Located in its namesake town in Northwestern Oregon, the Tillamook Creamery is worth a stop on any road trip. There’s plenty of accessible parking near the front entrance, with elevator access up to the second floor for the factory tour. From that upper vantage point you can look down on the factory floor, while numerous videos and touch screen presentations describe the production process. Top it off with some samples at end, for the full Tillamook experience. Of course the self-guided factory tour is interesting, but real fans will definitely want to stop for a scoop – or two – of Tillamook ice cream at the ice cream counter. And if you still haven’t had enough, there’s also a cafe on the premises that serves up tasty cheese treats, and a market where you can purchase all of the Tillamook products. A fun stop for all ages, with excellent wheelchair access.
Located at Mile Marked 18 on Highway 26 in Seaside Oregon, this unique museum and memorial makes a good stop if you’re heading over to the coast. It’s located next door to the famous Camp 18 restaurant, so if you miss the turn, just park in the restaurant parking lot. From there, it’s a level walk over to the Loggers Memorial; however there’s also accessible parking near the building.
There’s level access to the Loggers Memorial, which contains over 400 copper plaques that honor the memory of those who felled timber in the Pacific Northwest. And you’ll also find a collection of tools, artifacts, and notes to the honorees throughout the exhibit. It’s a somber but educational display.
Outside the open-air Logging Museum features a collection of logging equipment including chainsaws, a boiler, a few railroad cars, a blacksmith shop, and every hand tool imaginable. The paths around the exhibits are mostly level and covered with gravel; however if you can’t manage the walk there’s a level overlook near the Loggers Memorial. And after you’ve had a gander at the artifacts, head next door for a loggers breakfast. There’s accessible parking near the restaurant, with ramp access up to the front door. All in all it’s a fun stop, but don’t follow your GPS, as it will take you to a neighboring farm.
Road trips are an excellent vacation choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. They offer the freedom to motor through the countryside at your own pace, and stop whenever you want. There’s no tour group to keep up with, no mandatory stops at oddball attractions, and no worries about personality conflicts with other tour participants. You can go wherever you want, and do whatever you choose on a road trip. Additionally, road trips are a great way to explore small towns that are often overlooked on large group tours. Of course road tips require some serious planning and advance research, so here are some tips to help you plan a wheelchair accessible road trip (emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-road-trip-tips/)
Half the fun of a road trip is stopping at quirky roadside attractions along the way. It’s a great way to take a break, get off the highway and get some fresh air. And although you’ll probably not find these fun and funky stops splattered across the pages of high end travel magazines, they are all great spots to take a break and enjoy the local color. So here’s a fun assortment of wheelchair-accessible roadside attractions to consider for your next getaway.
Although not originally built to be wheelchair-accessible, access upgrades were added during the Gardiner’s multi-year renovation project. As Jana puts it, “Since there weren’t any wheelchair-accessible rental homes in Ashford, we just decided to embrace access and make the Jimmy Beech House a welcoming place for everybody.” And with a wheelchair-user friend who acted as their access advisor, they even managed to incorporate the little things — things that are often missed — into the final design.
A Comfortable Retreat
There’s plenty of room to park an adapted van in the driveway at the Jimmy Beech House, with level access to the front door. Inside there’s excellent pathway access throughout the spacious unit, which is decorated with art that highlights the natural beauty of the Mount Rainier National Park area. Access features include wide doorways, lever handles and wood floors for easy rolling. Add in some large picture windows, a bevy of wood accents, and a fireplace with an artistic rock hearth, and you have a very homey — and accessible — place to hang your hat.
The great room is furnished with a large sectional and an easy chair grouped around the fireplace, a dining table with chair and bench seating, and a lowered bar with four bar stools. The adjacent kitchen includes a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, two microwaves (including one that’s lowered) and a roll-under sink. It’s equipped with all the basics, and includes just about every utensil and small appliance — from a crock pot to a waffle maker — that you could possible need. Truly it’s a chef’s delight. And there’s also a washer and dryer tucked into a nook around the corner.
The master bedroom is furnished with a 23-inch high open-frame king-sized bed with wheelchair-access on both sides. The adjacent bathroom — which was dubbed “the car wash” by Jana’s contractor — was custom designed and includes a large roll-in shower with a fold-down shower bench (located near the controls), grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. Other access features include a toilet with grab bars on the back and right sides (as seated), a lowered make-up mirror and a roll-under sink. There’s also a standard hall bathroom that includes a tub with a hand-held showerhead, a toilet and a sink.
The Little Extras
The second bedroom is furnished with two 23-inch high open-framed queen sized beds, with wheelchair-access between them. Wide French doors lead out to the comfortable back patio, which is furnished with some Adirondack chairs. Thoughtful touches like a threshold ramp make the outdoor space as welcoming as the indoor space.
And there are more extras. The former garage has been converted to a game room that’s furnished with a wheelchair-accessible pool table. And even though there’s a five-inch step down to the room, there’s also a portable ramp for wheelchair-access. If you’re not in the mood for pool, there’s also a large selection of games and books available.
The home is also equipped with a large screen porch that has a dining table and four chairs, as well as some casual seating. There’s also level access to the back patio from the screen porch. Access throughout the outside area is excellent, and it’s furnished with a hot tub with steps and a railing, a fire circle and a gas BBQ. Jana even incorporated some of her own access ideas into the design — like the 21-inch high transfer tables for sunning or star-gazing.
Says Jana, “I realize that people with disabilities have a variety of different needs, so I tried to make the home as versatile as possible.” And to say that she did a good job would be a huge understatement. Top it off with the little extras like the makings for s’mores, and you have the perfect home base for a Mount Rainier National Park visit.
Accessible Bedroom at the Jimmy Beech House
Bathroom at the Jimmy Beech House
Living Area at the Jimmy Beech House
Living Area and Fireplace at the Jimmy Beech House
Kitchen at the Jimmy Beech House
Game Room at the Jimmy Beech House
Second Bedroom at the Jimmy Beech House
Enclosed, Screened Patio at the Jimmy Beech House
Fire Circle at the Jimmy Beech House
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Tomichi Point in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Although Grand Canyon National Park (emerginghorizons.com/the-grand-canyon-for-wheelers-and-slow-walkers/) is one the country’s most popular national parks, it’s not the only spectacular gorge managed by the National Park Service. Quite the contrary; in fact little known Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm) boasts some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rocks and craggiest spires in North America. In contrast to the 21-mile wide Grand Canyon, this Colorado chasm is just nine miles across. Couple that with 2,000-foot canyon walls which drop almost vertically to the Gunnison River, and the result is an eye-popping view. And although the canyon itself isn’t wheelchair-accessible, the best views are had from scenic overlooks along the rim, many of which are doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
A Scenic Drive
The best way to experience the natural beauty of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is to take the seven-mile scenic drive along the south rim. Just follow Highway 50 west from Montrose, then continue along Highway 347 until it dead ends at the park entrance.
You’ll get your first view of the canyon at Tomichi Point, which is near the entrance, just past the campground. There is accessible parking near the rim, with level access out to the overlook. Not only is this a nice canyon view, but if you’re lucky you’ll also get a glimpse of the hikers on the aptly name Rim Rock Trail below.
Be sure and stop in at the Visitor Center, which is just up the road. There’s plenty of accessible parking there, and there’s level access to a very clean accessible restroom. Inside the visitor center, there is barrier-free access to the theater and good pathway access around the interpretive exhibits. There’s also level access to a large deck which offers an impressive canyon view.
The next accessible stop at Black Canyon of the Gunnison is at Pulpit Rock Overlook. Accessible parking is available on the road, near a hard-packed dirt trail that leads out to the lower overlook and offers a sweeping view of the Gunnison River. There are a few bumps at the beginning of the trail, but it’s doable for most folks. To get to the upper overlook you have to go down some steps and then up a very steep ramp, but the river view is much better from the lower vantage point. There is also an accessible restroom at this stop.
Enjoy the Views
Chasm View in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Chasm View, which is the next stop on the route, offers the most impressive canyon view. Accessible parking is available near the main trail out to the overlook, but there are nine steps down to the viewpoint. The accessible trail, which is located to the left of the main trail, is longer, but there are no steps along the way. From this viewpoint you’ll get a dramatic view down into the chasm with the Gunnison River below.
Sunset View, which is just up the road, is a great spot to sit and enjoy the sunset (hence the name). There is accessible parking near the accessible sidewalk out to the overlook. Here you’ll find two picnic tables, including one that is accessible. There’s a lower overlook to the right, but there are 15 steps along the route and some rocks and roots on the trail. Still, it’s hard to beat the view from the picnic tables. There’s also an accessible restroom in the parking lot.
Picnic Tables at Sunset Point in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Last but not least, don’t forget to stop at High Point, at the end of the road. Although the one-and-a half-mile trail to the overlook isn’t accessible, it’s still worth a stop. There’s accessible parking in the lot, and a dirt path at the far end that leads out to an accessible picnic table. It’s a much nicer spot to picnic than Sunset View, and since it’s away from the trailhead, it’s pretty isolated. Even if you’ve already eaten, this is a good place to take a quiet break before you head back. As an added bonus, the windshield views are totally different on the return trip.
All shuttles are wheelchair-accessible, and the ticket price is a very reasonable $1 for passengers over 2 years old (there’s no charge for lap children). Shuttles depart from Apgar Visitor Center and Lake McDonald Lodge on the west side, and St. Mary Visitor Center and the Rising Sun Picnic Area on the east side. Advance tickets are required, and they are only available at www.recreation.gov. A portion of the tickets are released 60 days in advance, while the remainder are available 7 PM MDT for next day entry. Plan ahead, as walk-up tickets are not available at the park.
Why Take the Shuttle?
And in case you are on the fence about riding the shuttle, here are six reasons that make it a worthwhile choice.
The drive on the winding road up to Logan Pass can be daunting if you’re not used to driving in the mountains. Taking the shuttle allows you to relax and leave the driving to someone else.
You’ll definitely save on gas if you take the shuttle. And you won’t have to worry about filling up your tank to make it to your next destination.
You can really enjoy the view along the way, and even take some breathtaking photos if you’re not driving.
You don’t have to worry about finding a parking place at Logan Pass. The shuttle drops you off right in front of the Visitor Center. And there’s a nice accessible trail near the Visitor Center.
If you’re worried about time management, taking the shuttle can help you keep to a schedule. It’s easy for time to slip away while stopping at every pullout along the way to Logan Pass.
Last but not least, you don’t have to worry about driving in inclement weather if you take the shuttle. Rain storms and even a summer snowfall can make the winding mountain road to the top of Logan Pass slick, and even dangerous, in some places. Play it safe and take the shuttle.
So get your Glacier National Park tickets today at www.recreation.gov and have a safe and relaxing visit to Glacier National Park.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
A California redwoods road trip (emerginghorizons.com/explore-californias-wheelchair-accessible-coastal-redwoods/) is a relaxing and enchanting getaway. And although there’s no shortage of places to hike around these majestic trees, driving through a massive redwood is an entirely different experience. And although it’s not standard forest practice today, at one time drive-through trees were a popular tourist attractions. That said, there are still a few places where you enjoy this kitschy experience; so check out these retro drive-through trees on your next Northern California road trip.
Klamath Tour-Thru Tree
Klamath Tour-Thru Tree
Located a quarter-mile off Highway 101, the Klamath Tour-Thru Tree is easy to find. Just take exit 769 (Tewar Valley), then turn east. The tree is just up the road on the left. Like all the drive-through trees, you pay an entrance fee at the kiosk and then follow the road and drive through the giant tree. It should be noted that it’s a pretty tight fit for most vehicles, as the tree tunnel is just 88 inches wide and 114 inches tall, so remember to turn in your mirrors if possible.
The tree tunnel was completed in 1976, and the massive redwood is estimated to be 785 years old. It’s really a quick trip through the tunnel, but for another perspective on the tree, open your sun roof as you pass through. Additionally, it’s best to hit this drive-through tree early in the morning, as there isn’t much room near the tree and traffic can get pretty congested in the afternoon.
Shrine Tree
Shrine Tree
The next drive-through tree is located about 120 miles south, along the scenic Avenue of the Giants. Continue south on Highway 101, then take exit 674 in Pepperwood and turn left. Follow this scenic byway through the redwoods until you get to Myers Flat, where you’ll find the Shrine Tree on the right.
Although a tad bit larger than the Klamath Tour-Through Tree, this 3,000 year old redwood has an equally tight 91-inch wide clearance. Unlike the other drive-through trees though, the 175-foot tall Shrine Tree has a natural opening rather than a man-made one. And although the drive through the tree is short but sweet, there are also a few carvings in the park to enjoy, as well as a level picnic area.
Chandelier Tree
Chandelier Tree
The final drive-through tree on the itinerary is located another 50 miles south in the town of Leggett. Follow the Avenue of the Giants until it ends on Highway 101, then continue south to Drive Through Tree Road and follow the signs to the Chandelier Tree (www.drivethrutree.com).
As you approach this giant, the fern lined drive to the 315-foot tall tree is filled with redwood planters. The tunnel was carved in the mid 1930s, and the tree is estimated to be 2,400 years old. It’s the nicest of the three trees, as there’s a large dirt parking area, and also standard picnic tables on a level grassy area. So pack along a picnic to enjoy after your drive-through experience, and enjoy your meal in the shadow of the towering redwood. And truly, if you only have time for one drive-through experience, the Chandelier Tree is the best choice. Not only is there plenty of room near the tree for photos, but there’s also a large area to linger on and enjoy it all.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Parks Road Trips Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Located about an hour from the East Entrance to America’s first national park, Cody is an excellent addition to a Yellowstone (emerginghorizons.com/yellowstone-national-park/) road trip. With daily gunfights, western entertainment and a nightly Rodeo, this Wyoming town has a definite wild west ambiance. And why not, as it was named after Buffalo Bill Cody, who once roamed the streets of this wild west town. And despite its historic nature, this Wyoming village is also a good option for slow walkers and wheelchair-users who want to extend their Yellowstone vacation. So check out this accessible place to rest your head, as well as a few of these popular sites on your next Yellowstone visit.
Spend the Night
Cabin 365 at Buffalo Bill Village
Located near the center of town, Buffalo Bill Village (www.buffalobillvillage.com/) is a good place to spend the night. Although it was originally constructed to house work crews that built the city, today this historic property boasts modern amenities and includes a wheelchair-accessible cabin.
There’s accessible parking in the front lot, with level access over to the registration building and gift shop. Room 365, which is a stand-alone cabin, is located a short drive away, near the back of the complex. There’s accessible parking near the sidewalk that leads over to the cabin, and ramp access to the front door. Inside, there’s good pathway access in the spacious cabin, that’s furnished with two 26-inch high queen-sized beds, a sofa, chest of drawers and a table with two chairs.
The bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius, with plenty of room for larger wheelchairs and scooters. It’s equipped with a roll-in shower with a hand-held showerhead and grab bars. The toilet is in a 36-inch wide alcove with grab bars on both sides. Other access features include a roll-under sink and a portable shower chair.
Buffalo Bill Village is not only accessible, but it’s also located well away from the street, so it’s pretty quiet. Add in a top-notch staff, and you have everything you could possible need.
Inside Cabin 365
Bathroom in Cabin 365
Explore Cody
Largest Surviving Poster from Buffalo Bill’s Wild West at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Plan to spend at least one full day in town, as there’s no shortage of fun diversions, At the top of the list is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (centerofthewest.org/). This expansive museum has five old west galleries, including the impressive Buffalo Bill Museum. Other galleries include the Whitney Western Art Museum, the Plains Indian Museum, the Cody Firearms Museum and the Draper Natural History Museum — all of which present a comprehensive picture of the old west.
There’s accessible parking in front of the museum, with level access over to the main entrance. Inside there’s barrier-free access to all of the galleries, the gift shop and the cafe.. And if you find the distance in the museum a little daunting, manual wheelchairs are available for loan at the front desk.
Another fun attraction in town is the Cody Gunfight (www.codytrolleytours.com/cody-gunfight). This free performance is held daily (except Sundays) at 6 PM in front of the historic Irma Hotel. It’s a fun show, but get there early as it’s extremely popular. The ground is level in front of the hotel, and there’s good access for wheelchair-users in the viewing area. Alternatively, reserved seating is available for just $3.
Barrel Racer at the Cody Night Rodeo
Last but certainly not least, don’t miss the Cody Night Rodeo (www.codystampederodeo.com/). There’s plenty of accessible parking at Stampede Park, with a level pathway to the accessible seating in the south grandstand. It’s a very patriotic family event, with lots of up-and-coming talent in the arena. The kids in the audience even get a shot at a little hands-on rodeo fun, so it’s a great hit for families. Presented during the summer months, this fun event is a real crowd pleaser, and it’s the perfect way to top off a Cody wild west visit.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Located on the south side of Yaquina Bay on the outskirts of Newport, South Beach State Park (stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=149) is the perfect retreat for folks who just want to kick back and enjoy the rugged beauty of the Oregon coast. The park boasts a nice selection of wheelchair-accessible trails, as well as an accessible spot to picnic near the beach. And if you’d like to spend the night, there are also 23 wheelchair-accessible yurts in the park. Not only is South Beach State Park a very accessible choice, but it’s also quite affordable as well.
Location! Location! Location!
Inside the Winchuck Yurt
Although there’s a wide selection of wheelchair-accessible yurts to choose from, location is everything when it comes to yurt selection. The lion’s share of the accessible yurts are located in the large Cooper Ridge Campground, which also allows RVs with generators. And unfortunately that generator noise takes away from the whole outdoor experience.
That said, there are four wheelchair-accessible yurts in tiny Cooper Ridge Village, which only has eight yurts. No RVs are permitted in this area, and as a result you’ll have a peaceful and quiet stay. Although any yurt in the village is a good choice, accessible yurt 8 offers the most privacy, as there are no neighbors on one side.
And in case you are a little fuzzy on the yurt concept, think of it as camping light. Yurts are round domed canvas structures that are set on wooden platforms. You don’t have to pitch a tent, but you do need to bring along linens or sleeping bags, as well as cooking supplies.
An Accessible Abode
There’s level parking on the hard-packed dirt pad in front of yurt 8, with an accessible path over to the ramped porch. This wheelchair-accessible yurt has a wide doorway and is furnished with a table and two chairs and a futon. It also has a a bunk bed with a double on the bottom and a single above. The futon and bottom bunk are 21 inches high, and the yurt also has electricity and a heater.
Although there are no cooking facilities inside the yurt, there’s plenty of room to set up a camp stove on the spacious front deck. There’s a picnic table and two chairs on the deck; and an accessible fire ring and another picnic table in a level area next to the yurt.
An accessible restroom is located in the yurt village, and showers can be found in the adjacent campground. There’s a level path with good signage leading to showers, and although it’s a bit bumpy in places, it’s doable for most folks. The accessible shower room features a wide doorway and plenty of room to maneuver a large power wheelchair or scooter. It’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. Toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and there is also a roll-under sink with a lowered mirror in the spacious room.
Bath house in the Yurt Village
Take a Hike
There are a number of accessible trails in South Beach State Park, but the best way to get out to the beach is to take the quarter-mile paved trail which begins next to campsite A 10 in the Cooper Ridge Campground. This wide level quarter-mile trail leads through a woodland area, then opens up to an accessible boardwalk over the dunes. Once you reach the beach overlook, there’s an accessible viewing platform with a bench to sit and enjoy the view.
South Beach Trail
You can also access the trail from the day use area, where there’s accessible parking with barrier-free access to some picnic tables on a level grassy area. There is also an accessible stall in the nearby restroom.
And finally, the South Jetty Trail runs from the day use area to the South Jetty. This mile-long multi-use trail is paved and level, and it’s a great choice for wheelers and slow walkers. Down at the South Jetty there is an accessible porta-potty, and plenty of room to roll around and enjoy the jetty views. And if you’d like to do the trail in reverse, you can also access the South Jetty area from the nearby parking lot. It’s a great accessible stroll no matter which trailhead you choose, and the perfect way to top off any South Beach State Park visit.
South Beach Jetty Trail
Barrier-Free Travel California National Parks Road Trips Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Named for the giant Rio Grande bend that carves out its southern border, Big Bend National Park is located more than 100 miles from the nearest freeway, hospital or shopping mall. And spring is the ideal time to visit this remote Texas park, as not only is the desert filled with colorful wildflower blooms, but the temperatures are also fairly mild. And despite its seemingly inhospitable environment, Big Bend also boasts wheelchair-accessible trails, overlooks, scenic drives, and even an accessible overnight lodging option. In short, Big Bend is the perfect road trip stop for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, who want to ditch the crowds and enjoy the wide open spaces of the Lone Star State.
Windshield Views Galore!
Sotol Vista Trail
The best way to enjoy this 800,000-acre expanse is to take a drive, and in that respect the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive tops the list. This 30-mile route leads past the Castolon Historic District and Santa Elena Canyon, and passes through some historic and geologic treasures along the way. The drive takes about 45 minutes one-way, but be sure to allow extra time to stop and admire the scenery.
The drive begins just off the main park road, with a south turn at the Castolon – Santa Elena Junction. There are a number of scenic overlooks along the way, including the Homer Wilson Ranch Overlook and Mule Ears Viewpoint — both of which have accessible parking with barrier-free access out to the viewpoints. The former features views of the old ranch house and surrounding land, while the latter offers the best vantage point for a glance at the iconic Mule Ears rock formation.
Located between those two overlooks, Goat Mountain Viewpoint, features accessible parking, with ramp access out to the overlook; while nearby Sotol Vista offers a panoramic southern view with accessible parking, an accessible vault toilet, and barrier-free access to the overlook.
Last but not least, don’t miss the Santa Elena Overlook at the end of the road. From the overlook you can gaze down at the limestone canyon created by the Rio Grande, and look across into neighboring Mexico. Although there’s no curb-cut access from the parking area to the overlook, you can wheel down to where the curb ends and roll out to the overlook. Even though the ground is a bit bumpy in places, it’s still doable for most people, and the spectacular view is well worth the effort.
Scenic Desert Trails
Window View Trail
Although there’s no shortage of great windshield views in the park, there are also a few accessible trails. Panther Path, which is located next to the Panther Visitor Center offers a short – but accessible – introduction to some of the plants found in the park. Accessible parking is located near the visitor center, with level access over to this short 100 yard sidewalk that’s lined with interpretive plaques that identify desert plants.
A portion of the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail is also a good choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. It’s located in the southeast area of the park, near Boquillas Canyon. The trailhead is actually located in the campground at Rio Grande Village, across from campsite 18. The trail begins with a short dirt path to the quarter-mile boardwalk over the pond. Some folks may need a bit of assistance over the dirt trail, as it’s a bit bumpy, but the floating boardwalk offers excellent access, and it’s a great spot to enjoy the sunrise or sunset. It’s also an excellent birding location.
Sunsets are phenomenal in Big Bend National Park, and there’s no better place to enjoy one than from the Window View Trail (not to be confused with the inaccessible Window Trail). The trailhead is located near the Basin Store at Chisos Mountains Lodge. This .3-mile paved trail takes its name from the “window” opening in the canyon that affords a panoramic view of the valley below. It offers a gradual descent to the window viewpoint, which is a pleasant place to linger and enjoy views of the spectacular canyon walls and the Chisos Mountains. And if you need to stop and rest, there are also a few benches along the route.
Comfy Accommodations
Because of its remote location, an overnight stay in Big Bend National Park is a must; and to that end Chisos Mountain Lodge (www.chisosmountainslodge.com) offers some comfortable accessible rooms. There’s accessible parking in front of the office, with level access to the main lobby through automatic doors. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair over to the front desk and the gift shop. The accessible rooms are located a short drive away in the Casa Grande section of the property.
Accessible parking is located in front of room D2 — an accessible ground floor room – with sidewalk access over to the front door. Access features in room D2 include wide doorways, a lowered peephole, lever handles, good pathway access and tile floors for easy rolling. The room is furnished with a 25-inch high open-frame double bed with wheelchair access on the left side (as you face the bed). That said, there’s plenty of room to move the bed if you require wheelchair access on the opposite side. Other furnishings include a night stand, two easy chairs, a dresser, a refrigerator and a microwave.
There’s barrier-free access to the bathroom, which features a roll-in shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and a portable shower bench is available upon request. A roll-under sink is located in the adjacent sleeping area, in order to free up more room space in the bathroom.
Best of all, this guest room also has level access out to the shared back patio, which is the perfect place to enjoy an sunset, and then take in another one of Big Bend’s natural features – the dark night sky.
(Click image for larger images of Room D2 at the Chisos Mountain Lodge)
Room D2 at the Chisos Mountain Lodge
Room D2 at the Chisos Mountain Lodge (view 2)
Bathroom in Room D2 at the Chisos Mountain Lodge
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
4165 N. Highway 101
