Written by Cory Lee, June 2025
After our recent trip in Yellowstone National Park, my mom, our friend Kayla, and I decided to drive over to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a few days, so that we could check out another national park on our bucket list – Grand Teton National Park! You can drive to Grand Teton from West Yellowstone in just a couple hours, which could probably make it a day trip, but we decided to get a hotel in Jackson Hole to fully enjoy everything the area had to offer. And that was definitely a good choice!
We had so much fun in Jackson Hole, which I’ll write about in a separate blog post soon, but the real highlight was spending a full day in Grand Teton National Park. While Grand Teton didn’t offer as many accessible trails and things to do as Yellowstone, we still had a fantastic experience and absolutely loved Grand Teton. In terms of scenic beauty, it is simply unbelievable and should be seen by everyone at least once.
From rolling on a smooth trail for over six miles to boating around Jenny Lake and more, our wheelchair accessible Grand Teton National Park adventures were unforgettable. If you’re planning to visit this national park as a wheelchair user, hopefully this blog can give you some ideas of things to do while you’re there!
Wheelchair Accessible Grand Teton National Park
Our journey began, as all of our national park adventures do, with the flash of my National Parks Access Pass. This incredible pass, available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities, provides free lifetime access to national parks and federal recreation lands. It’s a game-changer for anyone with a disability who loves to explore the outdoors, and it made our entry into Grand Teton seamless. You can apply for an Access Pass online for a minimal fee or in-person at any national park.
Our first stop was the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. This is always a crucial starting point for me when visiting national parks, as speaking with a park ranger is invaluable for gathering up-to-date information on accessible trails and facilities. The rangers at Jenny Lake were incredibly helpful, offering insights and recommendations that were essential for our day.
Beyond the helpful staff, the Visitor Center also had a fantastic gift shop. It’s always a treat to browse for souvenirs and mementos, and this one had a great selection, perfect for commemorating our visit. And I found an accessible companion-care restroom here as well!
One of the highlights of our day was a scenic boat ride with Jenny Lake Boating, located just a short walk/roll from the Visitor Center. We purchased our tickets in advance online, which I highly recommend, especially during peak season. Getting on and off the boat was surprisingly easy thanks to a readily available ramp.
My mom, Kayla, and I settled into an accessible open-air area at the back of the boat. The weather was warm and sunny, and this vantage point offered unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
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For a delightful 90 minutes, our knowledgeable guide, Hanna, captivated us with fascinating details about the area’s geology, history, and wildlife. It was a truly immersive experience, allowing us to appreciate the national park’s beauty from a unique perspective without any accessibility barriers.
After our relaxing boat ride, we set out to explore Rock Beach. This gem was easily accessible from where we disembarked the boat, a mere 0.1 mile from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. The path leading to the beach was paved, allowing me to roll smoothly and effortlessly right up to the water’s edge.
The views from Rock Beach were simply breathtaking. The Tetons reflecting in the calm waters of Jenny Lake created a picture-perfect scene. Being able to get so close to the water and soaking in the panoramic views was amazing. If you’d like to actually get in the water here, you could use a transfer sling (I personally love the ableSling Lite!) to get in the water.
We embarked on another accessible adventure after taking in the views of Jenny Lake. We decided to roll on the Multi-Use Path within Grand Teton National Park. This path is a testament to Grand Teton’s commitment to accessibility and you can easily join the Multi-Use Path from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, making it a convenient and central starting point for exploring more of the park.
I rolled a solid six miles on this fully paved and incredibly smooth surface, while my mom and Kayla enjoyed the path on bicycles they rented from our hotel. The fact that we could all enjoy the same trail, each at our own pace and using our preferred mode of transport, was wonderful.
Rolling along, surrounded by the park’s natural beauty, with the fresh mountain air filling my lungs, was a really special experience. The smooth pavement meant I could focus on the incredible views rather than worrying about uneven terrain, allowing me to immerse myself in the moment. Whether you roll six miles or one mile, it’s certainly worth experiencing the Multi-Use Path for a little while at least.
As our day in wheelchair accessible Grand Teton National Park drew to a close, and we were driving out, the park offered us one last parting gift: an elk sighting! It was the perfect way to cap off an incredible day. Seeing such magnificent wildlife in their natural habitat is always a humbling experience, and it felt like a fitting farewell from this special place.
Where to Stay: Hotel Jackson
While in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, we stayed at the wonderful Hotel Jackson! Hotel Jackson is right in the heart of downtown in the best possible location near so many great restaurants, shops, and attractions. It is also just a short drive from Grand Teton National Park (about 20 minutes)!
We stayed in room number 115, which had two queen beds. They were 29 inches tall, which worked perfectly for me, but the beds did not have enough clearance underneath them for a hoyer lift. The bedroom had a fireplace, a Nespresso machine, a mini fridge, and plenty of space for me to maneuver around in my wheelchair.
In the bathroom, there was a toilet with grab bars, a pull-under sink, and a roll-in shower with smooth entry. A shower seat was provided by the hotel and it could easily move to be closer to the controls within the shower.
For my accessibility needs, the room was great and the staff at Hotel Jackson were absolutely phenomenal! Seriously, they were so helpful and nice and if I’m ever back in Jackson Hole, I’ll certainly stay here again. Learn more about Hotel Jackson and book a stay of your own by clicking here.
My visit to Grand Teton National Park as a wheelchair user was an overwhelmingly positive experience. The park’s dedication to accessibility, from the well-maintained facilities to the paved paths and accessible boat tours, made it possible for me to fully immerse myself in its beauty. For anyone considering a visit to Grand Teton, especially those with mobility challenges, I fully recommend it. With a little planning and the right information, this national park is accessible to all, offering an unforgettable journey into the heart of the American West.
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