Six Wheelchair-Accessible Trails in California National Parks
California is chocked full of beautiful hiking trails. And although some traverse mountain ridges, while others wind around rocky outcroppings, there are also a good number of wheelchair-accessible options available. And there’s no better place to find them than in some of the Golden State’s iconic national parks. So if you use a wheelchair, scooter or walker, or just need to take things a little slower, check out these scenic wheelchair-accessible trails in California national parks.
Yosemite National Park
Sentinel Meadows
Located near the Yosemite Chapel, this .15-mile boardwalk offers some great views of the surrounding granite faces, and a glance at Yosemite Falls in the distance. Even better — the free park shuttle stops near the trailhead. The boardwalk, which is wide, level and very accessible, loops through a meadow near the Merced River. Alternatively, If you’d like a longer walk, park in the Sentinel Bridge parking lot and follow the wide and level bicycle trail for a half-mile to the boardwalk.
Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks
Big Trees Trail
Next up on our list of wheelchair-accessible trails in California national parks is the Big Trees Trail in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. This visitor favorite is located in Round Meadow, just north of the Giant Forest Museum. Accessible parking is located near the trailhead of this 2/3-mile loop trail. It begins as a wide paved path, before it transitions to an accessible boardwalk when it reaches the wetlands area. Interpretive plaques are located along the way, and it’s not unusual to see bear and deer in the meadow. The shady path makes for a pleasant stroll for wheelchair-users, slow walkers and even moms with strollers. Accessible vault toilets are located at the beginning of the trail, near the Ed by Ned double trees.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Devastated Area
The Devastated Area — which is one of the most accessible trails in this park — is located about 10 miles south of the Loomis Museum, in the north area of the park. Accessible parking and accessible vault toilets are located near this hard-packed dirt trail, which leads past the area devastated by the 1915 Mount Lassen eruption. Interpretive plaques with audio descriptions are located along the trail, and signs of the eruption and the subsequent rebirth of the forest are evident along this easy half-mile loop. And if you’d like to stop for lunch, there are also a few accessible picnic tables near the trailhead.
Redwoods National and State Parks
Simpson-Reed-Peterson Trail
This trail is located in the Jedediah Smith State Park park of Redwoods National and State Parks, just west of the Jedediah Smith Campground. There’s accessible parking and accessible vault toilets near this trail, which winds through the heart of an old growth redwood forest. The asphalt trail at times transitions to forest duff as it leads past fallen giants, with interpretive plaques along the way. About midway along the loop it connects to the Peterson Memorial Trail, which crosses the creek several times and winds through another redwood grove before it reconnects to the main loop. The combination trail is well marked, level and wide; and all in all it’s a little over a mile jaunt through a shaded redwood forest.
Death Valley National Park
Salt Creek Boardwalk
Although the Salt Creek Boardwalk is a nice wheelchair-accessible stroll, it’s located off a three mile dirt road. That said, the road is usually passable in low clearance vehicles; however it periodically closes after heavy rains. The half-mile round trip trail winds around Salt Creek, which is home to the indigenous pupfish. Although the creek dries up in the summer, you’ll usually find water there from November through May. As with many other areas in Death Valley, there’s precious little shade on the boardwalk, so bring a hat and visit early in the day if possible.
Joshua Tree National Park
Oasis of Mara
Last but not least on our roundup of wheelchair-accessible trails in California national parks, is the Oasis of Mara in Joshua Tree National Park. It’s located near the North Entrance behind the Oasis of Mara Visitor Center — just look for the cluster of palms. The paved half-mile loop leads out and around the Oasis of Mara, which is prominently marked by the presence of California Fan Palms. Honey mesquite trees dot the desert landscape, and it’s not unusual to see a cottontail or two hop across the trail. Be sure to take a close look in the underbrush near the palms for Gambel’s Quail, as it’s one of their favorite haunts. Interpretive plaques and benches are also located along this level trail. This refreshing oasis is truly a highlight of any Joshua Tree visit.
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