Yosemite for Everyone: Five Must-See Places for Bikers and Slow Walkers

At first glance, Yosemite National Park seems like it would be a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. After all, you can’t exactly climb Half Dome or El Capitan. That being said, a lot of access improvements have been added to the park over the past 20 years, making it now more accessible to everyone. With that in mind, here are five must-see attractions for wheelchair users and slow walkers in California’s first national park.

Yosemite Lower Falls

Located near Yosemite Valley Lodge, the trail to Lower Yosemite Fall received some major improvements in 2005. The eastern section of the wide paved trail leads through the forest to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. There is also a small boardwalk section on the trail, which has low bumpers for an unobstructed wheelchair view. There are benches and interpretive plaques along the way, and it’s a nice place to just sit and enjoy Mother Nature. Also, you can’t get over the feeling of the mist on your face as you admire the roaring waterfall.

Indian people of the Ahwahnee

This reconstructed town, which is just behind the Yosemite Museum, is often overlooked by visitors. There are paved level paths through the village, which is dotted with interpretive plaques telling the history of the Miwok people. In the center of the town there are dirt roads that lead to the different houses; however, the paths are quite flat and although there are rocks here and there, they are easy to avoid. As a bonus, the village is always open, even when the museum is closed.

Happy Isles Nature Trail

Although visitors with accessible placards or plates can drive on Happy Isles Road, this route is also a good walk due to the absence of private vehicles. The road is fairly level and if you get tired you can always hop on the wheelchair accessible shuttle bus at the Happy Isles or Mirror Lake stops. From Half Dome Village it is one mile to Happy Isles and then another 7 miles to Mirror Lake. And if you want to complete the loop, it’s an extra mile back to Half Dome Village. The path is also open to bicycles, so rent a handbike at Half Dome Village or Yosemite Valley Lodge, pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy a day.

Lake reflection

Although the one-mile trail to Mirror Lake is wide and paved, it loses its access at about the 0.65 mile point due to the steep grade. With that being said, visitors with accessible placards or plates are allowed to drive on the highway. Accessible vault restrooms are available down the street, and some of the picnic tables that are at ground level can be used for wheeled vehicles. It should be noted that Mirror Lake is seasonal and typically dries up in late summer; however, the site always boasts spectacular granite views.

glacier point

Last but not least, save some time for the drive to Glacier Point, which offers a commanding view of Yosemite Valley and a panoramic view of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Although the path to the upper viewpoint is steep and has stairs, there is an accessible path just to the left of the stairs. This wide paved road features a series of switchbacks and offers a gentle and accessible climb to the top viewpoint. Signage is also good at Glacier Point, making it relatively easy to locate the accessible route.