Written by Eve Chen, USA Today, December 30, 2024
From the start, the world’s first national park was intended “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” Those words can still be seen inscribed on Roosevelt Arch near the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
But not everyone can enjoy America’s national parks the same way.
More than one in four U.S. adults has a disability, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, and that can impact how they experience places like parks.
“The National Park Service strives to make all parks accessible to visitors of all abilities, ensuring that everyone can benefit from programs, services, and activities,” National Park Service spokesperson Cynthia Hernandez told USA TODAY.
Some parks may be more accessible than others, and access needs vary by disability. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
An analysis of Tripadvisor reviews by prosthetics solutions guide isBrave found these nine destinations to be the most “accessible national parks for disabled visitors.”
America’s most accessible national parks
- Yosemite National Park in California
- Mount Rainier National Park in Washington
- Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
- Arches National Park in Utah
- Zion National Park in Utah
- Acadia National Park in Maine
- Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico
- Canyonlands National Park in Utah
The rankings were based on isBrave’s analysis of Tripadvisor reviews filtered by keywords like accessible, disability, wheelchair, and mobility as well as positive, negative and neutral reviews. Rankings by others include parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain on their lists.
Many of the parks were praised for having paved paths and the ability to drive to points of interest. But as Hernandez notes, “Accessibility efforts go beyond wheelchair access to include a range of cognitive and sensory accommodations, as well as physical accommodations.”
Are national parks accessible?
Earlier this year, an Outdoor Recreation Consumer Study by Booz Allen Hamilton, which provides technology consulting for the federal government, found that only 39% of Americans consider national parks an accessible travel option. Additionally, 44% of the 3,000 U.S. adults surveyed said they would be more likely to visit a national park if they can find accessibility information online.
Each national park has an accessibility section on its respective website. “We recommend visitors head to the park’s accessibility page through the NPS website and prepare with the appropriate gear and equipment needed for you or anyone else that you may be traveling with,” Hernandez said. “Additionally, check out the trip planning guide available on the NPS website, which provides helpful information to ensure an enjoyable and safe visit for everyone.”
Parks offer a range of accommodations for various access needs. For instance, Gateway Arch National Park offers tactile models and audio descriptions of exhibits for blind and low-vision visitors. Death Valley National Park offers sensory guides and loans out sensory kits with items like polarized sunglasses, noise-canceling headphones, and Velcro task boards to help neurodiverse visitors. Denali National Park offers assistive listening devices and with advance notice, American Sign Language interpretation for its ranger programs.
Accessibility improvements are also among many projects funded by visitor entrance fees. ‘This is everyone’s park’: How America’s most visited park became more accessible
Can disabled people get into national parks for free?
Yes.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents who “have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) that severely limits one or more major life activities” are eligible for the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass, according to the National Park Service.
The free passes are available in person at federal recreation sites. They may also be ordered online, but are then subject to a $10 shipping and handling fee.