Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Lehi!

Thanksgiving Point

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting wheelchair-friendly tour of Thanksgiving Point, a vibrant cultural hub located in Lehi, Utah, just a short drive from Salt Lake City. This sprawling 300-acre complex boasts beautifully accessible gardens, museums, and venues, each promising a plethora of awe-inspiring sights and activities tailored for mobility scooter or wheelchair access.

Starting Your Day: Arrival and Getting Around

Begin your adventure at the Ashton Gardens, open from 9 AM to 8 PM. Park at the main lot where accessible parking spots are plentiful. Scooter rentals are available at the entrance, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience right from the start. The garden paths are mostly flat and all 15 themed gardens, including the stunning 50-foot waterfall, are accessible, providing a serene start to your day.

Exploring the Museums

Next, head to the Museum of Natural Curiosity. Utilize the tram service, which offers an accessible shuttle between major attractions within Thanksgiving Point. This museum features more than 400 interactive experiences. Don"t miss the Rainforest; the pathways are spacious, and the area is vibrantly engaging.

For a quieter vibe, visit the Butterfly Biosphere in the late afternoon when it"s less crowded. The Biosphere has ramps and wide pathways, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the exotic plants and fluttering butterflies.

Dining and Relaxation

For lunch, the Harvest Restaurant offers a delightful menu with accessible dining areas. Situated near the Gardens, it’s a convenient spot to rest and enjoy some delicious, locally-sourced food.

Practical Tips

- Plan your visit: Thanksgiving Point is vast, so check the map provided at the entrance or download it online to strategize your visit.

- Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available throughout the property.

- Events: Check the Thanksgiving Point calendar for special events, including the Tulip Festival, which offers special accommodations for wheelchair users.

Join Thanksgiving Point for a day of discovery and relaxation, perfectly accessible for all visitors, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Adventure at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your adventure at Snowbird, a picturesque all-season resort nestled in Utah"s Little Cottonwood Canyon. Accessible parking is plentiful, and the resort is equipped with ramps and elevators. Check into one of Snowbird’s ADA-compliant rooms, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay with features like roll-in showers.

After settling in, take a leisurely afternoon to explore the Snowbird Center. Enjoy browsing through the shops with ease, thanks to wide aisles and accessible entrances. For dinner, dine at The Aerie located on the top floor of the Snowbird Center, accessible via elevator, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 2: Scenic Aerial Tram Ride

After breakfast, head to the base of the Aerial Tram, a fully accessible ride that whisks you to the top of Hidden Peak at 11,000 feet. The tram is equipped with wide doors and ample space for wheelchairs, ensuring you don"t miss out on this breathtaking experience. At the summit, relish the stunning vistas of the Wasatch Range. The observation deck here is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to soak in the majestic landscape.

Day 3: Adaptive Activities

Snowbird offers various adaptive activities during the summer, including wheelchair hiking. Join a guided tour on one of the accessible trails, such as the Adaptive Nature Trail, designed specifically for visitors with mobility needs. The trail is well-paved and offers serene views and picnic spots.

Before departing, relax at one of the accessible spas or heated pools, the perfect ending to your inclusive mountain getaway.

Exit through Snowbird Entry 2, where accessible shuttles can accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, ensuring your return journey is as smooth as your memorable stay at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Brighton Resort

Why Visit?

Brighton Resort: A Wheelchair-Friendly Day Out

### Arriving at Brighton Resort

Begin your adventure at Brighton Resort, easily accessible by car with plenty of ADA-compliant parking available. If you"re using public transport, the UTA ski bus service from Salt Lake City is equipped with facilities to accommodate wheelchairs.

### Morning: Exploring the Base

Kick off your day at the Brighton Center at the base of the mountain. Here, pathways are well-maintained and smooth, perfect for wheelchairs and scooters. The center is home to rental shops where you can find adaptive skiing equipment and arrange lessons with trained instructors specializing in accessibility.

### Midday: Majestic Lift and Scenic Views

Head to the Majestic Lift, remarkably accessible, where the staff is trained to assist with boarding and alighting. Enjoy the breathtaking ascent up the mountainside. At the top, you’re greeted by panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains — a perfect photo opportunity. The Crest Express also offers an accessible lift experience with stunning landscapes.

### Lunch: Alpine Rose

For lunch, dine at the Alpine Rose. The restaurant provides ample space for mobility devices and an accessible restroom. Their wide doors and attentive staff ensure a comfortable dining experience, not to mention the delicious, hearty meals perfect for refueling.

### Afternoon: Visitor’s Center and Nature Trails

Post-lunch, visit the Brighton Visitor’s Center, which features educational displays about local wildlife and flora that are placed at an accessible viewing height. Nearby, explore the Silver Lake nature trails, a boardwalk loop that is fully navigable by wheelchair and offers serene lake views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

### Wrapping Up

Conclude your visit by popping into the Brighton Store near the base. It’s accessible and a great place to pick up a souvenir from your trip.

Brighton Resort not only offers extensive skiing possibilities but also ensures all visitors, regardless of mobility, can experience the beauty and thrill of the great outdoors.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Park City Mountain Resort

Why Visit?

Welcome to Park City Mountain Resort, where breathtaking mountain vistas meet top-notch accessibility! This wheelchair-friendly tour ensures everyone can experience the thrill and beauty of Parkish City, from cozy gondola rides to scenic trails.

Morning Arrival and Gondola Ride

Start your day at the Park City Mountain Resort base area, easily accessible by car with ADA-compliant parking, or by the free city bus that accommodates wheelchairs. Head to the PayDay lift, where you can board an accessible gondola. As you ascend, enjoy panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains — an ideal opportunity for photography enthusiasts!

Mid-Morning: Alpine Coaster

Once you disembark from the gondola, wheel over to the Alpine Coaster. The staff is trained to assist guests with transfers if needed, ensuring everyone can enjoy the exhilarating ride that winds through mountain scenery. Note: Check height and transfer requirements ahead of your visit.

Lunch at Legends Bar & Grill

By noon, you"ll be ready for a hearty meal. Legends Bar & Grill offers an accessible dining room with ample space for maneuvering. Indulge in local favorites like bison burgers or trout, all sourced locally.

Afternoon: Wheelchair Accessible Hiking

Post-lunch, explore the accessible hiking trails. The Silver Lake Trail is a paved path that winds around the scenic Silver Lake, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without any barriers. Along the way, informative signs detail the local flora and fauna.

Late Afternoon: Historic Main Street

Conclude your day with a visit to Historic Main Street via the wheelchair-accessible trolley. This charming district features accessible shops, art galleries, and cafes. The buildings, rich with mining-era history, are a testament to Park City"s vibrant past.

Park City Mountain Resort not only offers world-class amenities but also ensures that they are accessible to all, making it a perfect destination for adventurers of all abilities.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Kennecott Copper Mine (Bingham Canyon Mine)

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Kennecott Copper Mine

Getting There

Start your adventure to the Kennecott Copper Mine, one of the largest man-made excavations on the planet, by heading to the outskirts of Salt Lake City. For wheelchair and mobile scooter accessibility, it’s easiest to arrange private transportation. Aim to reach the Bingham Canyon Mine Visitor Center early to enjoy the crisp morning air and fewer crowds.

Visitor Experience Center

Upon arrival, head straight to the newly renovated Visitor Experience Center, which is fully accessible. Here, you can delve into the mine’s history through interactive exhibits that highlight the mining process, environmental management, and the economic impact on the region. The center features ramps and wide aisles to accommodate mobility devices.

Lookout Point

Next, make your way to the observation deck. This area is equipped with ADA-compliant viewing areas that offer breathtaking vistas of the open pit below. The mine is so vast that it’s visible from space! The lookout provides an excellent opportunity to witness the colossal mining trucks and shovels in action, some of the largest of their kind in the world.

Souvenir Shop & Dining

Finish your tour by visiting the souvenir shop, accessible by ramp, where you can purchase unique mementos made from copper and other materials mined on-site. For lunch, the visitor center offers an accessible café. Enjoy a meal while soaking in more views of the mine.

Interesting Facts

- The mine has produced more copper than any other mine in history, enough to rewire every home in North America!

- Watch out for the environmental restoration efforts that are part of the mine’s commitment to sustainability.

Tip

Check the mine’s website in advance for any accessibility updates or to schedule a guided tour, ensuring a personalized and hassle-free experience.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.