Written by Candy B Harrington for Emerging Horizons, April 15, 2024
I’m thrilled to announce that my newest national park access guide was just released. The second edition of Barrier-Free Travel; Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers (https://emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travel-glacier-yellowstone-and-grand-teton-national-parks-for-wheelchair-users-and-slow-walkers/)
is now available. And I’m happy to report that there’s been improved access in — and around — all three parks.
The second edition includes updated information on:
- Accessible trails and attractions
- Access upgrades, details and photos of all in-park lodges
- Accessible lodging options in gateway communities
- Barrier-free campgrounds
- Accessible bus, snowcoach and boat tours
- Accessible shuttles to and around the parks
- Insider access tips
- Fly-drive suggestions with accessible rental vehicle resources
- National park discounted pass information
This national park access guide was a challenging title for me, as of course Charles and I made numerous treks to all three parks (which we always do); but this time we also had to work our travels around our roles as owner/builders while finishing the construction of our new home. To say that it was delicate balancing act is a huge understatement. And although I wrote a good deal of the book at a picnic table on-site while supervising the construction, I’m pleased to announce that we are now finally settled in our new abode. The other good news is now we are even closer to Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, so it will be easier to update future changes.
Access Improvements Galore!
There are of course a lot of changes since the first edition of this national park access guide, but they are good changes. For example Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel renovated their main lodge rooms, and they now have five accessible guest rooms, including three with roll-in showers. And outside the Parks, the new William Bridger Cabins and Glacier Cabin Village both have nice accessible units with roll-in showers.
The in-park concessionaires are doing a great job too, from Xanterra’s accessible Glacier Red Bus Tours to the accessible boat tours down in Grand Teton offered by Jenny Lake Boating. Access is really improving thanks to their efforts.
So grab a copy of my new edition and plan an accessible road trip this year. And don’t forget to get your required entrance permit for Glacier National Park. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment!