national park

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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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California National Parks
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Travel Ideas
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Olympic National Park

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Located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park occupies nearly one million acres filled with sub-alpine forests, wildflower-filled meadows, rainforest habitat and a rugged coastal shore. The entire park can be accessed from Highway 101, which circumnavigates the Olympic Peninsula; and each area of the park features a small visitor center or ranger station which offers exhibits on the local ecosystem and the history of the area.

Insider Tips

  • Save some time for a soak at Sol Duc Hot Springs when you visit the park. There’s ramp access to the Sol Duc Hot Springs front office, with barrier-free access to the pools in back. The mineral wading pool is reserved for children under three, but the Large Mineral Fountain Pool and the Freshwater Pool feature ramp access. There is also a portable pool lift available for these pools or for the Medium Mineral Pool, which isn’t ramped.
  • One of the most accessible waterfalls in the park — Madison Falls — is located on Olympic Hot Springs Road, just south of Highway 101. A .1-mile paved level trail leads from the picnic area through the forest to the base of Madison Falls. The overlook features lowered railings for optimal wheelchair viewing, as well as a bench for slow walkers.
  • For a very comfortable – and romantic – overnight in the park be sure and book a cabin at Kalaloch Lodge, which is located on the Pacific Coast. This remote lodge offers an accessible cabin, with a great coastal view, as well as a small restaurant and grocery store. Everything you want and need for a blissful getaway!

Olympic National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Mount Rainier National Park
North Cascades National Park

More About Olympic National Park

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Washington National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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North Cascades National Park

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Nicknamed the “American Alps”, North Cascades National Park is one of the most rugged and remote national parks in the US. Filled with black bear, mountain goats and bald eagles, the park is also home to a historic hydroelectric dam. That said you just can’t beat the scenery in this northwestern gem, which ranges from jagged mountain peaks, evergreen forests and alpine meadows, to crystal-clear lakes and a collection of formidable glaciers.

Insider Tips

  • Don’t miss the Gorge Creek Falls Overlook, located along State Route 20, halfway between Newhalem and the Colonial Creek Campground. This unusual overlook features two grated footbridges that are located on each side of the highway, where visitors can look down and get a bird’s eye view of Gorge Creek Falls. Best of all, they are both wheelchair-accessible.
  • The Happy Creek Forest Walk is a nice accessible trail, although it’s easy to miss the poorly marked turnoff. Start looking for it on the right as you head east on State Route 20, just past milepost 134; and don’t feel bad if you have to make a U-turn up the road and double back. There’s level access over to the .3-mile hard-packed dirt and boardwalk trail that meanders through the fir, cedar and hemlock forest, before it crosses over the cascading waters and loops back to the trailhead. This old growth forest is also a great place to escape the midday heat when the mercury rises.
  • Located across from the Skagit Visitor Information Center in Newhalem, the Skagit General Store makes an interesting stop. The building dates back to 1922, when the store was established as an employee commissary for the workers on the Skagit Hydroelectric Project. Today it offers a good variety of general grocery items, snacks, sandwiches and delicious homemade Skagit fudge. It’s also the only place along the State Route 20 section of the park that offers anything to eat.

North Cascades National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Olympic National Park
Mount Rainier National Park

More About North Cascades National Park

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

Barrier-Free Travel
Washington National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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Death Valley National Park

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The hottest, driest and lowest point in North America, Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states. And with over three million acres of wilderness area, there’s a huge diversity in the flora and fauna throughout the park. From majestic sand dunes and salt flats, to snow capped peaks, a lush oasis and even a massive crater, there’s something for just about everyone at this remote national treasure.

Insider Tips

  • A stop at Badwater – the lowest point in the US — is a must do on any Death Valley itinerary. There’s boardwalk access out to the salt flats, and from there you can roll as far as you like. It’s best to hit this area in the morning though, as it can get quite hot later in the day. Additionally, don’t forget the insect repellent, as the biting flies that are common in Death Valley really like this area of the park – especially in the summer.
  • Many visitors flock to Zabriskie Point and Dantes View, off of Highway 190; while most folks entirely pass up the scenic 20 Mule Team Canyon Drive, which is located between the two. This 2.5-mile scenic drive winds up and down the colorful eroded badlands, and offers an off-the-beaten-track experience without having to trek through the desert for days.
  • Although there’s no shortage of food offerings at Furnace Creek, head on over to Timbisha Shoshone land and try something different for lunch. Just follow the signs to Timbisha Village Tacos from highway 190, between the Furnace Creek Inn and Furnace Creek Ranch. There aren’t many choices on the menu – Indian tacos, burritos, taco salad and shaved ice – but the food is tasty and the prices are reasonable. And although their hours vary, they are usually open for lunch. To-go food is also available.

Death Valley National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Joshua Tree National Park
Sequoia National Park

More About Death Valley

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

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Death Valley National Park
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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Grand Teton National Park

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Located south of the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and north of Jackson, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park encompasses over 310,000 acres filled with glacial lakes and bordered by the magnificent Teton Range. There’s no shortage of wildlife in the park either, and visitors commonly encounter elk and bison along the park roads. No mater where you travel in this rugged mountain park, there’s an abundance of scenic windshield views along the way. Grand Teton National Park is truly one of the great – and often overlooked — natural treasures of the American West.

Insider Tips

  • Although the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive is a must-do, most folks entirely miss a beautiful accessible stroll along the way. The access point is near the end of the drive, at a pullout on the right which boasts an accessible parking spot. From there, a paved service road winds a half-mile through the woods to the campground, and then continues along a .16-mile path to the ranger station. From there, you can connect to the accessible portion of the Jenny Lake Trail. As an added bonus, this route isn’t listed on any park maps, so it’s largely devoid of visitors. Plus it’s very accessible.
  • For a look at the most iconic structure in the park, head over to the Mormon Row Historic District. Located off of Antelope Flats Road, this historic district dates back to the 1890s when Mormon families began to establish homesteads in the area. The historic T. A Moulton Barn, which has adorned many a calendar, is located just across from the parking area. Even if you can’t walk far you, can still enjoy this historic wooden structure framed by the towering Tetons.
  • Colter Bay Village Cabins offers two accessible cabins, each with a roll-in shower. Cabin 458 is double the size of cabin 456, yet since both these cabins have the same bed configuration and are in the same rate category they rent for the same price. Cabin 458 is definitely a hidden treasure of a deal!

Grand Teton National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Yellowstone National Park
Glacier National Park

More About Grand Teton National Park

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

Barrier-Free Travel
Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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Canyonlands National Park

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Located on the east side of the state, about five hours from Zion, Canyonlands National Park is the largest of Utah’s “mighty five”. That said, it’s also a pretty rugged park, and you’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access some of the more remote areas. There are however two sections of the park that are easily accessible in a standard car or truck — the Needles District and the Island in the Sky District. Both of these areas offer scenic drives on paved roads, with overlooks and viewpoints along the route.

Insider Tips

  • Don’t miss Newspaper Rock which is located just outside the Needles District, about 12 miles from the intersection of Highway 191 and Highway 211. This massive rock contains an impressive collection of historic petroglyphs, which date back some 1,500 years. There’s a 30-foot long level trail next to the petroglyph panels that offer visitors an up-close-and-personal look at these Puebloan and Ute relics.
  • For the best view in the park, head over to Grand View Point Overlook. From there, you’ll get a very accessible view of the La Sal Mountains and the Colorado River Canyon, and you can even catch a gander of The Needles District in the distance.
  • Be sure and stop at Shafer Canyon Overlook on your way out of the park. Although there are also turnouts near this overlook on the way in, it’s best to catch the view as you head north– near where the final scene of Thelma and Louise was filmed. Impressive is an understatement.

Canyonlands National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Arches National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

More About National Parks in Utah

Barrier-Free Travel
Utah National Parks
for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers

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Joshua Tree National Park

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Named for the prolific yucca plant that’s found within its borders, Joshua Tree National Park features two distinct desert ecosystems within its 800,000-acre expanse. From cholla and ocotillo cactus, to unusual rock formations sculpted by the harsh desert winds and torrential rains, this Southern California national park is filled to the brim with unique plants and animals. And although the landscape may appear a bit foreboding, rest assured there are a number of wheelchair-accessible trails and attractions in this desert wonderland. Add in a nice collection of scenic drives that offer some some jaw-dropping windshield views, and you have an excellent choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

Insider Tips

  • The Oasis of Mara, which is located near the North Entrance, offers an accessible half-mile loop trail. Honey mesquite trees dot the desert landscape, which is bordered by mountains in the distance, while a ring of California Fan Palms mark the presence of water — the oasis. Be sure to take a close look in the underbrush near the palms for some Gambel’s Quail, as it’s one of their favorite haunts.
  • Located on Pinto Basin Road, just a few miles south of the Park Boulevard intersection, the Cholla Cactus Garden boasts a quarter-mile trail through a mature cholla forest. There are a few ruts here and there, but for the most part, they are pretty easy to dodge. There’s also a one-inch lip up to the boardwalk sections of the trail, but most folks can manage it with a little assistance. Even if you can’t do the whole trail, you’ll be surrounded by chollas just by walking 10 feet into the forest.
  • The Bajada Nature Trail, which is located in the south area of the park, is the oldest accessible trail in the park. This quarter-mile trail passes through the bajada — a broad slope of alluvia material at the base of a mountain — and offers a wonderful view of the surrounding desert. There are interpretive plaques along the way, and although there are a few sandy patches here and there, all-in-all this 1998 “all access trail” has held up fairly well.

Joshua Tree National Park Road Trips Resources

Nearby National Parks

Death Valley National Park
Pinnacles National Park

More About Joshua Tree National Park

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

Barrier-Free Travel
California National Parks
Road Trips
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for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers

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Wondering about Wheelchair Access in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks? Check Out This Comprehensive Access Guide

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If you’re planning a Western States road trip and are wondering about wheelchair access in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks, then be sure and pick up a copy of Candy B. Harrington’s newest access guide, Barrier-Free Travel; Glacier Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. Be it a three-day getaway to a single park, or a two-week adventure to all three national parks, this handy resource includes the detailed information and authoritative resources needed to help slow walkers and wheelchair-users plan the perfect visit.

Wheelchair Access in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton

This comprehensive second edition includes:

  • Accessible trail and attraction information
  • Photos and access details of all in-park lodges
  • Accessible lodging options in gateway communities
  • Barrier-free campgrounds
  • Accessible bus, snowcoach and boat tours
  • Accessible shuttles to and around the parks
  • Insider access tips
  • Fly-drive suggestions with accessible rental vehicle resources
  • National park discounted pass information

This inclusive title is the most recent addition to Harrington’s national park series; and although it’s written for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, stroller moms will also appreciate the access information in this guide. It will help everyone plan a truly accessible Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Park road trip.

Says Harrington, “I’m especially excited about the accessible lodging improvements since the first edition of this title. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel renovated their main lodge rooms, and they now have five accessible guest rooms, including three with roll-in showers. And outside of the parks, there are some excellent accessible choices at two new properties — William Bridger Cabins in Gardiner and West Glacier Cabin Village.”

According to Harrington, park concessionaires are placing an increased emphasis on accessibility. “From Xanterra’s accessible Glacier Red Bus Tours to the accessible boat tours down in Grand Teton offered by Jenny Lake Boating, there really are a lot of options for slow walkers and wheelchair-users in the parks,” she notes.

For more information wheelchair access in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks, visit emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-glacier-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/ and order your copy of Harrington’s newest access guide today.

Barrier-Free Travel
Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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How to get a Lifetime National Park Pass 

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The National Park Service offers a number of lifetime passes for free admission to national parks and other federal lands. They are available to anyone with a permanent disability, members of the military, veterans, Gold Star Families and people over 62 years old. These passes can be obtained in person at national parks and federal recreation areas across the country (nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm). The passes are also available online at the USGS store (store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes); however there’s a fee for processing and shipping. And although the national park pass application is pretty straightforward, specific documentation is required for each pass. With that in mind, here’s what you need to have in hand to get your lifetime national park pass.

America the Beautiful Access Pass

This free lifetime pass is available to US citizens or residents with a permanent disability. Applicants must provide documentation of a permanent disability and residency or citizenship.

A physician’s letter that states that the applicant has a permanent disability is the most common documentation provided. Documents issued by a federal or state agency are also accepted, but they must include the nature of the disability, and state that the disability is permanent. If the documentation is issued by the Veterans Administration, it must also include the percentage of the disability. Examples of acceptable documentation include a notice of disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, a summary of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or an award letter from the Veterans Administration.

It’s important to note that an accessible parking placard is not accepted as proof of a permanent disability for the America the Beautiful National Park Pass. Additionally, using a wheelchair or other assistive device is not considered proof of a permanent disability.

A driver’s license, passport or state issued ID is also required to document residency or citizenship.

America the Beautiful Senior Pass

This lifetime pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older. The cost of the pass is $80. An annual America the Beautiful Senior Pass is also available for $20, and the cost for this annual pass can be applied to the purchase of a lifetime pass.

This is probably the easiest pass to document, as a driver’s license, passport or state issued ID are all accepted as proof of age and residency or citizenship.

America the Beautiful Military Pass

Last but not least, the free America the Beautiful Military Pass is available to active duty service members and veterans of the US Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. It’s also available to Gold Star Families who have lost a family member in the line of duty.

Accepted documentation for this pass includes a Department of Defense identification card, a veteran health identification card or a veteran ID card. A veteran designation on a state issued US driver’s license or identification card is also accepted.

Gold Star Families can self-certify that they meet the required criteria by downloading and signing a voucher at https://www.nps.gov/customcf/goldstar/voucher.htm. Once they arrive at the park they can exchange the voucher for an America the Beautiful Military Pass.

So plan ahead, and pack along the right documentation to get your national park pass.

Scam Alert: Do not purchase these passes at any other websites besides those mentioned here, the official website for each national park or the national park entrance, as scam websites do exist.

Barrier-Free Travel
Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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Wheelchair-Accessible Yellowstone Lodging at Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins

Wheelchair-Accessible Yellowstone Lodging at Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins

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Cabin 2 at Jim Bridger Cabins

If a trip to Yellowstone National Park is on your travel calendar, then consider staying in Gardiner at the Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins (www.yellowstonevacations.com). This new addition to the Ridgeline Hotel features nine explorer cabins grouped around two community fire pits. It combines the best of both worlds — the feeling of roughing it in the outdoors, but with all the luxuries of home and hearth. And the wheelchair-accessible cabin is packed full of accessible amenities — including a choice of bed heights. As an added bonus, it’s just a short drive from Gardiner to the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It’s the perfect pick for a wheelchair-accessible Yellowstone visit.

Spend the Night

There’s accessible parking near the Ridgeline Hotel office, with level access to the front desk. From there, it’s just a short drive around the corner to the accessible parking space near accessible cabin 2. The parking space is located close to the ramp that winds around to the front porch of the cabin. Alternatively, there are steps up to the front porch, with accessible parking located nearby.

Entry to Cabin 2

Access features in the cabin include wide doorways, lever handles, good pathway access and low-pile carpet for easy rolling. The great room is furnished with a 13-inch high sleeper sofa and a coffee table in front of a gas fireplace. The kitchenette includes a roll-under sink, a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a cooktop and a microwave. Also included are a nice selection of dishes, glasses, utensils and pots and pans. Add in a toaster, a coffee maker and even an ice maker and you have all your bases covered.

Kitchen in Cabin 2

The master bedroom is furnished with a 31-inch high platform bed with wheelchair access on both sides; while the second bedroom has a bunk bed with a double on the bottom (23-inches high) and a twin on top. So between the sleeper sofa and the two bedrooms, guests definitely have a choice in bed heights.

Master Bedroom in Cabin 2

There’s excellent access in the bathroom as well, which boasts a full five-foot turning radius. It’s equipped 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 a toilet with grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated).

The Extras

And then there are those little extra features at this fun wheelchair-accessible Yellowstone lodging pick. Lets start out with the private rooftop deck in cabin 2. Although the other cabins have a spiral staircase up to this feature, there’s a private elevator to access the deck in accessible cabin. It’s a great place to chill at night or to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee in the morning.

Rooftop deck on Cabin 2

The explorer cabins come equipped with walking sticks, flashlights and binoculars. There’s also a nice little collection of games in the hall closets, including National Park Monopoly. And if you need to do some laundry, it’s free — along with the detergent — over at the Ridgeline Hotel. Last but certainly not least, there’s the free s’mores kit, so you can craft your own yummy creation around the community fire pit. All in all, it’s a great wheelchair-accessible Yellowstone lodging pick, with plenty of choices for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-glacier-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers

Barrier-Free Travel
Glacier, Yellowstone
and Grand Teton National Parks
for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers

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