slow walker

rome

Wheelchair-Accessible Italy Resources

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

If you’re planning on a trip to Italy and use are a wheelchair-user or slow walker, here are a few resources to help you in the trip planning process.

Rome and Italy Tourist Services

Rome and Italy Tourist Services (www.romeanditaly.com) is able to organize customized accessible tours and excursions throughout Italy. The tours are conducted by English speaking guides in lift-equipped vans, and feature accommodations at accessible properties. Tours are available to Rome, Sicily, Tuscany, Pisa, Naples, Florence and more.

Day tours of Rome are also available, and a special adaptive device – a Wheely Trekky – is used for inaccessible archeological sites such as the Colosseum. Additionally, arrangements for the rental of adaptive equipment, including shower chairs, hoists, scooters and manual and power wheelchairs can be made. Accessible transfers to and from all the major Italian airports are also available. For more information e-mail info@romeanditaly.it. And if you arrive in Italy by ship, accessible shore excursions are also available.

ADR Assistance 

If a flight to the Eternal City is in your future, then make sure and check out the ADR website for information about accessible transfers to and from the airport. Helpful information about accessible taxi, bus and train transfers at Fiumicino  and Ciampino airports are listed on this website. Also included is some general access information and some helpful tips. https://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en/adrassistance

Italy Accessible

Italy Accessible offers accessible tours of Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany and and the surrounding areas for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. This local tour operator arranges customized excursions in ramped minivans, with stops at accessible attractions and restaurants. Accessible lodging in hotels that have been inspected for access is also included. Day tours, as well as week-long adventures are offered. And if you’d like a customized tour, they can put that together too. For more information, visit www.accessibletourism.it.

Barrier-Free Travel101 Accessible VacationsTravel Ideasfor Wheelers and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

Barrier-Free Travel
101 Accessible Vacations
Travel Ideas
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

Buy the Book
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrow a Georgia State Park Track Chair

Borrow a Georgia State Park Track Chair

, , , , , , , ,

Action Track Chair

Thanks to a partnership between the Aimee Copeland Foundation (aimeecopelandfoundation.org/) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (gastateparks.org/), many Georgia State Parks offer track chairs to disabled visitors. These all terrain wheelchairs are fitted with tank tracks instead of wheels, and can maneuver through mud and over trails that might otherwise be inaccessible in standard wheelchairs. They can be used for hiking, hunting, fishing and other recreational activities. There’s no charge to borrow the track chairs, but a safety certification and a 48-hour advance reservation are required.

Georgia State Park Track Chair Locations

The following Georgia State Parks offer track chairs:

And if you don’t see your favorite Georgia State park listed, visit gastateparks.org/Accessibility/TrackChairs , as new chairs are added as the budget permits.

Georgia State Park Track Chair Reservation Process

Advance reservations are required to borrow a Georgia State Park track chair. A valid accessible parking placard is needed in order to make a reservation. A doctor’s statement describing your disability and your need for a track chair is also acceptable. If you do not have either of these, but believe you still qualify, call (770) 866-2815.

All track chair-users must also be accompanied by a companion 18 years of age or older, who is able to navigate the park terrain alongside the track chair. This is important, because the terrain on some of the trails can get pretty rough. The user and the companion must submit a copy of their photo IDs. All documents must be e-mailed to info@allterraingeorgia.org.

Once all the documents are received, the user will be sent a link to a safety/operational tutorial. The user and the companion must view the tutorial and pass an online test. After this is completed, the user will be sent a link and a password to access the online reservation system. They can then make their track chair reservation online

For more information about the track chair program, visit gastateparks.org/Accessibility/TrackChairs.

And for more information about an accessible trail and a wheelchair-accessible cabin in Cloudland Canyon State Park, visit Cloudland Canyon State Park

Barrier-Free Travel22 Accessible Road Tripsfor Wheelers and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

Barrier-Free Travel
22 Accessible Road Trips
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

Buy the Book
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michigan Track Chairs Now Available

/

Michigan Track Chairs Now Available

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge at Tahquamenon Falls State Park

There’s good news for wheelchair-users and slow walkers in Michigan — loaner track chairs are now available at many state park and recreation areas. Track chairs allow people with reduced mobility the freedom to explore places that are otherwise inaccessible to them. These off road wheelchairs have tank tracks instead of wheels, and can easily navigate over sand, rough surfaces and even snow. They also come with a big price tag; but thanks to a massive fundraising effort, loaner track chairs are now available at many Michigan outdoor spaces

The following organizations were instrumental in making these Michigan track chairs a reality.

Where to find Michigan Track Chairs

The loaner track chairs are available at the following Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Each venue has different rules, regulations and hours, so check in advance to avoid disappointment. And keep in mind that some locations also require reservations to borrow the track chairs.

  • Bald Mountain Recreation Area
  • Bay City State Park
  • Brighton Recreation Area
  • Grand Haven State Park
  • Harrisville State Park
  • Hartwick Pines State Park
  • Lake Hudson Recreation Area
  • Leelanau State Park
  • Petosky State Park
  • Wilson State Park
  • Holland State Park
  • Ionia Recreation Area
  • Island Lake Recreation Area
  • Ludington State Park
  • Maybury State Park
  • Muskegon Recreation Area
  • North Higgins Lake State Park
  • Tahquamenon Falls State Park
  • Warren Dunes State Park
  • Waterloo Recreation Area
  • Wilderness State Park

If you didn’t find your favorite Michigan state park or recreation area on the list, don’t worry as this popular program is constantly expanding. New venues for loaner Michigan track chairs are being added as funding becomes available. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/accessibility/track-chairs to check for the latest additions.

‘

Barrier-Free TravelGlacier, Yellowstoneand Grand Teton National Parksfor Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

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

Buy the Book
 

 

 

 

 

 

sleeping-bear-featured

Sleeping Bear Dunes Track Chairs

, , , , , ,

Thanks to Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers three loaner track chairs for use by wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The Mama Bear Chair and the Baby Bear Chair can be used on the Bay View Trail. The Mama Bear Chair is 24 inches wide between the armrests and can carry up to 350 pounds; while the Baby Bear Chair is 18 inches wide between the armrests and can carry up to 300 pounds. The newest track chair, The Platte Bear Chair, is 22 inches wide between the armrests and can carry up to 300 pounds. It can be used on the Platte Plains Trail.

Reservations are required to borrow the Sleeping Bear Dunes track chairs, and they are available Friday through Monday, during the summer season. A waiver of liability must also be signed. Minors are required to be accompanied by an adult. Track chair-users must be able to transfer independently or bring a companion to assist with transfers. After a short orientation a volunteer host will accompany the track chair-user on a hike.

For more information about the track chairs, visit friendsofsleepingbear.org/programs/accessibility/track-chair-program/ or e-mail trackchair@friendsofsleepingbear.org.

Barrier-Free TravelGlacier, Yellowstoneand Grand Teton National Parksfor Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

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

Buy the Book
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

yosemite-glacier-point

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thinking about visiting a US national park in a wheelchair? Although most of the parks have rugged back country areas, the majority have also added access upgrades so that wheelchair-users and slow walkers can enjoy these national treasures. As an added bonus, admission discounts are available to seniors and people with a permanent disability. That said, advance planning greatly enhances any national park visit; so with that in mind, here are some tips and tricks to help save time, money, and avoid disappointment on your next national park adventure.
Top of Menu

Admission Passes

If you’d like to save a few bucks on your next national park visit, then pick up one of these discount passes at any national park entrance station. They all provide free admission to the passholder and all passengers in the same vehicle, but they each have different eligibility criteria.

The America the Beautiful Access Pass is available to U.S. citizens or residents with a permanent disability. Proof of disability and residency is required in order to obtain this free lifetime pass. It’s also available by mail for a small handling charge.

The America the Beautiful Military Pass is available to all active duty service members and veterans of the US Armed Forces. There’s no charge for this yearly pass, but a Common Access Card, military ID, veteran ID or a veteran designation on a driver’s license is required to obtain one. This pass also available by mail for a small handling charge,.

The Senior Pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are at least 62 years old. This lifetime pass costs $80. An annual Senior Pass is also available for $20, and the cost of that annual pass can be applied to the purchase of a lifetime pass. Proof of age and residency or citizenship are required to obtain either pass. These passes are also available by mail for an additional handling charge.

The National Park Annual Pass is available to anyone and it’s a good choice if you plan to visit many national parks. The pass costs $80 and it’s valid for admission to all national parks for a year. An annual pass for each individual park is also available, and the price for these passes varies depending on the park. This park-specific pass is an attractive choice for folks who live near a national park and plan numerous visits. Both passes are available though the mail for an additional handling charge.

Finally, the free Annual 4th Grade Pass is available to all 4th graders. It’s valid for the duration of the 4th grade school year and the following summer. Paper vouchers can be obtained at everykidoutdoors.gov and exchanged for an Annual 4th Grade Pass at any national park entrance. This pass is also available to home-schooled students.

For more information about these passes, visit store.usgs.gov.

Top of Menu

Nonresident Fees

A nonresident fee will be charged to each non-US resident aged 16 or older who visits these popular national parks.

  • Acadia
  • Bryce Canyon
  • Everglades
  • Glacier
  • Grand Canyon
  • Grand Teton
  • Rocky Mountain
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon
  • Yellowstone
  • Yosemite
  • Zion

Non-US residents will pay the standard park entrance fee, plus a $100 surcharge for each person aged 16 or older. Alternatively, non-US residents can purchase a non-US resident annual pass for $250, which covers all passengers in the vehicle.

Top of Menu

Free Days

Even if you don’t have a park pass, you can still get free admission on one of the “fee free days” each year. During these days, the park gates swing open and no entrance fees are collected. Unfortunately the parks get pretty crowded on those days. Fee free days are only for U.S. residents. Non-U.S. residents will have to pay the entrance fee and nonresident fee. Here’s a list of the fee-free days, but it’s best to visit www.nps.gov for the exact dates, as some do change slightly every year.  

President’s Day (February)

Memorial Day (May)

Flag Day (June)

Independence Day (July)

National Parks Service Birthday (August)

Constitution Day (September)

Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday (October)

Veteran’s Day (November)

Top of Menu

Entrance Reservations

In an effort to control the crowds, some of the more popular national parks require advance reservations during peak seasons. These reservations are required even if you have a national park pass. They are not available at the parks, and visitors who don’t have one will be turned away. The following parks currently require advance entrance reservations.

Arches National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Glacier National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Yosemite National Park

The entrance reservations must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov. Consult the individual park websites for the availability windows. More information about entrance reservations can be found at emerginghorizons.com/national-park-entrance-reservations-required-in-2024/
Top of Menu

Timing

Timing is everything, when it comes to a national park visit. Generally speaking, most parks experience peak visitation between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Unfortunately many parks also have abbreviated seasons, so it’s difficult to visit outside of prime time. If you must visit during the high season, try to avoid summer weekends and holidays, as parking, lodging and campsites are difficult — if not impossible — to find at those times.

Additionally, an early morning visit will help circumvent the crowds. The magic hour is usually 10 AM, after which the bus tours start to roll in to the parks. It’s also not unusual to wait an hour in the entrance queue at the more popular national parks, if you arrive in the afternoon during peak season. On the other hand, if you get an early start, you’ll have a more relaxing visit, and you won’t have to fight the crowds. The best way to have a more enjoyable experience is to plan for several morning excursions, if you plan to visit a national park in a wheelchair.
Top of Menu

Road Closures

Although many parks are open year-round, some experience seasonal road closures. For example, Going-to-the-Sun Road, which traverses Glacier National Park, is closed from late fall to late spring due to heavy snow. Sections of the road open incrementally, and the entire length is not passable until June or July. Likewise, Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park is usually closed from November to May, and the park is inaccessible from the Tioga Pass Entrance at that time.

Some parks may also experience temporary road closures due to extreme weather conditions. It’s not unusual for Yosemite to close some roads during heavy snow; and the park has closed entirely a few times during heavy floods. And although Bryce Canyon National Park is open year-round, there may be temporary road closures after snow storms, until the roads are cleared.

It’s a good idea to always carry chains or cables when traveling through the western national parks, as spring and fall snow storms are not uncommon. Most parks also have a weather and road condition telephone number posted on their website; however it’s also a good idea to monitor the park’s twitter and Facebook feeds for breaking news about road closures.
Top of Menu

Altitude

It’s a good idea to take note of the elevation of the places you plan to visit in the national parks, especially in the Western U.S. Although the symptoms of altitude sickness generally do not appear at elevations under 8,000 feet, wheelchair-users, slow walkers and people with compromised immune systems may feel the effects of increased altitudes at significantly lower elevations. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, lethargy, insomnia and gastrointestinal disturbances.

If you are unfamiliar with the effects that higher elevations have on your body, it’s best to take it slow and drink plenty of water for the first few days at any increased elevation, especially if you live at sea level. Additionally, you may want to consult your doctor regarding the effects that increased elevations may have on your specific condition, before you visit a national park in a wheelchair.
Top of Menu

Loaner Wheelchairs and More

Many national park visitor centers have free loaner wheelchairs for visitors who can’t walk for or who tire easily. In most cases the loaner wheelchairs cannot be taken to other areas of the park. Additionally, they are available on a first-come basis, so if you absolutely need an assistive device to get around, it’s best to bring one with you.

Some parks go a step or two beyond providing a standard wheelchair. For example, Redwood National Park has beach wheelchairs and all-terrain track chairs available at many locations; while Great San Dunes National Park has a sand wheelchair available. Additionally, Yosemite National Park has a handcycle rental concession, so everyone can explore the 12 miles of paved bicycle trails that wind through the park. And if you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure and pick up a free loaner track chair at the Estes Park Mountain Shop (www.estesparkmountainshop.com/) to explore the park.
Top of Menu

Service Animals

If you are planning to visit a national park in a wheelchair, and you have a service animal, there are no restrictions on the areas that you and your service animal may visit. This includes public buildings, lodges, shuttle buses, campgrounds and outdoor areas. Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or preform a task for a disabled person. Furthermore, the work or task that the dog provides must be directly related to the person’s disability.

Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support — Emotional Support Animals — do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Emotional Support Animals are subject to the park’s pet regulations and restrictions.

It should also be noted that although some organizations sell “service animal registration” documents on-line, these documents do not convey any rights under the ADA, and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that a dog is a service animal.

For more information on the ADA definition of a service animal, visit www.ada.gov/.
Top of Menu

Wheelchair-Accessible Lodging

Many national parks have hotels or lodges; and although many of the properties are historic, access upgrades have been added over the years. As a result a good number of in-park lodges offer updated wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers.

All of the in-park lodgings are managed by authorized concessionaires, who have contracted with the National Park Service, and operate under strict guidelines. They are responsible for the daily operations of the facilities, as well as improvements and upgrades. It’s important to deal with these concessionaires directly when you make a reservation; as not only will you get the best price there, but you will also have access to employees who can block the accessible rooms and describe the access details of each available unit.

Unfortunately these concessionaires do not always come up first in internet searches because paid advertisements appear before them. Some of these paid advertisements even list “national park lodges” that are located many miles outside the parks, which is misleading to people who are unfamiliar with the local geography. The authorized concessionaires for all the national park lodges are listed below, so look for their branding on any booking engine for national park properties. To avoid disappointment, deal directly with these concessionaires when making plans to visit a national park in a wheelchair.

Aramark

www.aramark.com

Badlands National Park (Cedar Pass Cabins)
Big Bend National Park (Chisos Mountains Lodge)
Bryce Canyon National Park (The Lodge at Bryce Canyon)
Grand Canyon National Park (Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim)
Grand Teton National Park (Signal Mountain Lodge)
Isle Royale National Park (Rock Harbor Lodge)
Mesa Verde National Park (Far View Lodge)
Olympic National Park (Lake Crescent Lodge, Sol Duc Lodge, Log Cabin Resort)
Yosemite National Park (Curry Village, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, Wawona Lodge)

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

www.conservancyforcvnp.org

Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Stanford House)

Delaware North

www.delawarenorth.com

Grand Canyon National Park (Yavapai Lodge)
Kings Canyon National Park (Cedar Grove Lodge, John Muir Lodge, Grant Grove Cabins)
Olympic National Park (Kalaloch Lodge)
Sequoia National Park (Wuksachi Lodge)
Shenandoah National Park (Skyland Lodge, Big Meadows Lodge, Lewis Mountain Cabins)

Grand Teton Lodging Company

www.gtlc.com

Grand Teton National Park (Colter Bay Cabins, Headwaters at Flagg Ranch, Jenny Lake Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge)

Guest Services

www.guestservices.com

Mt. Rainier National Park (National Park Inn, Paradise Inn)

ExplorUS

www.goexplorus.com/

Mammoth Cave National Park (The Lodge at Mammoth Cave)

Crater Lake National Park (Crater Lake Lodge)

POWDR Corp.

www.powdr.com

Death Valley National Park (Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel)

Pursuit

www.pursuitcollection.com

Glacier National Park (Glacier Park Lodge, St. Mary Lodge, Apgar Village Lodge, West Glacier Motel & Cabins, Motel Lake McDonald)

Xanterra

www.xanterra.com

Death Valley National Park (Inn at Death Valley, Ranch at Death Valley)
Glacier National Park (Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun Motor Inn, Village Inn Motel)
Grand Canyon National Park (El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Bright Angel Lodge)
Yellowstone National Park (Canyon Lodge & Cabins, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, Lake Lodge Cabins, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Roosevelt Lodge, Old Faithful Lodge, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Old Faithful Inn, Grant Village Lodge)
Zion National Park (Zion Lodge)
Top of Menu

Wheelchair-Accessible Transportation

Some of the busier national parks offer shuttle bus transportation within the parks, to cut down on traffic. And although they are not mandatory, it’s a good idea to make use of them when they are offered, as parking is at a premium during peak season in the more popular national parks.

Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Denali National Park and Zion National Park all have accessible shuttle buses. And although most of the shuttles are optional the Zion shuttle is mandatory, north of Canyon Junction from March to October, on weekends in November, and during the holiday season in December. Zion Lodge guests are given special passes at the entrance station that allow them to drive to the lodge parking lot. Visitors who need to carry along additional medical equipment or who cannot ride the Zion shuttle for medical reasons are eligible for a Yellow Pass Permit, which allows them to drive their personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Drive. The pass is free and is available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

Some parks — such as Yosemite and Grand Canyon — also allow disabled visitors to drive on roads that are normally closed to vehicles. Yosemite visitors who have a disabled placard can drive on Happy Isles Road and Mirror Lake Road; while Grand Canyon visitors who have a mobility issue can get a Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit, that allows them to drive on Yaki Point Road and Hermit Road when it’s closed to private vehicles. A disabled placard is not required in order to obtain this permit; however vehicles are prohibited from parking in accessible parking places in the park without a disabled placard or license plate. The permit is available at the visitors centers and park hotels.

Some communities also offer shuttle transportation from gateway cities to the national parks. Groome Transportation (groometransportation.com/flagstaff/) provides accessible transfers between the Flagstaff Amtrak Station and Pulliam Airport to Maswik Lodge on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Accessible vehicles are available but they must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. And over in California, YARTS (yarts.com) provides fixed route public transportation to Yosemite from the surrounding gateway communities. There are four YARTS routes, which enter the park through each of the main park entrances. All YARTS buses are wheelchair-accessible; however passengers must contact YARTS at least 48 hours in advance insure availability.
Top of Menu

Camping

Most national parks have campgrounds with accessible campsites that are operated by the National Park Service or private concessionaires. These sites usually include a paved parking space, a level tent site, a raised grill and an accessible picnic table. They are located near an accessible shower house which usually has a roll-in shower, an accessible toilet stall and a roll-under sink.

Some accessible campsites also have raised tent platforms, which are built at wheelchair height for easier transfers. Grand Teton offers the raised tent platforms at Jenny Lake Campground and Signal Mountain Campground; while they are available in Yosemite at Upper Pines Campground, Lower Pines Campground and Wawona Campground.

Some parks may require proof of disability in order to occupy an accessible campsite. If nobody has a need for an accessible site, able-bodied campers may be asked to move to a non-accessible site if a qualified person with a disability has a need for the accessible site. In most cases, accessible campsites may not be reserved by able-bodied campers unless they are the only sites left at the time of reservation.

Reservation for accessible campsites may be made at www.recreation.gov or on the concessionaire’s website.
Top of Menu

Ranger Programs

Free ranger-led programs are available throughout the day at most national parks. The programs include lectures about the local environment, guided hikes and evening campfire programs. Most of the lectures and campfire programs are wheelchair-accessible, but some of the ranger-led hikes take place on inaccessible trails. Consult the park newspaper or check at the visitor center for a current schedule and the accessibility details of the ranger-led programs.

Some national parks also offer special ranger programs that require advance registration, For example, the excellent Ride with a Ranger accessible bus tour is offered twice a day in Zion National Park. There is no charge for the tour, but reservations must be made in person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Seating is limited and reservations can be made up to three days in advance.

Likewise Arches National Park sporadically holds night sky viewing programs in their nicely accessible viewing space at Panorama Point. The space includes interpretive panels, bench seating and a presentation bay. It’s a great vantage point day or night.

And don’t forget about the Junior Ranger Program, which isn’t just for kids. Pick up a junior ranger field manual at the park visitor center, complete the activities and get a junior ranger badge upon completion. There’s no cost for the field manual or the badge, and some parks even throw in a cool extra treat, like the moose eraser I picked up at Isle Royale National Park. Even if you don’t go the full nine yards and get the official badges, you’ll still learn a lot about the national parks you visit by completing the activities in the junior ranger field manuals.
Top of Menu

Wheelchair-Accessible Trails

Most national parks have at least one wheelchair-accessible trail; however that doesn’t mean it’s a completely level trail. According to ADA guidelines, accessible trails must be wide and on firm ground; and although most of the trail will most likely have a slope of less than 5%, no more than 30% of the the total length of an accessible trail may have a running slope greater than 8.33%. Additionally, running slopes between 8.33% and 10% are only allowed in 30-foot segments, with resting intervals at the top and bottom of each segment. And the running slope of an accessible trail may never exceed 12%. On the plus side, many accessible trails also include signs that list their length, width, grade and cross slope.

The most accessible trails are usually located near visitor centers. For example, up in North Cascades National Park, the extremely accessible .05-mile Sterling Munro Boardwalk starts in the back of the visitor center and winds through the forest out to a scenic viewpoint. This trail is wide and level, and doable by most people.

Boardwalks are also popular around wet areas; in fact Yellowstone National Park has a number of accessible boardwalks near the park’s geothermal features. Midway Geyser Basin is a mile-long boardwalk that gains some elevation but the slope is gradual, and there are level spots to stop and rest along the way. There are wide level viewing spots along this trail that circles Excelsior Geyser, Turquoise Pool, Opal Pool and Grand Prismatic Spring – the largest hot spring in the park. It’s truly one of the nicest — and most colorful – geothermal areas in the park.

Don’t overlook multiuse trails either, as many of them are wide, paved and wheelchair-accessible The Bryce Canyon Shared Use Path is an excellent example. The 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. And the good news is, the entire five-mile length is paved, level and wheelchair-accessible. 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 shuttle to return to your car.

Many national parks also feature accessible trails to some of their top attractions. Such is the case in Yosemite National Park, which boasts the nicely accessible Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. This wide paved half-mile trail leads through the forest to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. A short boardwalk section of the trail also covers a muddy stretch, and has low bumpers for unobstructed wheelchair viewing. There are benches and interpretive plaques along the way, and it’s a pleasant spot to just sit back and enjoy Mother Nature. Plus you just can’t beat the feel of mist on your face as you admire the roaring falls.
Top of Menu

Accessible Tours

Although it’s entirely possible to see most national parks on your own, some concessionaires offer guided tours for a more in-depth experience. These accessible tours vary from park to park, but here are a few examples.

In Grand Canyon National Park, Xanterra (www.grandcanyonlodges.com) offers a number of narrated bus tours that depart from Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. Tour choices range from the Sunrise Tour that covers the west side or the park, the Hermits Rest Tour which travels along Hermit Road, the Desert View Drive Tour which focuses on sights in the east end of the park, and the Sunset Tour which concludes with a stop at one of the South Rim’s most panoramic viewpoints. Accessible buses are available for any of the tours with 48-hours advance notice, but it’s best to reserve space as far in advance as possible, as these popular tours fill up quickly.

Over in Glacier National Park, Xanterra (www.glaciernationalparklodges.com) also offers a wheelchair-accessible alternative to the historic Red Bus Tours. These tours are conducted in luxury lift-equipped buses with two wheelchair spaces and tie-downs. Passengers get a full view of everything around them, thanks to an on-board camera and monitors, and roll-up plastic flaps on the windows. Tours are available on the west and east sides of the park, with stops at accessible trails and viewpoints along the way. And although these tours are a great option for wheelchair-users, they are available to slow walkers, people who use canes, or anyone who feels they can’t manage the two narrow 18-inch high steps and the bench seats on the historic vehicles. Even better, you get the entire bus to yourself, so it’s almost like a private tour.

Thr Zion Lodge Tram Tour (www.ZionLodge.com) is also a great option for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The open-air tram tour departs from Zion Lodge in the late afternoon, and travels along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The hour-long tour features ramp access with wheelchair and companion seating aboard the tram. The tour is usually available from spring to fall, and tickets can be purchased at the front desk at Zion Lodge. Visit the Zion Lodge website for tour times and more information.

Last but not least, Aramark (www.travelyosemite.com) offers the incredibly scenic Valley Floor Tour in Yosemite National Park. This two-hour naturalist-led tour introduces visitors to the highlights of Yosemite, and presents a good primer on the natural history of the park. During good weather the tours are conducted in open-air trams which offer magnificent views of the surrounding natural features; but in inclement weather, buses replace the trams. Accessible tour vehicles for this popular tour should be requested at least 48 hours in advance, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Top of Menu

Resources

All of the parks have an official National Park Service page, which can be found at www.nps.gov. Although they contain maps and general information about each specific park, these pages are not updated daily.

For updated information about road closures or other time sensitive information, it’s best to visit the Facebook page or follow the twitter feed of the national park in question. Many concessionaires also maintain a strong social media presence and are quite responsive to questions.
Top of Menu

Additional Information for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

National Park Lodges

national-park-lodges

Acadia National Park

Acadia_National_Park_Eagle_Lake_Bridge

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Arches National Park

arches-card

Badlands National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Bryce Canyon National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Canyonlands National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Capitol Reef National Park

capitol-reef-card

Crater Lake National Park

crater-lake

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Death Valley National Park

death-valley-card

Denali National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Everglades National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Glacier National Park

glacier-national-park-entry-card

Grand Canyon National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Grand Teton National Park

grand-teton

Great Basin National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Isle Royale National Park

isle-royale-ferry-boarding

Joshua Tree National Park

joshua-tree

Kenai Fjords National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Kings Canyon National Park

kings-canyon

Lassen Volcanic National Park

lassen-peak-card

Mammoth Caves National Park

mamoth-caves-national-park-3

Mesa Verde National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Mount Rainier National Park

mt-rainier

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

North Cascades National Park

north-cascades-card

Olympic National Park

olympic-sol-duc-card

Petrified Forest National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Pinnacles National Park

pinnacles-card

Redwood National & State Parks

redwood-card

Saguaro National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Sequoia National Park

sequoia-card

Shenandoah National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Voyageurs National Park

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

Yellowstone National Park

yellowstone-lake-hotel-card

Yosemite National Park

yosemite-olmstead-point

Zion National Park

zion
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

glacier-yellowstone-grand-teton-wide

New National Park Access Guide Released!

, , , , , , , , ,

I’m thrilled to announce that my newest national park access guide was just released. The second edition of Barrier-Free Travel; Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers (https://emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-glacier-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/)

is now available. And I’m happy to report that there’s been improved access in — and around — all three parks.

The second edition includes updated information on:

  • Accessible trails and attractions
  • Access upgrades, details and photos 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 national park access guide was a challenging title for me, as of course Charles and I made numerous treks to all three parks (which we always do); but this time we also had to work our travels around our roles as owner/builders while finishing the construction of our new home. To say that it was delicate balancing act is a huge understatement. And although I wrote a good deal of the book at a picnic table on-site while supervising the construction, I’m pleased to announce that we are now finally settled in our new abode. The other good news is now we are even closer to Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, so it will be easier to update future changes.

Access Improvements Galore!

There are of course a lot of changes since the first edition of this national park access guide, but they are good changes. For example 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 the Parks, the new William Bridger Cabins and Glacier Cabin Village both have nice accessible units with roll-in showers.

The in-park concessionaires are doing a great job too, from Xanterra’s accessible Glacier Red Bus Tours to the accessible boat tours down in Grand Teton offered by Jenny Lake Boating. Access is really improving thanks to their efforts.

So grab a copy of my new edition and plan an accessible road trip this year. And don’t forget to get your required entrance permit for Glacier National Park. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment!

Grand Canyon National Park

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Located in Northwestern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. Carved by the Colorado River and the forces of nature, the majority of this geological formation lies within the borders of the national park. That said, the West Rim, which boasts a horseshoe shaped glass walkway out over the canyon, is located on Hualapai land. But no matter what area of the park you visit, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views at this national treasure.

Insider Tips

  • For an interesting look at the history of the Fred Harvey Company, El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge, pop into the Bright Angel History Room on the South Rim. Exhibits include artifacts from these two Harvey Houses, as well as old photos, an 1880 Harvey House dinner gong, and even a vintage Harvey Girl uniform. It also includes information and photos from a Harvey Indian Detour excursion, which took train passengers on a five-night trip to nearby Native American sites. Both the canyon entrance and the main entrance of the Bright Angel Hotel are wheelchair-accessible.
  • All the in-park lodges, except Bright Angel Lodge, have accessible rooms. That said, Kachina Lodge is the only property with an elevator, so it’s a good choice for slow walkers who want an upper floor standard room, but cannot do stairs.
  • Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines offers accessible flightseeing excursions over the Grand Canyon in fixed-wing aircraft from the Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan. There are six stairs up to the aircraft door, but a portable ramp is available for anyone who can’t manage the climb. Wheelchair-users must transfer to a seat near the aircraft door, and wheelchairs are stored at the airport. It’s a great choice for a scenic overview of the park.

Grand Canyon National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Zion National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park

More About Grand Canyon National Park

Barrier-Free Travelthe Grand Canyonfor Wheelers and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

Barrier-Free Travel
the Grand Canyon
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

Buy the Book