National Parks for Everyone: Mobility-Friendly Travel Tips from the Road

Everyone deserves to feel the stillness of pine forests, the mist from a waterfall, and the rush of standing on the edge of a canyon.

But for the mobility-impaired traveler, the great outdoors presents its own difficulties, such as inclined routes, sandy roads, and little public transport.

After a few cross-country trips, we've learned that accessibility in America's parks is improving faster than most people realise.

In this guide, we're sharing firsthand tips and favorite stops that go the extra mile for accessibility, what to pack, which tools help on the road, and lessons learned from long days spent exploring.

Top Parks That Prioritize Accessibility

When choosing which parks to explore, we didn't just consider looks. Accessibility includes more than ramps, elevators, or mobility equipments from Skyward Medical — it's whether the experience can be universally enjoyed.

Maquoketa Caves State Park (Iowa)

At first glance, Maquoketa Caves does not look like a terribly accessible park — after all, it's reputed for having rocky cave systems. But it's also the greatest example of how expert planning can improve an outdoor location to make it more accessible.

The park's headliner is the Dancehall Cave, which is reached by a paved, lighted walkway with handrails. Suspended overlooks above the caves provide level terrain and benches, ideal for those unable to negotiate the cave system or who prefer not to.

Families with different mobility needs can split up and still share the same experience — some exploring underground while others enjoying the above view.

While some of the caves involve crawling or rough surfaces, the park is flexible enough to explore without sacrificing its natural beauty. The blend of easy pathways and more challenging routes makes Maquoketa Caves an ideal compromise for varying mobility groups.

Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

Yellowstone's vastness can be intimidating, but it accommodates visitors with mobility impairments.

The National Park Service (NPS) offers detailed accessibility information, and the official Yellowstone app has real-time status on boardwalk and facility accessibility.

Several geothermal basins — Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Norris Geyser Basin — have wide, wooden boardwalks that are stable, smooth, and wheelchair-accessible.

Several of the restrooms are ADA-compliant, and most of the visitor centers have ramps and accessible exhibits.
For transportation, Yellowstone's main roads connect most attractions, and shuttles with tie-down spaces are available in busier zones.

If you're using a mobility scooter, you'll want one with decent suspension. The boardwalks are smooth, but some parking lots still have uneven gravel.

Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim, Arizona)

If you're headed to the Grand Canyon, visit the South Rim. It's the most accessible side of the park, with miles of paved trails along the canyon.

The Trail of Time, a 1.3-mile interpretive trail, offers some of the most breathtaking views. It is also paved and wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses regularly travel around the rim, stopping at major viewpoints such as Mather Point and the Yavapai Geology Museum.

Rest stops along the road have extensive parking lots and wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and specific viewpoints even have low railings designed especially for wheelchair patrons.

Restaurants and visitor centers within the park have ramps and wheelchair-accessible restrooms, so the entire South Rim is wheelchair-accessible from beginning to end.

Yosemite National Park (California)

In Yosemite Valley, accessibility is woven into the landscape. The Lower Yosemite Falls Trail is a smooth, paved loop that leads right to the base of the waterfall — no stairs are required.

Another favorite, Cook's Meadow Loop, is a flat boardwalk trail with open views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls.

The park's free shuttle service is ADA-accessible, and tie-down straps with room for a wheelchair or scooter are provided. Numerous lodging sites and campgrounds, such as Housekeeping Camp and Yosemite Valley Lodge, contain accessible cabins and restrooms.

Since Yosemite's most well-known vistas are concentrated in the valley, the mobility-impaired visitor can appreciate world-class views without walking long or sloping distances. It's one of the simplest places to roll, ride, or stroll through memories.

Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia's your destination if you'd rather visit an East Coast park. Its renowned carriage roads are broad, gently sloping, and smooth enough to handle wheelchairs and scooters.

The park provides an unusual amenity: a horse-drawn carriage accessible by ramp to patrons with mobility devices. The Island Explorer Shuttle, which transports guests between major sites and town villages, is free and accessible in peak season.

For trekking trails, attempt the Jesup Path, a peaceful boardwalk amidst birch woods, or the Ocean Path, a series of multiple levels ideally designed for wheelchair access.

Acadia blends scenery with functionality and demonstrates that accessibility and adventure can be compatible.
 

Packing Smart: Essentials for Accessible Travel

Accessible travel begins before you've left the driveway. After several experiences gained on the road, these items are what we always carry:

• Folding mobility scooter: Look for one that folds or breaks down into smaller parts. It's worth the investment if you travel alone or frequently load it into a car. Models with suspension or air-filled tires handle park paths better.
• Lightweight portable ramps: These are handy for cabins, curbs, and car transfers. A simple two—to four-foot folding ramp can help you navigate uneven entries without relying on others.
• Seat cushions and cooling towels: After hours in the sun or sitting on uneven ground, a supportive cushion or cooling towel makes a massive difference in comfort.
• Water bottle holders and storage bags: Attach them to your scooter or wheelchair so essentials stay within easy reach.
• Backup batteries and chargers: Not every park has charging stations near trailheads. Carry a spare and an extension cord.
• Compact grabber or folding cane: Great for picking up items or steadying yourself on inclines.
• Weather protection: A small tarp or waterproof cover protects your scooter or wheelchair during rainy or misty trail days.
• First aid and repair kits: Include bandages, compression wraps, and tools for tightening bolts or adjusting parts on your equipment.

Take this list as your safety net — small things that make you more self-sufficient and less surprised in the outdoors.

On the Road: What We Learned Firsthand

After the miles of highway and the rest stops that don't keep track, one thing was sure: accessible travel is about being flexible.

Even the most thought-out plans can unravel when an elevator breaks or a “paved path” is loose gravel halfway through.

Rest Stops and Road Breaks

Not all rest stops are alike. Some of the older ones still have narrower doors or steeper walkways.

The best (and in most cases, the newer) interstate stops have roomy restrooms, sliding doors, and lots of open space to roam around. If you can, check Google Maps or state DOT sites to examine rest stop facilities before you head out.

Hotels and Lodging

When booking hotels, don't rely solely on the “accessible” checkbox online. Always call ahead to confirm features like roll-in showers, lowered counters, or grab bars.

Ask for ground-floor rooms when possible, and confirm elevator access if the building has multiple stories. If you bring a scooter, check for an outlet near the bed or in the entryway for overnight charging.

Accessibility Maps

All national parks currently publish accessibility maps pointing out ADA routes, restrooms, and accessible viewpoints. The NPS app also indicates these features and notifies users of temporary closures.

Download maps offline before entering the park — cell service tends to go away quickly.

Scooter and Comfort Tips

Long days on the trail wear anyone out, so rest often. If you're riding a scooter, maintain tires inflated for best traction on dirt or gravel roads.

Following a sun-drenched day, a firm hotel bed or adjustable bed aids in speeding up your back's recovery. We even pack a small wedge pillow for additional leg elevation — it occupies the valuable suitcase space.

Talk to Park Staff

Volunteers and park rangers can be your best access tools available. Some parks permit limited car access for mobility permit holders or employ someone to open secondary routes when ramps are not accessible.

Don't hesitate to ask — most are willing to help make your trip easier. Accessible travel isn't entirely dependent on signs or ramps; it's about communication, planning, and discovering small victories.

Tech and Tools to Help Along the Way

Thanks to new technology, accessible travel has become easy. From scouting out a new park to determining trail conditions, these aids can be a time saver.

• AllTrails App: Filter for “wheelchair accessible” or “paved” trails, and read genuine user reviews that mention terrain quality.
• National Park Service App: Download official accessibility maps, trail alerts, and visitor center details for each park. The app is also helpful in locating nearby accessible restrooms and shuttle stops.
• UniDescription Project: Available for select parks, this app provides audio descriptions of maps and exhibits for visually impaired travelers.
• Adaptive equipment: Folding canes, grabbers, and back-support harnesses help with transfers and balance. A small travel stool or foldable chair can also be a lifesaver during long waits.
• Travel insurance with equipment coverage: Before your trip, check whether your policy covers loss or damage to mobility gear. It's one of those things you hope never to need but will be grateful for if you do.

These tools turn logistical challenges into manageable tasks when paired with preparation and the right attitude.
 

Final Word: Everyone Belongs in Nature

Mobility difficulties shouldn't stop anyone from exploring the outdoors. National and state parks are becoming more accessible, whether hiking on two legs, rolling on four wheels, or gliding on a scooter.

If you've been hesitant to plan a trip, start small. Visit a park close to home, test your setup, and get familiar with your gear. Each trip builds confidence and opens new doors to explore.

The best part of a vacation isn't that picture-perfect scenery — it's the ability to be a part of it.