California- Yosemite National Park Not only is this park one of the most beautiful places in the world, it also happens to have several accessible trails.  I urge everyone to visit this park; you'll keep coming back!

_______________________________________________ Yosemite Valley- the following trails are located in the Valley unless otherwise noted - the Valley Loop Road runs one way around the valley.  This is the most popular part of the park, and it can be very crowded during the summer.  Several great wheelchair accessible trails are located here. - for a Yosemite Valley hiking map go to http://www.yosemite.jp/mt31/archives/valleyhikes.pdf - also recommended:  Yosemite Accessiblity Guide www.nps.gov/yose/access  Lower Yosemite Falls * (photos below) - there is no longer a parking lot for this area.  If driving a car, park on Loop Road or across the street at the Yosemite Lodge.  If taking the shuttle, get off at shuttle stop #6; it's very clearly marked. (see top left photo below for shuttle stop) - at trailhead, take east trail (marked as wheelchair accessible) which will lead to falls viewing area (west trail is accessible most of the way but the very last part up to the viewing area is not); see top right photo below - round trip up to viewing area is a little over 1 mile - 4 to 8 foot wide path winds around enormous boulders, through woods and over stream; it's really a beautiful hike! - according to the park ranger, the best times to view the waterfall are May and June.  It drys up late summer. - accessible restrooms and payphone are located at base of trail near shuttle stop #6

_____________________________________________________________  "Multi-use" paved trail throughout the valley/not a named trail * Some of the best accessible hiking in the valley is on this 12 mile paved trail which is used by hikers and bicyclists - trail wanders through the village, along the Merced River, through woods and meadows - I recommend spending some time on this trail! - the accessibility guide states that two parts of the trail are not accessible: the Superintendent's Bridge and a steep section near Housekeeping Camp

_____________________________________________________________  Mirror Lake (photos below) - directions: east end of the valley - If you have a disabled placard, you can actually drive up part of the paved trail and park at the restrooms and hike from there.  Go to east end of valley to the North Pines Campground,  take the "no entry" road up to Mirror Lake and park. -  If you don't have a placard, you'll have to hike the whole trail.  Warning- part of the paved trail is rather steep and might not work for self- propellers.  Once you get to the restroom area, you'll be ok. - more info coming!