Five Wheelchair-Accessible Grand Canyon Views
Check out these wheelchair-accessible views on your next Grand Canyon adventure.
Mather Point
Located just a short walk from the visitor center on the South Rim, Mather Point is one of the most accessible places to catch a good sunset view. There’s a paved path from the visitor center out to the main Mather Point overlook; however that route has a slight incline, so it’s not a good choice for slow walkers who can’t manage distances. That said, the accessible parking spaces in Parking Area 1 are only 100 feet from another Mather Point overlook — and that route is fairly level. From that overlook, it’s just a short level walk past the amphitheater to the main overlook.
Mohave Point
Located along Hermit Road, Mohave Point is also a nice place to enjoy a Grand Canyon sunrise or sunset. The viewpoint offers some good canyon views as well as a glimpse of the Colorado River. There’s also an accessible quarter-mile paved pathway that leads to several canyon viewpoints and loops back to the shuttle bus stop. It should be noted that Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March 1 to November 30, but visitors who are unable to access the park shuttle buses can get a Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit and drive their own vehicles along the route during that time.
Grandview Point
One of the most popular stops along Desert View Drive, Grandview Point is also one of the most accessible overlooks along this road. A paved level path leads out to the overlook, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the Grand Canyon, including several bends in the Colorado River. This stop also includes interpretive panels about the Last Chance Copper Claim, which was located 3,000 feet below the rim and operated from 1890 to 1907, and the Grand View Hotel which graced this site in the late 1800s.
Arizona Room
You don’t have to take a hike for a nice canyon vista, as you can also get a bird’s eye view while eating lunch or dinner at the Arizona Room. Located on the South Rim between the Bright Angel Lodge and Thunderbird Lodge, the Arizona Room has steps at the main entrance, but a level accessible entrance is located on the canyon side. This traditional steakhouse features everything from BBQ ribs and Southwestern chicken and fish entrees, to a nice selection of hand-cut steaks, as well as a sprinkling of Southwestern treats like green chile tamales. Sandwiches and grill items are also available at lunch. Dinner reservations are highly recommended at this popular eatery.
Thunderbird Lodge
Finally, for the ultimate canyon view, spend the night in a wheelchair-accessible room at Thunderbird Lodge. Located next to Kachina Lodge on the South Rim, Thunderbird Lodge features an accessible canyon view room with wide doorways, a lowered peephole, low-pile carpet and good pathway access. A second door opens up to the canyon, and offers a spectacular view any time of the day. This comfortable room is furnished with two 26-inch high queen-sized beds with an access aisle between them, a chest of drawers, and a desk and a chair. There’s a sliding door to the bathroom, which is equipped with a roll-in shower with a hand-held showerhead, grab bars and a portable shower chair. Other access features include toilet grab bars and a roll-under sink. A great location and excellent access — this room has it all.
Additional Grand Canyon Access Information
Accessible Grand Canyon Flightseeing Tour
Accessible Tusayan Lodging
