National Parks are a popular vacation choice. Unfortunately that means some of the more popular ones are now more crowded than ever. So how do you beat the crowds? Well you can always get an early start or visit in the off season, but to be honest that’s not always possible. Alternatively you might want to visit one of these lesser known national parks for a more relaxed experience. Not only do they all offer some scenic natural beauty, but they are also good choices for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Isle Royale National Park
Rock Harbor Lighthouse in Isle Royale National Park
emerginghorizons.com/an-isle-royale-wheelchair-accessible-retreat At the top of the list of lesser known national parks for wheelchair-users is Isle Royale National Park. Located in the middle of Lake Superior, there’s a wheelchair-accessible ferry that takes visitors to this remote national park. And once you get to Isle Royale National Park there’s even a cozy lodge with a wheelchair-accessible room.
North Cascades National Park
Accessible Pier on Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park
emerginghorizons.com/the-freestone-inn-a-wheelchair-accessible-north-cascades-retreat Located in far Northern Washington, North Cascades National Park offers some scenic drives, a couple of accessible trails and even a campground with an accessible campsite. And although there’s no lodging in the park, there’s an upscale lodge with a spacious wheelchair-accessible room located near the eastern gateway.
Great Basin National Park
Wheeler Peak Overlook in Big Basin National Park
emerginghorizons.com/escape-the-crowds-in-great-basin-national-park Definitely one of the lesser known national parks, Great Basin National Park is located just off the “loneliest road in America” in Eastern Nevada. Enjoy the scenic drive with accessible overlooks, take a hike on a forest boardwalk or explore Lehman Caves on an accessible tour.
Pinnacles National Park
Prewett Point Trail in Pinnacles National Park
emerginghorizons.com/pinnacles-national-park/ Pinnacles National Park is a great place to spot the endangered California Condor. There are also a few accessible trails, scenic drives and some comfortable accessible tent cabins at this California national park.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The Pinery Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
emerginghorizons.com/discover-historic-guadalupe-mountains-national-park/ Located halfway between El Paso and Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the site of the historic Pinery Stage Stop. There are a few accessible trails in the park, and the Frijole Ranch site is also worth a visit.
Voyageurs National Park
Tour Boat on Rainy Lake in Voyageurs National Park
emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-voyageurs-national-park Voyageurs National Park is located in Northern Minnesota, just shy of the Canadian border. It’s filled with accessible trails, but one of the best ways to see the park is to take an accessible boat tour on Rainy Lake.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Tomichi Point in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-black-canyon-of-the-gunnison/ Known as America’s Other Grand Canyon, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has far fewer visitors than its Arizona counterpart. It offers a scenic drive with some gorgeous views, and a campground with a wheelchair-accessible campsite.
Big Bend National Park
The Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park
emerginghorizons.com/enjoy-a-spring-road-trip-to-big-bend-national-park/ Billed as being more than 100 miles from the nearest freeway, shopping center or hospital, Big Bend National Park is bordered by the Rio Grande on the south. This expansive park features scenic drives, accessible desert trails, drop dead gorgeous views and an accessible in-park lodge.
Redwood National and State Parks
The Lost Man Creek Trail in Redwood National Park, California
emerginghorizons.com/redwood-national-and-state-parks/ This California national park also includes three state parks. Its easy to spend a week exploring trails lined with giant redwoods.. Additionally, there’s a loaner track chair available at Kuchel Visitor Center for use on Freshwater Beach. They also have accessible campsites and cabins in several of the parks, so it’s easy to sleep under the redwoods.
Lassen National Park
Lilly Lake in Mount Lassen National Park
emerginghorizons.com/lassen-volcanic-national-park/ Last but not least on our list of lesser known national parks for wheelchair-users is Lassen Volcanic National Park. Located in Northern California, this remote gem offers a variety of accessible trails and thermal features, as well as some accessible camping cabins. It’s a great place to get away from the city and truly enjoy Mother Nature.
Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Located on the scenic lakeshore, the Lake Yellowstone Hotel (www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com) is the oldest property in Yellowstone National Park. That said, old doesn’t necessarily equate with shabby, as this 1891 gem has undergone massive renovations over the years. The result is not only a comfortable, modern and luxurious place to rest your head, but also a property that boasts excellent wheelchair access. Top off your stay with a meal in the luxurious Lake Hotel Dining Room and you have all the ingredients for the perfect wheelchair-accessible Lake Yellowstone stay.
A Variety of Wheelchair-Accessible Rooms
The good news is that variety is the key word at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Not only does this property offer good wheelchair access in the public areas, but it also has a variety of accessible rooms – 18 to be exact, including seven which have roll-in showers.
Room 226 has two queen-sized beds and is equipped with a bathroom with a tub/shower combination, grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a portable shower chair. If you’d prefer a shower instead of a tub, then room 126 is just your cup of tea. It offers the same bed configuration as room 226, except the bathroom includes a roll-in shower.
Bedroom in Room 226
Toilet in Room 226
Vanity in Room 226
Shower in Room 226
Room 202, on the other hand, is a spacious corner accessible room. It’s furnished with a king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two chairs, an armoire and two bedside tables. The bathroom, which features a full five-foot turning radius, is equipped with a tub/shower combination with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a portable shower bench. Other bathroom access features include toilet grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated), and a roll-under sink.
Room 202 (view 1)
Room 202 (view 2)
Shower in Room 202
Vanity in Room 202
Toilet in Room 202
And if you’d like even more room, then check out room 446 – an accessible suite. The living area is furnished with a sleeper sofa, and it also includes a wet bar with a refrigerator. The separate bedroom includes a king-sized bed, and the spacious bathroom boasts a roll-in shower.
Living Area in Suite 446
Bedroom in Suite 446
Vanity in Suite 446
Toilet in room 446
Bathtub in Suite 446
Shower in Suite 446
Finally if you’d like something a bit different, then try cabin 635. It’s furnished with a double bed, and the bathroom is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), but if you’d prefer them on the other side, cabin 636 has that configuration.
Cabin 635
Bedroom in Cabin 635
Toilet in Cabin 635
Shower in Cabin 635
Vanity in Cabin 635
Public Spaces and Beautiful Views
There’s also good wheelchair access to the public spaces at this lakeside property, which offers a wide variety of beautiful views. Let’s start with the spacious lobby, which features nice views of the lake. And then there’s a large porch where you can get an equally enticing view. And if you’d like to get a closer look, there’s ramp access to a paved pathway down to the lakeshore.
There’s also level access to the Lake Hotel Dining Room, with plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair between the tables. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this popular eatery offers a relaxed dining experience, and features a beautiful lake view. Plan ahead though, as reservations are required for dinner. And if you’d prefer some lighter fare, then check out the Lake Hotel Deli. The menu includes a variety of soups, salads, pastry items and hot and cold drinks. It’s also a good place to pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park.
In the end, the wheelchair-accessible Lake Yellowstone Hotel makes a great home base for any visit. You can enjoy scenic Lake Yellowstone at your leisure; and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is just a short drive away. You can explore the rugged scenery in the canyon area by day, and return to a placid lake view each evening. Truly it’s the best of both worlds.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Built in 1918 by Spencer Brown, The Broadmoor (www.broadmoor.com) has long been know as a five-star luxury retreat. Over the years this Grand Dame of the Rockies has undergone numerous additions and upgrades, and today this historic property also offers excellent access for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Add in a very attentive staff that offers top notch service, and you can see why this property is a favorite choice for folks who want to explore all that Colorado Springs has to offer.
Spend the Night
With nearly 800 rooms, two iconic golf courses, a stunning array of of restaurants and some of the most beautifully manicured grounds in the state, you won’t want for anything once you check-in to The Broadmoor. There’s level access to the main lobby, and you don’t have to worry about parking as the valet takes care of that.
The most accessible rooms are located in the west section of the property, one of the newer areas at the resort. Accessible room 4259 is on the second floor, a short walk away from the main lobby. There’s elevator access up to the room, and good pathway access in the hallway.
Access features in the room include wide doorways, lever handles and excellent pathway access. It’s furnished with a 25-inch high king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two nightstands, a dresser, a desk with a chair, a sofa and two side chairs. And even with all that furniture there’s still plenty of room to maneuver the largest wheelchair or scooter in the room.
The bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius and includes a roll-in shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. And if you need a portable shower chair, just let them know when you make your reservation, and it will be there when you arrive. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and there’s also a a roll-under sink in the bathroom.
Add in a large walk-in closet, a separate vanity area and a small refrigerator, and you have a very comfortable and accessible room. And with the surrounding garden framing the room, it’s also a verdant retreat.
Room 4259 at the Broadmoor
Room 4259 at the Broadmoor (view 2)
Toilet and Shower in Room 4259 at the Broadmoor
Vanity in Room 4259 at the Broadmoor
Explore the Grounds
There’s no shortage of amenities on-site, including a wide variety of dining choices. Grab a steak at La Taverne, enjoy some fish and chips at the Golden Bee Pub, or chow down on Italian fare at Ristorante Del Lago. If you’d like a family friendly venue, check out Play at the Broadmoor which offers casual fare fun games and bowling. And then there’s the Lake Terrace Dining Room for a relaxed breakfast, and a number of casual cafes and lounges for a quick bite. No matter what you crave, rest assured all the on-property eateries are wheelchair-accessible.
Both the indoor pool and the outdoor infinity pool have lifts, and there is also level access to the spa. The beautiful manicured grounds feature paved wheelchair-accessible pathways; and there’s also an accessible footbridge which crosses Cheyenne Lake and connects the east and west wings of the property. There are lots of little nooks and crannies to explore, with benches, tables and lounge chairs dotted throughout the property
Best of all, you just won’t want for anything during your stay. The staff is quite accommodating, and they can arrange for additional medical equipment with advance arrangements. They truly have gone above and beyond in the access department at this property. And that’s reason enough to choose The Broadmoor.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Variety is the key word for wheelchair access in Oregon’s Tualatin Valley. Located in the northwestern corner of the state, this lush area is filled with wetlands and woodlands, and crowned with a Rails to Trails bicycle and pedestrian pathway. Aptly described as a Mecca for wheelchair-users who enjoy the outdoors, this region offers a hearty supply of accessible trails, picnic areas and spectacular views. Add in some great wildlife viewing opportunities and you have all the ingredients for a great outdoor getaway. So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the wheelchair-accessible Tualatin Valley.
First up on the Tualatin Valley list is the Banks-Vernonia Rail Trail. Constructed along an abandoned rail corridor, this 21-mile trail features an easy grade along a paved trail. The trail is six-to-eight-feet wide, and for the most part has a grade of less than 5%. The most accessible parts of the trail are near the Banks trailhead in the south and around L.L. Stub Stewart State Park.
The Banks Trailhead marks the beginning of the trail, and it’s located near the intersection of Highway 26 and Northwest Banks Road. There’s accessible parking in the lot and an accessible restroom near the parking area. The parking lots for the Banks Verononia Rail Trail are operated by the state, and you can either buy a day pass at the trailhead, or use your Oregon State Parks Annual Permit (stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=visit.day-use).
From the Banks Trailhead the trail heads north, as it passes through agricultural lands and riparian areas. It’s a fairly level ride through this area, and you can do as little or as much of it as you like. There’s also a nice section of the trail in L.L. Stubb Stewart State Park. Accessible parking is located near the trailhead, and there’s even a lone picnic table near the trail. This part of the trail is lined with trees and wildflowers and it makes for a pleasant mountain hike. And any part of the trail is great for handcyclists.
Killin Wetlands, which is located near the Banks Trailhead, has two nice accessible trails. This rare peat moss wetlands area is home to a large variety of bird life as well as beaver, river otters and elk. And the scenic rolling hills that surround the wetlands offer some great photo ops.
Accessible parking is located near the barn, with an accessible vault toilet near the trailhead. There are also some accessible picnic tables behind the barn, and some benches that look out onto the wetlands area. It’s a great spot for birders who don’t want to hike into the wetlands.
The .4-mile Peat Swamp Trail begins on the far side of the picnic area. This hard-packed dirt trail does narrow a bit to about two feet in places in the beginning, and there can be a lot of tall grass on the side of this part of the trail. That said, once you wind around to the forest canopy the trail opens up, so if you can manage the first stint, you’re good to go.
About halfway along the Peat Swamp Trail intersects with Waterfowl Way, which is a .2-mile loop through the wetlands. This is a great area for wildlife viewing and birding, so don’t pass it up. The trail reconnects to the Peat Swamp Trail, and then winds back up to the other side of the picnic area. It’s a short trail but definitely worth a stop, as you’ll find lots of bird life on the trail and wading birds in the wetlands.
Fernhill Wetlands
1399 SW Fern Hill Road Forest Grove, OR 97116 fernhillnts.org
Fernhill Wetlands Trail
Another good Tualatin Valley birding site is located over in Forest Grove, at Fernhill Wetlands. The area is owned by Clean Water Services and the trails are managed in cooperation with City of Forest Grove Parks Department. It’s a very pleasant area, with great access.
There’s accessible parking near the visitor center (which is sporadically open) and level access over to a spacious covered picnic area. There’s plenty of waterfowl viewing spots near the parking area, but for the best experience take the .6-mile Water Garden Loop.
There are two ways to get to the Water Garden. You can follow the paved path along the water, or you can take the shaded trail on the right. The latter option is the most scenic choice, as the hard-packed dirt trail winds through the gardens and is sheltered from the sum by bordering trees. And although the water attracts a good amount of birds, the trees are filled with an equally diverse avian population.
Once you get to the Water Garden, take your time to wind around the pathways, cross the bridges and enjoy the waterfalls. The area is home to 200 kinds of birds, so save time to enjoy the view of Fernhill Lake and catch a glimpse of the local residents.
Over in Beaverton, Tualatin Hills Nature Park is also worth a stop. And the good news is, the park boasts two accessible trails.
There’s accessible parking near the entrance, with level access to the Nature Center, accessible restrooms, and the two accessible trails. The Oak Trail heads off the the right, while the Vine Maple trail is on the left. The Oak Trail makes a nice 1.4-mile out-and-back hike, through a hardwood forest, with lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. The equally lush Vine Maple trail, which leads through the forest, over Cedar Mill Creek and out to the Lily Pond, offers an equally enjoyable 1.4-mile round trip hike. Both trails are wide, level and paved, and they make an excellent choice for manual or power wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Another Beaverton stop, Cooper Mountain Nature Park offers a pleasant accessible nature trail. There’s accessible parking in the large lot, with barrier-free access over to the playground and the picnic area with accessible tables. Accessible restrooms are located near the Nature Center, on the far side of the playground, and there’s level access over to the accessible Little Prairie Loop.
This .75-mile trail is wide and level, with a hard-packed dirt surface. It winds through the forest, and as you move along the trail there’s more forest growth, which results in a nicely shaded route. The forest also provides shelter for the abundant bird population in the park. The trail heads out around a wildflower-filled meadow and then circles back to the start. There are several switchbacks along the last leg of the trail, and although it’s not entirely level it’s still doable for most folks. It’s a pleasant escape into nature.
Wildlife Viewing Deck In Back Of The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Last but not least, don’t miss the excellent Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge on your Tualatin Valley adventure. Although there’s parking near the park entrance, it’s best to park in the top lot near the Visitor Center for best access to the trails. There’s accessible parking near the visitor center, and good access to the restrooms and exhibits inside the building.
There are two accessible trails in the refuge; however one is seasonal. The year-round River Trail begins to the right of the Visitor Center and winds out a mile to the Wetland Observation Deck and the photo blind. This wide shaded pathway travels through the forest, and the hard-packed dirt trail is fairly level. It’s a 1.5-mile trek out to the end, but you can always double back if you want a shorter hike
The River Trail at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
At times the River Trail parallels the equally accessible Wetland Trail, which is only open between May 1 and September 30. This dirt trail is level and begins to the left of the Visitor Center. This 3.66-mile loop travels around the wetlands near Chicken Creek, and offers ample wildlife and waterfowl viewing opportunities.
And if hiking is not your thing, there’s a nice accessible wildlife viewing deck in back of the Visitor Center. Additionally, you can reserve a track chair to explore the refuge. Reservation slots are limited, so plan ahead and reserve your track chair online at www.davidschair.org. In the end if you roll, stroll or just sit and enjoy the view, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge has something for just about everyone.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
OI get a lot of questions about flying with lithium-ion wheelchair batteries. There is a lot of misinformation and confusion out there, and many folks are concerned about their first flight with their wheelchair or other assistive device that has lithium ion batteries. So let me try and clear things up for you.
Lithium-Ion Battery Rules for Assistive Devices
So who sets the rules for lithium-ion batteries? Well in the US, these safety rules are set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). That agency sets minimum guidelines for the safe transport of lithium-ion batteries on US aircraft; however individual airlines may set stricter standards or even disallow them altogether.
The magic number for lithium-ion batteries in mobility devices for air travel in 300 watt hours (Wh). If you have a wheelchair or assistive device with a lithium-ion battery of 300 Wh or less that does not have a protective housing, then it must be removed and carried on the plane with you. On the other hand, if the lithium-ion battery (still 300 Wh or less) is installed on an assistive device and it does have a protective housing, then it will need to be carried as checked luggage. If this is the case, you need to notify the airline, as additional protective measures and an inspection may be required.
As for spare batteries, the magic number is also 300 Wh. One spare battery of up to 300 Wh or two spares of 160 Wh each are allowed. The spare batteries must be carried on the aircraft, as they cannot be carried in the cargo hold. Spare batteries should be carried in protective pouches or covered with non-conductive tape to prevent short circuits. Airline personnel will likely inspect all batteries before boarding.
Additional Information
It’s also a good idea to bring a copy of the battery’s Material Safety Data Sheet with you in case there are any questions from the flight crew. You also need to check with the airline in advance (at least 48 hours prior to departure) to see what the specific requirements are, as they do vary from airline to airline. Again, the airlines may have stricter requirements than the FAA minimum guidelines.
Additionally, foreign airlines (non US-airlines) may have different safety regulations and requirements, so it’s best to check with them well in advance of your flight. Most airlines have detailed information listed on their websites. It’s important that you check the airline website before booking because some airlines may not allow them at all,
Additionally, lithium metal (nonrechargeable lithium) batteries are forbidden with assistive devices. That means the airlines will not take them.
And here are a few good resources about traveling with lithium-ion wheelchair batteries, .
Beach Wheelchair and Beach Mat at Megans Bay, St. Thomas
Located along the northern coast of St. Thomas, about 15 minutes from Charlotte Amalie, Megans Bay is the first accessible beach in the US Virgin Islands. It’s the result of legislation to help make local beaches more accessible for disabled visitors. Megans Bay includes accessible parking, restrooms and changing rooms, as well as good pathway access to the concession area. There’s also a paved pathway from the parking area out to a beach mat, which allows wheelchair-users to roll out on the sandy beach. Additionally, a Waterwheels floating wheelchair is available for loan. This specialized wheelchair can roll over the sand and into the water, and allows wheelchair-users to safely enjoy the ocean. For more information about the wheelchair-accessible beach at Megans Bay, visit www.friendsmagens.org/focus-areas/traffic-accessibility/disability-access.
Barrier-Free Travel
101 Accessible Vacations: Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Located along Highway 97 just south of Bend, the High Desert Museum (highdesertmuseum.org/) doesn’t look like much from the lone sign that graces the entrance. That said, as you wind your way up the driveway through the surrounding forest, things begin to come into focus as you spot the main museum building. And by the time you enter the complex, and check out the surrounding enclosures and exhibits, it becomes apparent that this off-the beaten-path find is much more than initially anticipated.
Defined as the highland area on the eastern side of the Cascades, the high desert is the ancestral home to native peoples, as well as a land that supports an abundant wildlife population. The High Desert Museum explores — and even celebrates — the combined history and zoology of the area. This 135-acre campus, which is nicely hidden from the adjacent highway, includes a 100,000-foot indoor museum space, as well as expansive outdoor exhibits. And although the complex was constructed in a rugged natural environment, great thought was given to inclusion, so today wheelchair-users and slow walkers can also enjoy this beautiful space.
A High Desert Primer
Exhibit in the Main Museum
There’s plenty of accessible parking in the front lot, with level access over to the High Desert Museum entrance. And if you can’t walk far, there’s also a large drop-off area near the door. Inside there’s good pathway access to all the exhibits, accessible restrooms and a good number of benches to sit and take a break. A loaner wheelchair is also available.
The bulk of the inside galleries focus on the resistance and resilience of the native people, and highlight the changes in the area over the past 100 years. And then there’s the Desertarium, which has an impressive collection of reptiles and amphibians that reside in the high desert. And don’t miss Juniper, the porcupine who lives in a natural habitat in the Schnitzer Entrance Hall. She and her brother Tumbleweed were born in captivity and imprinted on humans, and as a result they cannot be released in the wild.
Voyager 1941 Panel Truck with High Desert Mosaic
There are also a number of rotating exhibits in the other galleries, and if you get hungry the Rimrock Cafe has some nice lunch or snack options. And don’t forget to stop in the gift shop to pick up a souvenir of your visit, before you head outside to explore the rest of the campus.
Discover the Forest
Birds of Prey Trail at the High Desert Museum
Outside, a series of trails wind around the exhibits and enclosures; and although not all of the trails are accessible, the museum map clearly highlights the routes that have steep grades. From the main building head over to the popular Donald M Kerr Birds of Prey Center, which features a courtyard with some rehabilitated residents, as well as inside exhibits. Outside, you can get up-close-and-personal with a few owls, hawks and eagles; while the inside exhibits focus on the habitat and behavior of the raptors. And don’t miss the pitch black enclosure with the barred owl.
After you’ve had your fill of raptors, head over to the Forest at Night exhibit, with a quick stop at the pond viewing area along the way. There’s barrier-free access to the Changing Forest pavilion, which includes some interpretive signs and wayside exhibits. Inside there’s equally good access to the Forest at Night interactive installation. This exhibit features the constellations above and highlights the nocturnal forest creatures. And there’s also a touchscreen that allows visitors to learn about the adaptations of the nocturnal forest creatures. It’s a fun and educational exhibit for all ages.
Step Back in Time
Settlers Cabin at The High Desert Museum
Another outside exhibit with good wheelchair access is the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill. And this area is truly a step back in time, as it tells the story of the early Central Oregon homesteaders. It includes a 1904 vintage cabin and barn (complete with chickens), a corral, bunkhouse, root cellar and old schoolhouse. Docents are on hand to answer questions, and there’s always a demonstration or two in the area. There’s ramped or level access to most of the buildings, as well as the old sawmill. Kids love this area, but it’s also nostalgic step back in time for adults.
After you’ve has a taste of farm life, continue on along the paved trail through the forest to the Autzen Otter Exhibit. There’s level access to the outdoor viewing area, where you can view the antics of the Brook, Pitch and Wesley, the resident otters. And for a good underwater look at them. there are also some wheelchair-height viewing windows as well as an indoor viewing area.
Of course you can always double back to any of the outdoor exhibits, but to conclude your High Desert Museum visit continue along the paved the trail. The pathway passes a playground and a large open meadow before it ends back at the main museum buildings. All in all, it’s just a half-mile trail, with good signage along the way.
And combined with the indoor exhibits this expansive outdoor area gives visitors a comprehensive – and wheelchair-accessible – look at the residents of the high desert.
Near the Entry to The High Desert Museum
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
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.
Southwest Airlines has long been a favorite airline for many manual wheelchair-users, because they can bypass the aisle chair and use their personal wheelchairs to board the aircraft. This is largely due to the configuration of Southwest Airlines 737 aircraft, as the wide entrance aisle allows many folks to roll right up to the first row of aircraft seats, and skip the aisle chair. Unfortunately, new security additions mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration will change the configuration of the aircraft; and many wheelchair-users who previously used their personal wheelchairs to board Southwest aircraft will now have to use an aisle chair.
New Secondary Cockpit Barriers
So what are these new security additions to Southwest aircraft? Well, after the September 11 attacks, the FAA began to consider implementing higher security measures for US aircraft; however the regulations were not put into place until 2023. These regulations include the installation of secondary cockpit barriers for new aircraft placed into service after that date.
The secondary cockpit barrier is a fold-away door that is attached to the cabin side of the forward galley. This security device is deployed when the cockpit door is opened and closed while in flight. So when someone in the cockpit wishes to exit the cockpit to use the lavatory, the cockpit barrier will be closed by a flight attendant until the crew member returns to the cockpit. Previously, flight attendants used beverage carts to block the aisle, and they stood there until the crew member returned to the cockpit. The new cockpit barrier is a safer and more secure option for the flight crew.
Unfortunately the installation of the secondary cockpit barrier takes a few inches off the already narrow passageway; and as a result many wheelchair-users will no longer be able to access that first row of seats in their own wheelchairs.
Aisle Chair Required
As the new secondary cockpit barriers began to appear on Southwest Airlines 737s in mid-2026, many wheelchair-users reported that their wheelchairs no longer fit past these new security barriers.
It appears that that the addition of the new secondary cockpit barriers have taken off approximately three inches of aisle space. From reports we’ve received, anyone with a wheelchair narrower than 23 inches should still be able to navigate the aisle and transfer into an airplane seat from their own wheelchair. Wheelchair-users with wheelchairs that are wider than 23 inches will now have to use the aisle chair.
Some people ask if this is legal? In a word, yes. The Air Carrier Access Act is the regulation that covers wheelchair-access on commercial airlines in the US. These regulations do not require aircraft aisles to be wide enough to accommodate personal wheelchairs. They do have to be wide enough to accommodate an aisle chair, and this new design allows for that.
So how do you tell if you are going to be on a new 737 with the secondary cockpit barriers installed? Well, unfortunately there’s no 100% way to tell, as equipment changes occur often. Right now only a few of the planes are outfitted with the new devices; however as time passes more and more of the new planes will have them.
Future Flight Preparation
The bottom line is, that if you can’t walk to your seat, you will most likely have to use an aisle chair on Southwest Airlines when the secondary cockpit barriers are installed. And I know that’s a difficult adjustment. Many folks fly Southwest specifically because they don’t have to use an aisle chair to board the aircraft. And that will no longer be an option for many folks in the future.
The good news is that aisle chairs are readily available at the gates, and if you need one, it’s easy to get one. It’s also a good idea to always request one when you book your Southwest flight, even if you could previously roll to your seat. If you happen to find out later that you can roll down the aisle, you can always decline the aisle chair. It’s also wise to be mentally prepared for the possibility that you will need an aisle chair on your future Southwest flights. Be aware of the possibility, so you won’t be disappointed. And don’t let these new secondary cockpit barriers ruin your trip!
I’m taking a Canadian vacation next year and I will be basing myself in Calgary for a few weeks. I use a manual wheelchair and I’d like to take a side trip to Banff for a few days. I’m looking for an accessible transportation provider that will allow me to say in my manual wheelchair for the trip between Calgary and Banff. I’ve found one company that can provide accessible transfers in a private van, but they are out of my price range. Can you recommend a company that can provide affordable wheelchair-accessible transportation to Banff from Calgary?
Hop Aboard Flixbus!
Well if you are looking for affordability, then look no further than Flixbus (www.flixbus.com). They offer accessible bus transportation between Calgary and Banff that won’t break the bank. Instead of standard fares, Flixbus uses a dynamic pricing model, where fares are driven by demand, booking time and seat availability. This model is similar to the one used by airlines, with fares usually increasing as the departure date approaches. So if you have the ability to plan ahead, you can save more money. That said, even the highest Flixbus fares are still a deal.
Flixbus also offers good accessibility, and you can certainly stay in your wheelchair for the entire journey. In fact they can accommodate wheelchairs or scooters with a combined total weight (including the passenger) of 600 pounds and dimensions of 30 inches X 48 inches for wheelchairs, and 30 inches X 30 inches X 48 inches for scooters. Additionally, some buses have hydraulic lifts with weight limits of 800 pounds to accommodate heavier devices.
Booking a wheelchair ticket on Flixbus is pretty easy. After you choose your destination, you can book the kind of fare you need from the drop-down menu. One of those choices is for “traveling with a wheelchair or mobility device”. After you book your ticket, customer services gets an automatic notification of the booking, so that accessibility can be confirmed and the appropriate equipment is dispatched. If the wheelchair spaces are already book on your first choice, you will automatically be rebooked on the next available bus.
And of course, if you have any problems or issues, you can always contact customer service at (855) 626-8585. So give Flixbus a try – it’s an affordable and accessible option for your Canadian vacation.
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