For wheelchair users, the great outdoors can sometimes feel off-limits. With uneven terrain and unexpected obstacles courtesy of nature, many people with disabilities might choose to stay indoors rather than venture outside. But across many U.S. national parks—which adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990—enjoying the sunshine and fresh air is entirely possible, no matter your abilities. Here are four of the best wheelchair-accessible trails in U.S. national parks.
Accessible Outdoors
Rough paths and natural barriers can make outdoor exploration tough for wheelchair users. Fortunately, these U.S. national parks offer paved trails that let everyone experience nature up close.
Shark Valley, Everglades National Park
Don’t expect sharks here, but you will spot plenty of alligators! Just 40 minutes west of Miami, this 15-mile loop in Everglades National Park is incredibly wheelchair-friendly.
“My favorite thing about Shark Valley is that I can get close to the alligators without disturbing their habitat. There aren’t many places where you can do that safely and accessibly,” says Jessika Kattah, a Florida resident and manual wheelchair user.
If you’d rather not wheel yourself, an accessible tram (which can hold two wheelchairs with advance notice) is also available.
General Sherman Tree Trail, Sequoia National Park
This short, accessible trail leads to one of the most massive trees on Earth—the General Sherman Tree, standing 275 feet tall with a 36-foot-wide base.
Candy Harrington, author of Barrier-Free Travel, says the quarter-mile paved trail “has excellent wheelchair access” with nearby accessible parking and restrooms. She’s visited over 50 times but still remembers her first encounter: “I was about five when I first saw the tree. I stood there in awe, staring up until my dad nudged me along.”
South Rim Trail, Grand Canyon National Park
Can you even talk about national parks without mentioning the Grand Canyon? Probably not—and for good reason. It’s one of Earth’s most breathtaking sights, and it’s also highly accessible.
Many sections of the South Rim Trail are wheelchair-friendly, with stunning canyon views, accessible parking, adapted hotel rooms, and an accessible visitor center restroom.
Lynn Houston, a manual wheelchair user, loves visiting the South Rim near the lodges: “I love being able to see the canyon while seated. There are smooth spots where you get an amazing view without needing to stand.”
Pa’rus Trail, Zion National Park
Utah is home to five national parks, and Zion is the most popular—with great accessibility to match. While there are a few wheelchair-friendly trails here, the best is the Pa’rus Trail: 1.5 miles long, eight feet wide, and smoothly paved.
Bonus? The trailhead at the Visitor’s Center has accessible parking and restrooms, making Zion’s beauty open to everyone.
Explore More
These four trails are just a glimpse of the many wheelchair-accessible paths across U.S. national parks. Whether you’re after jaw-dropping views or wildlife encounters (from a safe distance!), there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors.