More trails accessible to wheelchair users in Zion National Park thanks to free all-terrain chair

SALT LAKE CITY — Wheelchair users can now explore more trails in Zion National Park without spending extra money.

The park introduced an all-terrain wheelchair that can be requested for a single day’s use at the park. The chair features an extra-wide ballon-like wheel that reduces bumps in the trail, opening up accessibility for more wheelchair users in the park.

However, the chair is a little too long to take on the regular Zion Shuttle so the park also offers a free pass to get your own personal vehicle into the canyon. The chair was donated to the park by the Zion Forever Project.

The park recommends taking trails like Weeping Rock, the Lower Emerald Pools and even long, relatively flat hikes like Deer Trap. According to information from the National Park Service, this is the first accessibility device at a national park in Utah.

The chair does not feature a way for the wheelchair user themselves to get the chair rolling, so requires a person to push the chair. Those interested will need to bring a valid form of ID to request the chair. It goes out on a first come, first serve basis and the park does not offer space to store personal wheelchairs.

A full list of recommended trails are below.

Recommended Trails

• Pa’rus Trail

• Riverside Walk Trail

• Weeping Rock Trail
• Lower Emerald Pools Trail

Additional Designated Trails

• Middle Emerald Pools Trail (cannot connect Middle and Lower Emerald Pools Trails due to trail width)

• West Rim Trail

• Grotto Trail

• Coalpits Wash Trail

• Chinle Trail

• Taylor Creek Trail

• Observation Point Trail via East Mesa

• East Rim Trail

• Cable Mountain Trail via Stave Spring

• Deer Trap Trail via Stave Spring

• Wildcat Trail to Hop Valley
• Hop Valley Trail

For more information check out the park website.