Five Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Cabins
Nothing beats spending a few nights in a national park. Not only can you get an early start each morning to beat the crowds; but you’ll also be able to spend more time enjoying Mother Nature, because you won’t have to drive to and from the park every day. And although most national parks offer a number of accessible overnight options — tent camping, RV sites and lodge rooms — staying in a cozy cabin is the ultimate national park experience. With that in mind, here are five wheelchair-accessible national park cabins to include in your next trip.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim
www.grandcanyonforever.com
Located on the quieter North Rim, this Grand Canyon lodge features a number of rustic cabins dotted throughout the forest. Cabin 356 features ramp access up to the roomy front porch, which is outfitted with two comfy rocking chairs. Inside, the cabin is furnished with a 26-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair access on the right side (as you face it), a table with two chairs, and a desk with a chair. It also includes a refrigerator and a gas fireplace.
The bathroom is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a portable shower bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink. Top it off with a lowered hair dryer, tissue dispenser and robe hook, and you have a nice accessible setup. And since only 10% of Grand Canyon National Park visitors make it to the North Rim, you’ll also have a quieter experience in this accessible cabin.
Yellowstone National Park
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com
Next on our list of wheelchair-accessible national park cabins — Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins. This Yellowstone choice features traditional lodge rooms, but also boasts some nice cabins that are located near the main lodge building. Cabin B 20, which is located behind the main lodge building, is an accessible unit. It features level parking next to the cabin, with ramp access to the front porch. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the 23-inch high queen-sized bed in the bedroom. Other furnishings include a desk with a chair, and two bedside tables.
The bathroom is outfitted 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), and the bathroom is also equipped with a roll-under sink and a portable shower chair. And since this property is located a short drive from the North Entrance, it’s a great home base for exploring the Mammoth Hot Springs area, as well as Norris Geyser Basin. As an added bonus, it’s not unusual to see elk grazing near the cabin.
Grand Teton National Park
Signal Mountain Lodge
www.signalmountainlodge.com
This historic lodge, which dates back to the 1920s, is located on the east shore of Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Historic log cabins still dot the parcel, and a nice variety of bungalows, cabins, country rooms and secluded retreats are scattered through the lakeside forest near the main lodge complex.
The main lodge building offers ramp access, with plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair inside. Accessible cabin 130 is located a short drive from the main lodge, and boasts a nice view of Jackson Lake from the ramped front porch. The log cabin is furnished with two 26-inch high queen-sized beds with an access aisle between them, a bedside table, a chest of drawers, a microwave and a refrigerator. There’s also a small dining table with four chairs over by the window – again with a nice lake view.
The bathroom has a full five-foot turning radius and it’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead, and a standard showerhead. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink and a portable shower chair. Add in a lowered full-length mirror – an often forgotten feature – and you have a great addition to this list of wheelchair-accessible national park cabins.
Olympic National Park
Kalaloch Lodge
www.thekalalochlodge.com
Last on the list of wheelchair-accessible national park cabins is this beauty. Located on a coastal strip of the national park, Kalaloch means “a good place to land” in the Quinault language. And this rustic coastal lodge is certainly lives up to its name. Accessible parking is available in front of the main building, with level access to the office through a sliding glass door in back. Accessible Cabin 40, which is located near the office, features a large level parking area, with ramp access up to the front door.
Inside there’s plenty or room to maneuver a wheelchair through the well equipped kitchen and dining area. The adjacent living room is furnished with an 18-inch high double futon, two easy chairs and a wood burning stove. The bedroom includes two 30-inch high queen-sized beds with an access aisle between them, while the oversized bathroom boasts a large roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a portable shower chair. Other access features include a toilet grab bar on the right side (as seated), and a roll-under sink with a lowered mirror.
Outside there’s an accessible picnic table on a level grassy spot. And if you’d like to explore the area, this is equipped with some walking sticks and a pair of binoculars. You just can’t beat the rugged coastal views, quiet beaches and fog shrouded inlets in this often overlook corner of Olympic National Park.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Grant Grove Cabins
www.visitsequoia.com
Last but certainly not least, make plans to stay at Grant Grove Cabins when you visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Located in the meadow below John Muir Lodge, these cabins offer rustic yet accessible accommodations.
Accessible Meadow Camp cabin 511 is located a short drive from the lodge. There’s accessible parking on a level pad near the front door, and ramp access up to the one-room cabin. This cozy cabin is furnished with 3 full beds, and includes a private patio in back. The covered patio is furnished with a picnic table and a small wood stove, and it’s a great place to relax and listen to the sounds of the forest in the evening.
The bathhouse is a short level walk away. Accessible family restrooms are located on one side of the building, while pay showers are located on the opposite end. There’s level access to the accessible shower room, which features a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a padded fold-down shower bench. The shower is nicely done, and the hand-held showerhead is within easy reach of shower seat. There’s also room for even the largest wheelchair in the spacious unit.
This historic national park cabin is the perfect choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers who want some basic creature comforts, yet enjoy being surrounded by Mother Nature. Plan ahead though, as this cabin isn’t insulated, so it’s closed during the snowy winter months.
