Accessible Nature in National Parks: Easy Walks to Great Views

You don't need to take a ten-mile hike to see some of America's most incredible natural landmarks. Most major parks have accessible areas with smooth, even ground and short trails that lead to lakes, forests, rivers, mountains and other natural viewpoints. Whether you're traveling with small children, have limited mobility or simply don't love to hike, there are plenty of amazing, accessible options out there for you to immerse yourself in nature's most spectacular vistas.

Here's a look at some of the accessible areas that America's most famous national parks have to offer.

7 Easy Walks to Great Views in the National Parks

1. Yosemite National Park

The Sentinel Meadow Cook's Meadow Loop Trail is one of Yosemite’s most popular trails. This trail is a little over two miles long and features a paved road that's easy to navigate. This trail also has four wheelchair-accessible areas and places for vans to park. If you're looking for a shorter path, the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail is one mile long and mostly paved, although it has a few bridges. The second half of this trail has a small incline. For a classic look at the park with no walking at all, drive to the scenic viewpoint on State Route 41 and take in the majesty of Tunnel View.

2. Grand Canyon National Park

Mather Point is the Grand Canyon’s most accessible trail. This trail is less than a mile long and features paved areas combined with hard gravel. Mather Point has virtually no incline and starts at the Visitor Center, making it one of the easiest trails in the park. The Trail of Time is 1.5 miles and great for kids, wheelchairs and strollers. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more awe-inspiring view with such little effort!

3. Zion National Park

The Pa'rus Trail in southern Utah’s incredible Zion National Park is about 3.4 miles long and suitable for wheelchairs, strollers and dog walkers. This trail has a wheelchair-accessible parking space and features a paved trail, perfect for accessing the majesty of the valley floor. The first mile of this trail is the most accessible, afterward, the trail becomes a little harder to navigate.

4. Yellowstone National Park

Upper Geyser Basin is a 3.5 mile-long trail that provides a view of the famous Yellowstone geysers. This trail is paved with wood and asphalt and has a minor incline. To enter the trail, you can use one of eighteen wheelchair-accessible spaces. If you're looking for a shorter trail, Artist Point gives a beautiful view of Yellowstone's Upper Falls, and is only 0.2 miles long and paved with asphalt. The second half of the trail has a steeper incline, making it harder to navigate than the first half. Still, it's good for people who just want a short trip. And of course there's the immensely colourful Grand Prismatic, a short, flat walk from the nearby parking area.

5. Arches National Park

The Sand Dune Arch Trail in Arches National Park is easily accessible from the nearby parking lot. This trail is less than a mile long and features sandstone, wildflowers and stunning views of the Utah desert. A few areas of this trail are harder to navigate, but overall, it's a short path that's good for beginners. The Balanced Rock Loop Trail is fully paved and only 0.3 miles long, making it great for kids, wheelchairs and strollers. This trail leads to a massive boulder and features arches, flowers and rock formations along the way. And if you're happiest or only able to explore by car, this park offers jaw-dropping views around literally every bend in the road.

6. Grand Teton National Park

Walk along the String Lake Trail for a stunning view of the clear water that Grand Teton National Park is known for. The first half-mile of this trail is made from tightly packed dirt. After that, this trail might not be suitable for wheelchair users due to the rocks and loose gravel. If you prefer, you could drive down the trail and see the sights from inside your vehicle. The area around Mormon Row's Moulton Barn features a short trail that takes you right to the famous barn for amazing photo opportunities. This trail has a small incline, but some people might find it a little difficult to navigate due to the bumpy ground.

7. Rocky Mountain National Park

The Sprague Lake Trail is a short trail that takes you around one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most beautiful lakes. This trail features wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, large campsites, picnic areas and benches where you can relax and watch the lake. You can also check out their more secluded campsites if you want to get away from the crowds. Similarly, the Lily Lake Trail loops around the lake and offers hard-packed gravel that makes it easier to cross. You can visit the lake or enjoy the incredible view of the Rocky Mountains. The Lily Lake Trail is popular with families that have young children and babies in strollers as well as wheelchair users.

Spending time with a local guide is a great way to find the most stunning views, accessible trails and secluded areas in any US National Park. A local guide can also teach you about the history of the park and help you find ways to avoid the crowds, especially in the summer. Find a local guide for a private tour in the US or anywhere else in the world, with a simple search on ToursByLocals.com.