do as much of the trail as you like, then hop on the accessible shuttle to return to your car.
The historic Lodge at Bryce Canyon, which dates back to 1925, offers four wheelchair accessible rooms – two with roll-in showers and two with tub/shower combinations. This rustic property was the brainchild of Gilbert Stanley Underwood who also designed Old Faithful Lodge at Yellowstone, the Ahwahnee at Yosemite, and Jackson Lake Lodge at Grand Teton National Park.
The Great Northern Railroad played an essential role in the development of the infrastructure of Glacier National Park (emerginghorizons.com/glacier-national-park/). After the park was established, the railroad quickly promoted “America’s Alps” and built Swiss chalet style accommodations to house the well-heeled park visitors. Of course these chalets had plenty of western touches on the interior to remind folks that this was truly an American experience. Gladly many of those properties have survived over the years and still welcome guests today.
Historic West Glacier Train Station located across from the Belton Chalet
Belton Chalet (glacierparkcollection.com) is one of those properties. Built in 1910 — the same year that Glacier National Park was established — this property is conveniently located across the street from the historic West Glacier Train Station. Now a National Landmark, Belton Chalet makes a great stop for rail buffs, and a comfortable overnight stay for everyone. And although the historic building exudes a definite charm of yesteryear, it’s also equipped with modern day access features. As a result, wheelchair-users and slow walkers can now take a step back in time and spend the night in this historic national park chalet.
Belton Chalet
The property is located in West Glacier, off of Highway 2, behind the Belton Tap Room. Just look for the train station across the street. There’s accessible parking with ramp access up to the front door, and plenty of room to roll around on the deck. Inside, the lobby is dominated by a large stone fireplace, with good pathway access over to the front desk. There’s also a large accessible family restroom located near the front desk.
Room 21, which is an accessible queen, is located just off the lobby. It features wide doorways, and wood floors for easy rolling. It’s furnished with a 25-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on the left side (as you face it), a desk, two chairs, a chest of drawers and a bedside table. Add in the wooden windows, vintage coat hooks, and the transom over the bathroom door for that early 1900s charm. And there’s a real door key — no plastic key cards for this property. As an added bonus, there are no TVs or other electronic distractions in this vintage room. Additionally, Room 21 is especially suited for slow walkers, as it’s just a short distance from the parking area to the room.
Room 21 at Belton Chalet
The oversized bathroom includes a full five-foot turning radius, and is equipped with a large transfer-type shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. There is about a three inch lip on the shower pan, but there’s plenty of room to transfer to the shower bench from the bathroom. Other access features include toilet grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated), and a roll-under sink.
Bathroom in room 21 at Belton Chalet
The Extras
This property is a must-see for anyone who is interested in railroad history as the hallways are lined with vintage posters and calendars of the Empire Builder. And there’s level access to the deck, where you can see — and hear — the trains pass through. As an added bonus the accessible room is located on the quieter back side of the property; however ear plugs are provided should the passing trains present a problem.
Next door, there’s also level access to the Belton Tap Room from the accessible parking spot. Even if you don’t have dinner there, you’ll want to make sure and listen for the evening Empire Builder train, as the staff lines the restaurant balconies to welcome arriving guests. It’s a page out of railroad history. The train usually rolls in between 9:30 and 10:00 in the evening, but delays are always possible. And if you do decide to have a bite to eat a the Tap Room, reservations are highly recommended.
Add in the little extras like chocolate chip cookies at check-in and coffee and pastries in the morning, and Belton Chalet makes great home base for any Glacier National Park visit. Give it a try on your next visit.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Although there aren’t any hotels inside Denali National Park, several wheelchair-accessible Denali lodging choices are located nearby. And if you’d like to forego the creature comforts of a traditional lodge and sleep under the stars, you can also pitch your own tent inside the park. To that end, here are some of the top wheelchair-accessible Denali lodging choices.
Lobby at the Denali Princess WildernessLodge
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
www.princesslodges.com/princess-alaska-lodges/denali-lodge/
Located just a mile north of the park entrance on the George Parks Highway, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is a convenient and accessible choice. Accessible parking is located near the main lodge, with level access over to the entrance. Inside, there’s barrier-free access to the comfortable seating area around the fireplace, and level access over to the front desk. There’s also elevator access to the downstairs public area, where River Run Espresso is located.
This massive property features 656 guest rooms, which are located in separate buildings dotted throughout the wooded complex. That said, nothing is too far away, as an accessible on-property shuttle is available to all guests.
The newest accessible rooms are located in the B building. Room 206 features wide doorways and good pathway access; and is furnished with a 28-inch high king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides. It also includes a 13-inch high sleeper sofa and a desk with a chair. The large bathroom is outfitted with a roll-in shower with a fold-down shower bench, grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. Other access features include a roll-under sink and toilet grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated). Room 204, which is located next door, includes the same access features, but the toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated).
Room 206 at the Denali Princess Lodge
The Great Room, which features level access, offers coffee and pastries in the morning. There’s also barrier-free access to the adjacent deck, which is a perfect place to sit back and enjoy the view. There’s good wheelchair-access to all the dining venues, including the King Salmon Dining Room, the Grizzly Bar & Grill and Lynx Creek Pizza and Pub. And when you’re ready to visit the park, a wheelchair-accessible shuttle is available.
Next up on the list of wheelchair-accessible Denali lodging options is Denali Park Village. Located just six miles south of the park, the property features accessible parking with barrier-free access over to the entrance. Inside, there’s good pathway access to the front desk, the Lucky Miss Saloon, the Gold Rush Dining Room and the gift shop.
This 338-room property features spacious accessible rooms housed in buildings throughout the wooded campus. And although some of the offerings are a good hike from the main lodge, an accessible on-site shuttle bus is also available. The 700 building, which is located near the main lodge, offers a number of wheelchair-accessible rooms, and it’s the only building with elevator access,
Room 706 features wide doorways and good pathway access. It’s furnished with a 25-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides. Additionally, there’s a small roll-under sink in the main room area. The room also has a small deck area that overlooks the river, and although there is a one-inch lip out to it, it’s doable for most people.
The bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius and is outfitted with a roll-in shower with a fold-down shower bench, grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. There’s also a larger roll-under sink in the bathroom, and the toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated). And if you need toilet grab bars on the other side, room 712 is a mirror image of room 706.
Bathroom in room 706
A portable shower chair is available for any room upon request, and refrigerated medicine can be stored at the front desk. Wheelchair-accessible shuttle service to and from Denali National Park is also available upon request
If you prefer a smaller family owner wheelchair-accessible Denali lodging option, then look no further than the Denali Grizzly Bear Resort, which is just across the street from Denali Park Village. There’s ramped access up to the front office and barrier-free access over to the front desk. Opened as a campground in 1968, today this property boasts a hotel and cabins, along with the campsites. And although the resort has grown, there’s still an emphasis on friendly individualized service there.
Room B4 is located in the Cedar Hotels, which is a short drive from the office. Parking is available in a level dirt area across from the room, and there’s ramp access up to the front door. The cavernous room includes wide doorways and room enough for even the largest wheelchair or scooter to wheel around with ease.
Room A4 at the Grizzly Bear Resort
Furnishings include two 24-inch high double beds with an access aisle between them, a chest of drawers and an easy chair. This room also features an expansive river view from the private deck. The bathroom has a full five-foot turning radius and includes a roll-in shower with a padded fold-down shower bench, a hand-held showerhead and grab bars. Add in a roll-under sink and toilet grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated), and you have a very accessible room.
Bathroom in room A4 at the Grizzly Bear Resort
Again, the emphasis is on personal service at the Denali Grizzly Bear Resort. A portable shower chair is available for any room upon request, and there’s also a loaner wheelchair in the office. And if you’d like a few suggestions about things to do in the area, don’t be afraid to hit up the manager. Not only is he a life-long local resident, but as he’s intimately familiar with the wheelchair-accessibility of businesses and attractions nearby.
Finally, if you’d prefer to camp out and enjoy the great outdoors, then the Riley Creek Campground, which is located near the park entrance, is the perfect choice. Although the campground is open year-round, the restrooms and showers are only open in the summer, so realistically it’s only a seasonal option.
That said, it’s a beautiful — and very quiet — campground, which features a number of accessible campsites with raised tent platforms, accessible picnic tables and grills. Some campsites can also accommodate a RV. Reservations can be made online; and as an added bonus, folks with an America the Beautiful Access Pass or a Senior Pass get 50% off of all camping fees.
Riley Creek Campground is located next to the Mercantile, which offers level access and carries a good variety of groceries, sundries and camping supplies. But by far one of the best features of the campground — the heated shower house— is located next to the Mercantile.
There’s level access to both the men’s and the women’s side of the shower house. Both sides are outfitted with a large accessible toilet stall with grab bars, and a larger shower with a fold-down bench. Although there is a one-inch lip on the accessible shower, most folks will be able to transfer directly to the fold-down shower bench.
Riley Creek Campground is also located between two shuttle bus stops, and all of the park shuttles are wheelchair-accessible. In the end, no matter what lodging choice you make, plan to stay at lest two or three nights to enjoy all that the park has to offer. And remember to make your reservations early, as these wheelchair-accessible Denali lodging choices fill up fast.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
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 guest rooms, the wheelchair-accessible Waybound Yosemite (https://www.waybound.com/) cabins (called havens) located next door, offer guests a secluded glamping experience. Add in the Tenaya Lodge accessible bus for tours of Yosemite Valley, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect national park getaway.
The Waybound Yosemite Concept
Located a short drive from Tenaya Lodge, the Waybound Yosemite havens 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 havens 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 Waybound Yosemite complex.
The cornerstone of the complex is The Commons, an exclusive communal retreat with an expansive deck that offers a panoramic forest view. There’s accessible parking nearby, with plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair inside The Commons. Waybound Yosemite guests check-in at The Commons, and receive a welcome lemonade and a home-made cookie before proceeding to their havens.
The Commons also features a full service bar and restaurant which serves breakfast and dinner. Add in a coffee counter, a general store and a s’more bar in the evenings, and you have everything you could possible need.
Accessible Explorer Cabins
There are five wheelchair-accessible havens at Wayside Yosemite — Havens 9, 17, 24, 34 and 42. Haven 9, which is a premium accessible cabin is located a short walk from The Commons. 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.
Living Space in Haven 9
Master Bedroom in Haven 9
Second Bedroom in Haven 9
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).
Shower in Haven 9
Sink in Haven 9
Toilet in Haven 9
Haven 42 is also an accessible premium cabin, and Havens 17, 24 and 34 are accessible deluxe cabins. They all have the exact same access features and furnishings as Haven 9; but the deluxe cabins have a porch instead of a back deck.
Tour Yosemite Valley
Even if you don’t stay in one of the wheelchair-accessible havens at Waybound Yosemite, you’ll still want to book a tour of Yosemite with Tenaya Lodge. And the good news is, they have a luxurious wheelchair-accessible bus that can accommodate everyone.
Accessible Tenaya Lodge tour vehicle
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.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located 100 miles southeast of Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park is situated in one of the most rugged areas of Washington state. At 14,410 feet, the namesake mountain towers over the park; and not only is this active volcano the most glaciated peak in the contiguous US, but it’s also a popular climb, with over 10,000 attempts each year. That said, you can certainly enjoy the park without attempting the summit, as there are also several developed areas that offer accessible trails, museums, campsites and overnight lodging.
Insider Tips
Be sure and stop at Christine Falls, which is located just past Longmire on the left side of the road. It’s easy to miss, and if you take time to admire it from the road, you’ll drive right by the pullout on the right side, which offers the best view of the falls. Unfortunately there are only stairs down to the lower viewing area, but you can still get a nice view of the top part of the 40-foot high waterfall from the 1928 masonry bridge near the pullout.
The most accessible trail in the park – the Kautz Creek Trail – is located across the street from the Kautz Creek Picnic Area. This level boardwalk trail winds through a section of the forest which was devastated by a 1947 glacier generated debris flow, and leads out to an overlook that offers an excellent view of Mount Rainier.
A timed entry reservation is required for visits to the Paradise Corridor and the Sunrise Corridor of the park, during the peak summer season. Reservations are released 90 days in advance and are available a www.recreation.gov. Plan ahead, because entry reservations are not available at the park; and if you don’t have one you won’t be admitted. And remember, even if you have a national park pass, you still need an entry permit.
Located in Southwestern Utah, Zion National Park was the Beehive State’s first national park. Although a good percentage of the park is designated as wilderness, there are many developed areas which can be visited with a minimal effort. At the top of the list is Zion Canyon, a 15-mile drive bordered by spectacular sandstone cliffs. Over on the west side of the park, Kolob Canyons offers a more bucolic view of the Colorado Plateau; while the eastern Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway connects Zion with Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. No matter where you look, there’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery in this national park.
Insider Tips
Don’t miss the free Ride with a Ranger Tours that are offered twice daily on the park shuttle buses. These two-hour narrated tours include several stops along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Advance reservations are required, and they can be made up to three days in advance. And the good news is, all park shuttle buses are lift-equipped, so everyone can enjoy these tours.
If you want to dodge the crowds, then explore the five-mile long Kolob Canyons Scenic Byway, located in the northwestern corner of the park. This scenic route climbs 1,000 feet in elevation and offers great views of the red Navajo sandstone canyon walls along the way. There are a number of paved pullouts on the route, and although none of them are striped, they are strategically placed so you can get good windshield views.
For a very accessible place to rest your head, consider staying in cabin 529 at Zion Lodge. This historic cabin dates back to the 1920s, and it includes a queen-sized bed and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. As an added bonus, this lodge is one of the most scenic national park properties around, as it’s surrounded by Zion Canyon.
