Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in !

National Elk Refuge

Why Visit?

Embark on an inspiring journey through the serene expanses of the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming, a sanctuary that offers extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities tailored for those on wheels. Begin your adventure by arranging your visit from mid-December through early April when sleigh rides through the refuge offer a close-up view of the elk herd, ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users.

Getting There

Arrive in Jackson and access the refuge by car or accessible bus. The visitor center offers reserved parking for those with disabilities, ensuring a smooth start to your exploration. Ensure to book your sleigh ride in advance, specifying mobility requirements so that the staff can provide a sleigh with a ramp for easy wheelchair access.

Visitor Center

Start at the visitor center, where accessible facilities provide comfort and convenience. Engage with interactive exhibits that detail the refuge"s history and the wildlife you’ll see. This is a perfect spot to gain insights into the ecosystem and gather information for your tour.

Sleigh Ride

The highlight is undoubtedly the wheelchair-accessible sleigh ride, gliding amidst thousands of elk. With blankets provided, you can stay cozy while capturing scenes of majestic elk and stunning landscapes. The knowledgeable guide will share fascinating facts, like how the refuge serves as a crucial winter habitat for up to 7,000 elk each year.

Wildlife Viewing

Apart from elk, keep your binoculars ready for spotting eagles, bison, and wolves. The flat terrain of the refuge roads allows for smooth navigation and unobstructed views, enhancing your wildlife watching experience.

Photography and Relaxation

The refuge"s open spaces are perfect for photography enthusiasts. Capture the striking panorama of the Teton Range and its reflection on the water. Designated rest areas along the route provide comfortable spots to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

Conclude your tour enriched with memorable sightings and an appreciation of nature’s resilience. The National Elk Refuge stands not only as a haven for wildlife but as an accessible getaway where everyone can reconnect with nature without limits.

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

Snake River

Why Visit?

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey along the majestic Snake River, tailored for wheelchair and mobile scooter users. This accessible adventure highlights the natural beauty and fascinating history of the area, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.

Day 1: Arrival in Twin Falls, Idaho

Start your journey in Twin Falls. Check into one of the many wheelchair-friendly hotels like the Hilton Garden Inn. In the evening, enjoy a sunset stroll along the paved Canyon Rim Trail, offering spectacular views of the immense Snake River Canyon.

Day 2: Shoshone Falls and Dierkes Lake

Morning:

Visit the mesmerizing Shoshone Falls, sometimes called the “Niagara of the West.” Park at the designated ADA parking spots and use the accessible viewing platform to enjoy the thunderous falls, which are even higher than their eastern counterpart.

Afternoon:

Head to nearby Dierkes Lake, located within the same park. The area around the lake is equipped with accessible picnic spots and restrooms, making for a perfect lunch location.

Day 3: Perrine Bridge and Centennial Waterfront Park

Morning:

Visit the iconic Perrine Bridge, towering 486 feet above the river. The nearby visitor center is wheelchair accessible, providing historical insights and a great view of BASE jumpers soaring into the canyon.

Afternoon:

Explore Centennial Waterfront Park, where accessible pathways lead to serene river views. Consider a wheelchair-accessible boat tour, which provides a unique perspective of the river’s wildlife and landscapes.

Day 4: Departure

Before heading home, grab breakfast at a local café with accessible facilities, reflecting on the serene beauty and thrilling experiences of the Snake River.

Each attraction on this itinerary offers wheelchair access, ensuring that all travelers can experience the beauty and excitement of the Snake River without barriers.

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

Yellowstone National Park

Why Visit?

Day 1: West Yellowstone Entrance to Old Faithful

Start your adventure at Yellowstone"s West Entrance, which is an excellent starting point for wheelchair accessibility. Head straight to the famous Old Faithful Geyser, accessible via the Grand Loop Road. Park at the large lot designated for visitors with disabilities and follow the ramped boardwalks to watch this natural wonder erupt, roughly every 90 minutes. Don’t miss the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, where accessible restrooms, exhibits, and a bookstore await.

Day 2: Grand Prismatic Spring and Firehole River Drive

From Old Faithful, a short drive along the Firehole River leads you to the Midway Geyser Basin, home to the mesmerizing Grand Prismatic Spring. The main overlook is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs, but you can still experience remarkable views from the boardwalk which is wheelchair friendly. Continue your scenic drive on Firehole Canyon Drive, a one-way route featuring a waterfall and multiple stopping points right by the river.

Day 3: Hayden Valley and Yellowstone Lake

Explore Hayden Valley, a wildlife haven and excellent spot for viewing bison, elk, and sometimes even bears from your vehicle. Accessible pullouts offer stunning views and wildlife photo opportunities. Continue east to Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America. Visit the Lake Visitor Center and enjoy the paved trails along the shore.

Day 4: Mammoth Hot Springs

Drive to Mammoth Hot Springs, where you can use the designated parking spaces and accessible boardwalks to view the terraces. The lower terraces are the most wheelchair-friendly. Stop by the Albright Visitor Center, which is fully accessible and offers exhibits on Yellowstone"s history.

Each site in Yellowstone provides accessible features, ensuring everyone can enjoy the majestic beauty of this iconic national park. Remember, the park"s terrain and weather can affect accessibility, so check current conditions and consult park rangers to optimize your experience.

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

National Museum of Wildlife Art

Why Visit?

Accessible Adventure at the National Museum of Wildlife Art

Embark on a captivating journey through the world of fauna at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming. Perched on a cliff overlooking the National Elk Refuge, this architectural marvel not only offers awe-inspiring art but also breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Getting There

The museum is conveniently located just 2.5 miles north of the town of Jackson, right off U.S. Highway 89. Accessible parking is available directly in front of the museum, ensuring ease of access for visitors using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. For those preferring public transportation, START Bus offers a service (Route 1) from Jackson to the museum, equipped with wheelchair lifts and securements, ensuring a smooth ride.

Exploring the Museum

Start your tour by marveling at the stunning building inspired by the ruins of Slains Castle in Scotland, seamlessly blending with the natural environment. The museum is fully accessible, featuring elevators and ramps that ensure everyone can explore the vast collection comfortably.

Dive into the impressive array of exhibits, which include more than 5,000 artworks from 550 artists. Highlights include works by Carl Rungius and Bob Kuhn, alongside contemporary pieces that inspire and provoke thought about nature and conservation.

Don"t miss the Sculpture Trail, accessible via a wide, paved path that offers not only art but also panoramic views of the Elk Refuge—ideal for spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.

Practical Tips

1. Accessibility: The museum provides wheelchairs at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Visitor Services: Accessible restrooms and a café are available on-site, making it easy to plan a relaxed visit.

3. Timing: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and the best light for photography.

End your visit by stopping at the museum shop, which features a range of unique souvenirs, ensuring you take a piece of wildlife and art back home with you.

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

Grand Targhee Ski Resort

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey to Grand Targhee Ski Resort, nestled in the majestic Teton Mountains of Wyoming. Known for its stunning alpine scenery and friendly atmosphere, this resort is delightfully wheelchair-accessible, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking adventure without limitation.

Getting There

The adventure starts with a scenic drive from Jackson Hole, approximately an hour away. Wheelchair-accessible shuttles are available upon request, ensuring a comfortable ride amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Upon arrival, check into one of Grand Targhee"s accessible accommodations, offering rooms equipped with wide doorways and roll-in showers. Refresh and prepare for an afternoon on the Scenic Chair Ride—the resort’s star summer attraction. The chairlift is equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, lifting you smoothly to the summit where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Tetons. The top also features accessible pathways, making it easy to navigate and soak in the mountain air.

Day 2: Activity Day

Start your day with a visit to the Nature Center, easily accessible and full of informative displays about the local ecology. In the afternoon, explore the mountain’s accessible trails, such as the Pika Trail, which offers a paved path through stunning landscapes. For a touch of excitement, try adaptive mountain biking with equipment available for rent, designed to cater to various mobility needs.

Interesting Facts

- Grand Targhee Resort was one of the first ski areas in the US to promote snowboarding.

- The resort receives over 500 inches of snow annually, making it a paradise for snow sports enthusiasts.

Departure

Wrap up your visit with a relaxing evening at the resort’s restaurant, featuring an accessible dining area with awe-inspiring views of the mountain before your departure. The resort’s friendly staff can help arrange for your comfortable return to Jackson Hole.

This wheelchair-friendly adventure at Grand Targhee ensures that the beauty and thrill of the mountains are accessible to all, promising an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.

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