trails

Kings Canyon National Park

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Located in the Central California Sierras, Kings Canyon National Park is just a short drive from Sequoia National Park. It’s composed of two distinct regions — Grant Grove and Cedar Grove. These two regions are connected by the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, which runs through a section of the Sequoia National Forest between them. Grant Grove is known for its giant sequoias, while Cedar Grove boasts some magnificent granite canyons. And both areas feature an abundance of wildlife and some spectacular windshield views.

Insider Tips

  • For a bird’s eye view of the park, head up to Panoramic Point. The two-mile road to the viewpoint is located on the far side of the visitor center parking lot. Just follow the signs to John Muir Lodge, and make a sharp right just before you reach the lodge. At the end of the one-lane winding road there’s accessible parking and a paved path out to the viewpoint, which also offers a glance at Hume Lake, Spanish Mountain and Mt. Goddard in the distance. It’s definitely worth the short walk.
  • Grant Grove Cabins offers a nicely accessible rustic cabin, which is furnished with two queen-sized beds and includes a covered patio with a picnic table and a small wood stove. An accessible bathhouse, with family restrooms and a roll-in shower, is located nearby. It’s a nice choice for folks who enjoy nature, but don’t really want to pitch a tent.
  • Grizzly Falls Picnic Area, which is located along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, makes an excellent lunch stop. A short paved loop leads from the parking area to several accessible picnic tables on cement pads. As an added bonus, there’s a great view of the falls from any of the picnic tables and even the parking area.

Kings Canyon National Park Itineraries

Nearby National Parks

Sequoia National Park
Yosemite National Park

More About Kings Canyon National Park

Barrier-Free TravelYosemite, Sequoia and Kings CanyonNational Parksfor Wheelers and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

Barrier-Free Travel
Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks
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

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

Glacier National Park

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Known as the “Crown of the Continent” because the Continental Divide bisects the park, Glacier National Park encompasses more than a million acres of coniferous forests, alpine meadows, pristine lakes and glacier-carved peaks. The wildlife in the park is just as diverse at the landscape that supports it, and it includes elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and one of the largest remaining grizzly populations in the lower 48 states.

Insider Tips

  • A well kept secret along Going-to-the-Sun Road, Red Rock Point offers a beautiful view of McDonald Creek cascading down over the massive red rocks. The turnout is located about a mile north of the Trail of the Cedars on the left side of the road. Keep your eyes peeled when you get close, as there is absolutely no signage to mark the overlook. There’s accessible parking near a hard-packed dirt path that leads .06 miles out to a boardwalk viewing platform.
  • Although the historic Red Buses of Glacier National Park are not wheelchair-accessible, Xanterra Parks and Resorts has two wheelchair-accessible vehicles in their. The lift-equipped buses have roll-up plastic flaps on the windows, and passengers get a full view of everything around them, thanks to an on-board camera and monitors Even better — the accessible vehicle is booked solely for your party, so you get a private tour at the regular tour price.
  • In addition to an entrance fee or a park pass, a day use entrance reservation is also required for Glacier National Park visitors during peak visitation periods in the summer. Entrance reservations are currently required for the West Entrance Station, the Camas Entrance Station and Many Glacier Valley. That said the park adjusts the system annually, so check the park website for the most current information. Entrance reservations are not available at the park. They must be purchased at recreation.gov in advance. Visitors without an entrance reservation will not be admitted.

Glacier National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park

More About Glacier Natioal Park

 

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

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

Barrier-Free TravelDeath Valley National Parkfor Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

Barrier-Free Travel
Death Valley National Park
for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers

Buy the Book

Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

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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.
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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.

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Free Days

Even if you don’t have a park pass, you can still get free admission on one of the five “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. 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.

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday (January)
The first day of National Parks Week (mid-April)
Juneteenth (mid-June)
Anniversary of the Great Outdoors Act (August)
National Public Lands Day (late September)
Veterans Day (November)

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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
Mount Rainier 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/
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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/.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Additional Information for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair

National Park Lodges

national-park-lodges

Arches National Park

arches-card

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

Death Valley National Park

death-valley-card

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

Joshua Tree National Park

joshua-tree

Kings Canyon National Park

kings-canyon

Lassen Volcanic National Park

lassen-peak-card

Mount Rainier National Park

mt-rainier

North Cascades National Park

north-cascades-card

Olympic National Park

olympic-sol-duc-card

Pinnacles National Park

pinnacles-card

Redwood National & State Parks

redwood-card

Sequoia National Park

sequoia-card

Yellowstone National Park

yellowstone-lake-hotel-card

Yosemite National Park

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Zion National Park

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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

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Bryce Canyon National Park

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Named for Ebenezer Bryce, a Scottish immigrant who settled in the Paria Valley in 1875, Bryce Canyon National Park is known for the spire-like hoodoos that seem to magically rise from the canyon floor. Created by a combination of freezing, thawing and erosion, these unusual limestone formations were sculpted over millions of years. Today, this Utah national park is often described as a cave without a ceiling; as the hoodoos bear a striking resemblance to stalagmites found on cavern floors.

Insider Tips

  • Free wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus transportation through the park amphitheater is available from April through the end of September. Although cars are allowed along this route, parking is at a premium during the busy summer season, so taking the shuttle bus is the easiest way to see the park.
  • Don’t miss the Bryce Canyon Shared Use Path – the longest accessible trail in the park. This paved trail begins outside of the park at the shuttle staging area at Ruby’s in Bryce Canyon City, and travels 2.4 miles to the park entrance, then continues another 2.6 miles to Inspiration Point. It also connects with the shuttle system at the visitor center, general store, lodge, Sunset Point, Sunset Campground and Inspiration Point, so you can do as much of the trail as you like, then hop on the accessible shuttle to return to your car.
  • The historic Lodge at Bryce Canyon, which dates back to 1925, offers four wheelchair accessible rooms – two with roll-in showers and two with tub/shower combinations. This rustic property was the brainchild of Gilbert Stanley Underwood who also designed Old Faithful Lodge at Yellowstone, the Ahwahnee at Yosemite, and Jackson Lake Lodge at Grand Teton National Park.

Bryce Canyon National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Zion National Park
Capitol Reef National Park

More About National Parks in Utah

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Utah National Parks
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Arches National Park

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Located in Eastern Utah just five miles north of Moab, Arches National Park is known for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches. The main park road runs from the visitor center to the Devils Garden Trailhead, and connects with side roads to the Windows Section and Wolfe Ranch. And although the major sites are marked on the park map, there are also a number of unmarked pullouts along the way that offer spectacular windshield views of the beautiful red rock landscape.

Insider Tips

  • Don’t miss Balanced Rock – one of the most accessible sites in the park. It offers a nice .2-mile out-and-back accessible stroll around the seemingly precariously perched namesake rock, with a killer view from an overlook located midway along the route.
  • Although the main trail to Skyline Arch is not accessible, due to steps and rocks. wheelchair-users and slow walkers can easily access the other side of the arch from the Needles Campground. Just drive to the amphitheater, park in the accessible parking area, and take the level sidewalk over to the amphitheater. There’s an absolutely beautiful close-up view of Skyline Arch from just about anywhere in the amphitheater.
  • In addition to an entrance fee or a park pass, a day use vehicle entrance reservation is also required for Arches National Park, for visits from April through October between 7 AM and 4PM. Reservations are released in monthly blocks on recreation.gov beginning in January. Print out the reservation or do a screen capture, as cell phone service is spotty in the park. Entry reservation are not available at the park, and visitors who don’t have one will not be admitted.
  • If you don’t have an entrance reservation, consider entering the park before 7 AM. You’ll dodge the crowds and the park is absolutely beautiful as things begin to come to life for the day.

Arches National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Canyonlands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park

More About National Parks in Utah

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Utah National Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

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Track Chairs Available at Minnesota State Parks

Track Chairs Available at Minnesota State Parks

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If you’ve thought of visiting a Minnesota State Park, but felt you couldn’t navigate the terrain, then check out these loaner track chairs available at Minnesota State Parks. Unlike standard wheelchairs, these power track chairs have tank tracks rather than wheels, and they are excellent for use on inaccessible trails.

There’s no charge to borrow a track chair, but track chair-users will be required to sign a liability waiver. No verification of disability — such as an accessible parking placard or doctor’s note — is required. Although all locations have a transfer board, park staff are not allowed to assist with transfers, so if you can’t transfer independently you’ll need to bring along assistance. And don’t forget to pack along a water bottle and some snacks, as they are not usually available along the more rugged trails.

Advance reservations are required, so call the park directly to make sure the track chair is available on your desired date. Track chairs are available at the following Minnesota State Parks.

Blue Mounds State Park
Luverne, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00121#homepage

Camden State Park
Lynd, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00127#homepage

Crow Wing State Park
Brainerd, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00139#homepage

Father Hennepin State Park
Isle, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00142#homepage

Fort Snelling State Park
St. Paul, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00154#homepage

Frontenac State Park
Frontenac, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00160#homepage

Itasca State Park
Park Rapids, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#homepage

Lake Bemidji State Park
Bemidji, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00205#homepage

Lake Carlos State Park
Carlos, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00211#homepage

McCarthy Beach State Park
Side Lake, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00226#homepage

Maplewood State Park
Pelican Rapids, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00229#homepage

Myre-Big Island State Park
Albert Lea, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00175#homepage

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Two Harbors, MN
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00266#homepage

Barrier-Free TravelYosemite, Sequoia and Kings CanyonNational Parksfor Wheelers and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

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Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks
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Department of Wildlife Launches Kansas Track Chair Program

Department of Wildlife Launches Kansas Track Chair Program

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism recently launched the Adaptive Sportsmen of Kansas (ASK) program in order to ensure that hunters and anglers with disabilities have better access to outdoor areas. Made possible with support from Bushnell Optics and the National Wild Turkey Federation, this program provides track chairs on a first-come basis at pre-approved events and conservation-based activities throughout the state. These Action Trackchairs are outfitted with tank tracks instead of wheels and are controlled by a joystick. They are also equipped with a four-point harness, a gun mount, a fishing rod holder, a LED headlight and a utility box for extra storage. For more information about events and activities that will have track chairs available, contact ASK Program Coordinator Jessica Rice at (913) 278-2362 or Jess.rice@ks.gov. And for more information about this Kansas track chair program, visit ksoutdoors.com/Outdoor-Activities/Track-Chairs-ASK-Program.

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