Throughout southern Utah, to people of all abilities. We asked Dan Glasser, CEO of the National Ability Center, based in Park City, for suggestions to plan a truly inclusive trip for the whole family.
Hike On An Accessible Trail
Many of southern Utah鈥檚 state parks have level and fully or partially paved trails that can accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and adaptive cycles. , a less crowded destination in the Zion National Park area, has a long paved biking loop with views of the park鈥檚 dunes. Its three-mile paved Whiptail Trail provides wild vistas of ancient lava flows.
Try Hand-Cycling On Klonzo and Klondike Bluff Trails
Just outside Arches National Park, the offers incredible views from hand-cycle-friendly trails, says Glasser. And just a little farther north, the trail system has ample accessible cycling trails too. Both include singletrack with red-rock desert vistas. If you don鈥檛 have your own , you can either join one of the NAC鈥檚 organized tours or rent its equipment once you鈥檝e been fitted.
Camp in A Lesser-Known State Park
The Mighty Five national parks don鈥檛 have a monopoly on southern Utah鈥檚 best camping and landscapes. Glasser recommends聽, which has a few ADA-compliant campsites and paved hiking trails with stunning views of the Colorado River winding through red-rock canyons. Dead Horse Point and both also offer yurt rentals.
Take a Jeep Tour
You don鈥檛 have to venture far into the wilderness to see some of southern Utah鈥檚 most beautiful sights. There are plenty of scenic drives you can do in a passenger car, but to get a little further out there, Glasser suggests signing up for a Jeep tour. He recommends checking out , which runs 鈥淗ummer safaris鈥 deep into the red-rock valleys.
Go Rafting Near Fisher Towers
The has long offered whitewater-rafting trips, and one of its classics is the stretch through Fisher Towers. NAC rafts have adaptive equipment to accommodate certain physical disabilities, and staff members are expertly trained to make the experience safe, comfortable, and exciting for everyone on board. On the , you鈥檒l ride through Class II and III rapids with views of the iconic desert spires鈥擳itan Tower, at about 700 feet tall, is one of the largest freestanding natural towers in the United States.
Looking for more聽adventure intel?聽Head over to聽, our interactive and in-depth聽guide to getting off the beaten path in southern Utah.
The wild canyons and mountains of southern Utah have been around for over 2.6 billion years, and we want to protect them for a few billion more. Do your part by following our聽.