For years, exploring the natural wonders of America’s national parks wasn’t always an option for visitors with physical limitations, but that’s changing in powerful and inspiring ways. The National Park Service (NPS) has been on a mission to break down barriers and open up the outdoors to everyone, and the results are nothing short of remarkable.
It all kicked off with the formation of the NPS Accessibility Task Force in 2012, followed by a five-year action plan rolled out between 2015 and 2020. The goal? Make accessibility a reality across the nation’s most treasured landscapes. From new infrastructure to innovative tools and programs, national parks are evolving to create inclusive experiences that welcome all.
Free Entry, Limitless Experiences
One standout initiative is the free Access Pass—a lifetime pass that gives individuals with permanent disabilities complimentary entry to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including most national parks. But beyond admission, the parks themselves are being reimagined to support a wide range of physical, sensory, and cognitive needs.
Let’s take a closer look at how some parks are leading the charge:
Yosemite National Park, California: Iconic Views, Inclusive Access
At Yosemite, accessibility enhancements include a paved trail to the base of Yosemite Falls, equipped with benches and tactile exhibits like a 3D relief map of the waterfall’s watershed. Renovations at Bridal Veil Falls are also underway to add accessible pathways and restrooms.
Need interpreting services? Yosemite offers those too, along with a comprehensive accessibility guide to help visitors plan their trip with ease.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado: Dune Adventures for All
Ever wanted to glide across sand dunes in a wheelchair? Now you can. Great Sand Dunes provides sand wheelchairs at its Visitor Center, making dune exploration possible for more visitors. The Piñon Flats Campground also includes fully accessible campsites with hardened trails, restrooms, and picnic tables.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky: Accessible Underground Wonders
The world’s longest-known cave system is no longer off-limits. Mammoth Cave offers wheelchair-accessible tours, above-ground trails, tactile exhibits, and audio guides. The visitor center includes textured displays, closed captions, and audio descriptions—so everyone can enjoy an immersive journey below the surface.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming: Epic Views, Thoughtful Design
It may look rugged, but Grand Teton is paving the way with accessibility features like tactile maps, 3D models, 15 miles of shared-use paved paths, and inclusive exhibits. One of the biggest wins? A wheelchair-accessible beach at Jenny Lake, completed in 2019.
And there’s more to come: the park plans to unveil an accessible horse mounting station next year. Plus, nearby nonprofit Teton Adaptive Sports offers adaptive climbing, sled hockey, and more.
Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri: History Within Reach
This urban park blends history and innovation with wide-ranging accessibility features. Wheelchair users can explore nearly the entire site (except the top of the arch), and exhibits include tactile maps, audio guides, and even a live video feed from the top of the arch for those unable to make the journey upward.
Nature Belongs to Everyone
The NPS’s accessibility efforts are transforming the way we think about outdoor exploration. As Jessica Brown of Grand Teton put it:
“When you make things more accessible, it benefits everyone.”
Whether it’s rolling through a canyon, feeling the texture of a mountain range on a tactile map, or hearing the sounds of the forest on an audio trail, America’s national parks are proving that the great outdoors truly is for everyone.
Have you visited a national park with standout accessibility features?
