The Grand Canyon is one of America’s great treasures and is often referred to as an outdoor lover’s paradise. A seemingly endless variety of educational opportunities, unlimited photographic vistas, and nature are on display at every turn. There’s also hiking, camping and biking to enjoy. And best of all, much of the park is wheelchair accessible, making it a great adventure for the entire family.
Mobility Devices Welcome
Many parts of the Grand Canyon National Park have accessible trails and activities, as well as campgrounds for visitors who use mobility devices. That includes walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and even motorized scooters. Wheelchairs are also available for rental at Bright Angel Bicycles, which is adjacent to the park’s Visitor Center. Also, the North Rim Visitor Center has a limited number of wheelchairs it loans to visitors that need them at no charge.
Getting Around the Park
Parking is available for wheelchair accessible vans. But one of the easiest ways to get around the park is to use its free shuttle service. It offers multiple stops including many scenic viewpoints, the Grand Canyon Village and the train depot. All shuttles can accommodate folding wheelchairs but not motorized devices like scooters. Buses are equipped with ramps and space for wheelchairs up to 30 inches wide by 48 inches long. Service dogs are allowed, but they must comply with ADA requirements. Only service dogs that perform tasks related to its handler’s disability are allowed, which excludes emotional support animals.
Scenic Railway
If you’re traveling to the Grand Canyon using the Grand Canyon Railway, the train can accommodate both scooters and wheelchairs. There are lifts at both ends of the train, and conductors are available to assist passengers.
Roads for Wheelchair Accessible Vans
If you are driving a wheelchair van, there are special accommodations for your passengers too. While Hermit Road and Yaki Point Road, two popular scenic drives, are officially closed to public traffic, a Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit will allow you to drive your accessible vehicle on these roads. Be sure to obtain your permit when you enter the park. They are also available at visitor centers.
Park Accessibility
Except for trails with steep grades or unpaved surfaces, most of the park is wheelchair accessible. Signs are posted showing where visitors can find wheelchair-accessible scenic views, as well as wheelchair-accessible restroom facilities.
Restaurants
Foodservice facilities at the park are also wheelchair accessible, as are the bookstores and gift shops. The exception is South Rim’s Kolb Studio and the upper floors of Desert View Watchtower. Many ATMs on the South Rim have Braille and headphone jacks, and on the North Rim, the Roughrider Saloon and North Rim Country Store have partially accessible ATMs.
Camping and Lodging
When it comes to lodging and campgrounds, all in-park hotels offer wheelchair-accessible rooms, and all in-park restaurants are ADA compliant. Mather and North Rim campgrounds offer wheelchair-accessible sites, but there are no hookups. Another service at Grand Canyon Park includes ASL interpreters.
Grand Canyon National Park is committed to full and equal participation of all visitors. It continually upgrades its facilities to make them more accessible to individuals with limited mobility. If you have concerns about hearing, sight, or mobility issues, contact a Park Ranger upon arrival at the Visitor Center.
