The Ultimate Wheelchair Accessible Guide to Southern Idaho

Before my recent trip to southern Idaho, I didn’t know what to expect. Honestly, I thought that Idaho just had a lot of potatoes and not much else, and I thought it may be somewhat of a boring trip. I mean, potatoes are my favorite food group, but I wasn’t super excited about just eating my weight in potatoes for a full week. But y’all, I was wrong. Idaho blew my mind and without a doubt, I now fully believe that it’s the most underrated destination in the United States. Yes, really!

I spent a full week in southern Idaho exploring some of the best wheelchair accessible sights and every day was better than the one before. From being in awe of a waterfall that’s actually taller than Niagara Falls to falling in love with the capital city of Boise and rolling through fields of dried lava at Craters of the Moon, I was literally obsessed with Idaho by the end of my trip. Already, I’ve been thinking about what a future trip to Idaho could have in store for me. 

This was one of my favorite trips that I’ve done in a long time and I want to tell you all about it, so that you can experience just how amazing Idaho is for yourself! I’ve broken this guide up into a few sections. I’ll start by telling you about wheelchair accessibility at Craters of the Moon and then I’ll cover accessible things to do in Twin Falls, the best wheelchair accessible Boise attractions, and I’ll end by telling you about where I stayed during my trip. 

By the time you finish reading this travel guide, you will be prepared to embark on your own wheelchair accessible adventure through southern Idaho! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed traveling in Idaho and writing this guide. So, without further delay, here is my wheelchair accessible southern Idaho travel guide –

Wheelchair Accessibility at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

During my trip in southern Idaho, I fell in love with many destinations, which I’ll talk about soon, but the place that blew my mind the most was Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. I have been in awe of nature’s beauty at some of America’s best national parks, including Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, and while I was completely in awe of Craters of the Moon as well, it’s unlike anywhere else in the country, I believe. Instead of admiring giant mountains and seeing wildlife, I was looking at igneous rock (dried lava) for as far as I could see… and it was incredible! 

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho offers an otherworldly and surreal landscape sculpted by volcanic forces. This vast expanse of lava flows, cinder cones, and sagebrush is a testament to the raw power of nature. While you’re here, you will undoubtedly feel like you are on the moon. It’s truly a place like no other and one that needs to be visited by everyone at least once.  

Located less than two hours from Twin Falls and about three hours from Boise, Craters of the Moon can be a great day trip. My mom and I drove to Craters of the Moon from Twin Falls and it was an easy drive. If you’re wondering where we rented our wheelchair accessible van for our Idaho adventures, it was from a company near Boise called Access Vans. They provided airport pickup and drop off, and the rental van was perfectly accessible for my needs with a ramp and tie-down straps to secure my wheelchair. 

Once we arrived at Craters of the Moon, our first stop was the Visitor Center, which was incredibly nice with a gift shop (yes, I bought way too many souvenirs!) and a museum. The museum was really interesting and I learned all about the history of the area. There were exhibits and various displays, but there was also a short film about Craters of the Moon that I enjoyed watching. The Visitor Center was easily wheelchair accessible with spacious exhibits and accessible parking spots out front. 

While we were in the Visitor Center, I asked a park ranger about wheelchair accessible trails at Craters of the Moon. She recommended three different trails for me and said I shouldn’t have any issues with the trails. The three most accessible trails that she recommended were North Crater Flow Trail, Devil’s Orchard Trail, and the Snow Cone Trail. I was able to experience all of these trails within a few hours, so let’s discuss their accessibility! 

The North Crater Flow Trail is about a third of a mile long, but it honestly felt longer than that as I was rolling along. The loop trail is completely wheelchair accessible with a paved, raised boardwalk path. Since it is a raised path, it was cool to be above the dried lava and it was a unique viewing opportunity. There were accessible parking spots at the beginning of the trail. 

The next trail that I visited was Devil’s Orchard Trail and it was probably my favorite accessible trail at Craters of the Moon. It’s completely paved (and not raised like the North Crater Flow Trail) and flat, so it was very easy for me to navigate this trail. It is about half a mile long and makes a loop. 

Along Devil’s Orchard Trail, there are benches if you need to rest and there’s plenty of space for a wheelchair beside the benches. You can also learn about your surroundings thanks to the informational plaques that are on display along the trail. And lastly, an accessible picnic table and restrooms are at the beginning of Devil’s Orchard Trail. 

My last stop at Craters of the Moon was the Snow Cone Trail. It’s only about a tenth of a mile long, but paved and easily accessible. The cool thing about this trail is that you can see down inside one of the smallest volcanoes at Craters of the Moon from the end of the trail. There is an accessible viewing platform, but I did have to elevate my wheelchair to see down into the volcano. If your wheelchair can elevate, it’s definitely worth checking out.

If you’ll be visiting Craters of the Moon as a wheelchair user, I’d plan to be here approximately 4-5 hours. With three accessible trails and a great Visitor Center, there are many wheelchair accessible things to enjoy at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve! 

Watch my short video about my experiences at Craters of the Moon below –

Wheelchair Accessible Twin Falls Idaho Attractions & Things to Do

For two nights of my southern Idaho trip, I stayed in Twin Falls and quickly discovered how magical of a place it is. The city is a gateway to the iconic Snake River Canyon and offers some of Idaho’s most beautiful sights. Here are some of my favorite wheelchair accessible Twin Falls attractions and things to do – 

Be in awe of the “Niagara of the West”

I know what you’re probably thinking… “Idaho has waterfalls?!” And trust me, I thought the same thing when I first heard about Shoshone Falls. I never expected for there to be such a huge waterfall in Twin Falls, Idaho, but it really is the “Niagara of the West” and actually taller than Niagara Falls! 

Shoshone Falls is about 200 feet tall and 900 feet wide, and I could feel its power from the moment I rolled out of our rental van upon arrival. There are wheelchair accessible parking spots and viewing platforms, where you can take in the amazing views of the falls. There are steps to get to the lower viewing platform, but the entire upper area is accessible. I had terrific views of Shoshone Falls from the upper viewing area. 

At Shoshone Falls, there is a small gift shop and you can also purchase snacks and drinks from here. There are also restrooms, but only men’s and women’s restrooms. They do have accessible stalls though, and it was spacious enough for my power wheelchair. 

Without a doubt, Shoshone Falls is one of the most spectacular sights in southern Idaho, and in the entire country for that matter. If you are a wheelchair user that enjoys beautiful natural sights like me, you are sure to love your visit at Shoshone Falls. Plan to be here for around one hour to fully take it all in. 

Roll along Canyon Rim Trail

If you’re looking for a great accessible hiking trail in Twin Falls, look no further than the Canyon Rim Trail! It is six miles long in total and there are stunning views of the Snake River Canyon from the trail. I was shocked by the scale of the canyon walls, and rolling along the Canyon Rim Trail for a couple miles (I didn’t do the full six miles) was relaxing and incredibly scenic. 

You can actually join the Canyon Rim Trail from Shoshone Falls, but I entered the trail from the Twin Falls Visitor Center. I’d definitely suggest popping inside the Visitor Center before joining the trail, as there are souvenirs, exhibits, and snack/drink options in the Visitor Center. You’ll find plenty of Evel Knievel souvenirs here, as he famously attempted to jump the Snake River Canyon with a motorcycle back in 1974. The Visitor Center is a great place to visit before or after your walk/roll on the trail.

The Canyon Rim Trail was wide and smooth, making it easy for my wheelchair to navigate. The sections that I did were completely paved with only gradual inclines, offering breathtaking panoramas of the canyon below. I have heard that there are some steeper sections of the trail that aren’t as wheelchair accessible, but if you start from the Twin Falls Visitor Center, you should be okay for quite a while. 

Along the trail, there were also accessible overlooks with paved paths leading to them, providing even closer views of the canyon. I could also see the Perrine Memorial Bridge, an iconic Twin Falls landmark that spans the canyon. The bridge is a popular spot for BASE jumping, so you may get to watch that if you’re lucky. 

By the time I rolled a couple miles, I was tired but exhilarated. The Canyon Rim Trail exceeded my expectations, offering a truly unforgettable experience. The trail’s overall accessibility and stunning scenery made this a worthwhile adventure in Twin Falls. 

View the night sky from an accessible observatory 

As a wheelchair user, navigating telescopes has always been a frustrating challenge for me. Typically, it’s hard for me to position my head correctly, so that I can see into the telescope. When I heard that the Centennial Observatory at the Herrett Center in Twin Falls offers accessible solutions though, I was excited to try it, but still a bit apprehensive. However, I can happily say that this observatory was like stumbling upon a hidden and accessible portal to the universe.

The observatory is remarkably accessible. An elevator whisks visitors to the upper level, and a wheelchair lift then gently carries you to the observation deck. As the dome opened, I was greeted by a colossal telescope that I could actually reach. A specially designed “periscope” brought the cosmos within touching distance. For the first time ever, I was able to explore the depths of space without limitations. 

There are special events at Centennial Observatory on select days, where you can experience the observatory for free or a minimal cost, or you can book the observatory for a private session. We enjoyed a private observatory experience while in Twin Falls, but I would love to revisit for one of their “star parties” one day. You can see their events and find out more information here.

The observatory is thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, including a spacious companion care restroom. It’s a place where everyone can feel welcome to explore the wonders of the night sky and a reminder that the universe is for everyone. 

Wheelchair Accessible Boise Idaho Attractions & Things to Do

As the capital city of Idaho, Boise offers so many wheelchair-friendly attractions and things to do. I spent four nights in Boise, so I had enough time to experience some of the best places in the city. I had an absolute blast and can’t wait to return one day to explore even more wheelchair accessible Boise attractions! Here are some of the best things to do in Boise, Idaho as a wheelchair user –

Go to prison (on a tour) 

One of the first places that I visited in Boise was the Old Idaho Penitentiary and I had a great time here. It was in operation from 1872-1973, and it has a fascinating history. I’ve toured multiple prisons throughout my travels, including Eastern State Penitentiary and Alcatraz, and the Old Idaho Penitentiary is honestly one of the best I’ve ever visited. 

I enjoyed a guided tour and most buildings were wheelchair accessible with smooth entrances. The upper levels weren’t accessible, but our guide offered to show me photos of the upper levels. But I was able to see so much on the lower levels, that I didn’t feel like I missed anything. Guided tours are available most days for an additional $2 and can only be booked on-site at the Old Idaho Penitentiary front desk. 

Accessibility throughout the Old Idaho Penitentiary was great and there were paved sidewalks from building to building. Our guide said that the paved sidewalks are new and were just installed in 2023. Most of the paved sidewalks were flat and smooth, so it was easy for me to get around in my powered wheelchair. 

The history of Old Idaho Penitentiary is incredibly fascinating and I was highly intrigued throughout the entire tour. I was shocked to learn that the prison housed men, women, and even children. The youngest inmate was only 10 years old! Our guide did a wonderful job of explaining everything and answering my many questions. 

If you’ll be in Boise, the Old Idaho Penitentiary should be a must-visit! It was a great way to spend a couple hours in the city and I was impressed with the accessibility throughout my visit. Plan at least two or three hours for a visit here, so you can fully experience everything. 

Experience Boise’s Basque Block 

Have you heard of the Basque Country? It’s a region that encompasses part of Spain and part of France, but in Boise, there is an entire city block called the Basque Block. Many Basque people immigrated to Boise, so on this block, there are multiple Basque restaurants, a museum devoted to Basque history, and more. It’s an incredible area to visit and I really enjoyed spending a few hours here.

My visit to the Basque Block started by checking out The Basque Market, where I had a delicious lunch of tapas. I had meatballs, shrimp, patatas bravas (fried potatoes with garlic aioli), and croquetas (fried balls of bechamel and peppers) with a glass of sangria to wash it all down. Everything was so delicious and I haven’t stopped thinking about that meal since I left The Basque Market.

Next, I visited the Basque Museum & Cultural Center. I learned a lot about the Basque culture in this museum through various exhibits and the entire museum was wheelchair accessible. The exhibits were spacious, so I could easily maneuver around, and there was an accessible companion care restroom in the museum as well. 

Included with your museum ticket is admission to the Basque boardinghouse, which is right beside the museum. This boardinghouse in Boise was a home away from home for Basque immigrants from 1910-1969. It was wheelchair accessible for me to get inside the boardinghouse and I really enjoyed seeing what life was like for the people that lived in the house. 

The Basque Block in downtown Boise is such a unique area and one of my favorite parts of the city. I had a lot of fun exploring this special block and whether you’re looking to learn about Basque culture or just want a great meal, you are sure to enjoy this special place. 

Roll on accessible trails in Boise 

Boise’s downtown area is a lot of fun, but if you want to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, Boise offers that as well! There are multiple parks in Boise that have wheelchair accessible trails and I was able to check a few of them out during my trip.

Esther Simplot Park covers 55 acres, including 23 acres of water. Wheelchair accessible parking is available and there are smooth, paved paths around the waterfront beach areas. The views of the water are gorgeous and I had a fun time rolling on the paved paths.

At Esther Simplot Park, I also found several picnic tables near the water and some of them were accessible with a space for a wheelchair user. The park’s beaches also had ramps leading down to them. While I didn’t see beach wheelchairs available, I was able to get very close to the water, which was nice.

Another one of Boise’s best accessible outdoor spaces is Kathryn Albertson Park. Not far from downtown Boise, I was happy to see that this 41-acre park included wide paved paths and paved loop trails. I was able to navigate all of the paved paths in my wheelchair very easily. 

The main loop at Kathryn Albertson Park is one mile long. On the loop, I was able to enjoy the wildlife and hear the birds, see the wildflowers, and roll along the water. I was happy to see plenty of benches here as well, just in case someone needs to take a break. Wheelchair accessible parking is located near the main trail entrance, and there are also accessible restrooms located in the parking area.  

The last park that I visited in Boise was Ann Morrison Park. It sits in downtown Boise and has the most spectacular views of the Boise River. This park is housed within 150 acres and includes plenty of paved hiking, biking, and wheelchair accessible pathways. 

I was also thrilled to find out that Ann Morrison Park is home to an inclusive playground. The accessible playground has easy access for wheelchair users with ramps. If you’re traveling to Boise with a kid, this park should be a must-visit. 

Watch raptors fly over your head

As an animal lover, one attraction that I was really excited about checking out while in Boise was the World Center for Birds of Prey. Here, they are conserving raptors from around the world and doing incredible work to protect raptors. And yes, you can meet a variety of raptors while you’re here! 

I was able to roll on the paved outdoor paths to see some raptors, including a huge California Condor. It was easy to roll in my wheelchair from bird to bird, thanks to the paths being smooth, wide, and flat. It was really cool to see so many birds of prey and I enjoyed learning about them from the on-site experts. 

There was also an indoor museum area with cool exhibits, which was perfect on the hot day that I visited. Speaking of hot weather, the World Center for Birds of Prey is open seven days a week throughout summer and in winter, it’s open every day except Monday. Admission costs $12 per adult and $7 for children 4-16 years old. 

While seeing the many raptors and touring the on-site museum was fun, my favorite part of my visit was the live bird program, which occurs several times per day. This show took place in the outdoor amphitheater and wheelchair accessible seating was available at the top of the amphitheater. I had a perfect view from my seat. 

During the show, we were introduced to a couple different birds and they actually flew around the amphitheater. They even flew over our heads at some points, which was exciting and allowed us to get a great view of them up-close. The show lasted about 45 minutes. 

Admire murals at Freak Alley Gallery

If you’re a fan of art, Freak Alley Gallery is an excellent spot to visit in downtown Boise. It is the largest open-air multi-artist mural gallery in the northwestern U.S. and you can experience it completely for free, and it’s open 24/7. 

The murals are in an alley between 8th and 9th streets and between Bannock and Idaho streets. Dozens of murals make up Freak Alley Gallery, so there are plenty of great photo ops. It was really impressive to see such great art in a public space in the heart of downtown Boise. 

Since Freak Alley Gallery is in an alley, it is paved and wheelchair accessible. I didn’t have any issues rolling through the area and seeing the art. It’s also worth noting that Freak Alley Gallery is in a central location near many other wheelchair accessible Boise attractions, so plan an extra 20-30 minutes and enjoy the murals. 

Enjoy live theatre at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival 

Live theatre is one of my favorite things to experience in any destination I visit, so I was super excited to learn about the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. I know the name “festival” makes it sound like an annual event like other festivals, but you can actually see different plays in the amphitheater here all summer. 

On the night that I visited, the play was “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” and it was a fantastic show! The acting was spectacular and I loved that it all took place in the outdoor amphitheater. The amphitheater can fit 770 people and wheelchair accessible seating is available. I had a perfect view of the stage from my seating area. 

If you are hungry or want something to drink, you can visit Shakespeare’s Marketplace. It’s just a short walk/roll from the amphitheater and I really liked the tuna salad plate that I got from here, but many other options are offered as well. Before the main show began, I also enjoyed a mini-concert from the patio at Shakespeare’s Marketplace. It was a nice start to the evening! 

One performance of each play that Idaho Shakespeare Festival does is fully accessible with American Sign Language, live audio descriptions, and realtime captioning. If you need these accessibility accommodations, just check out their website to learn more and see which performances will have that accessibility. 

Eat delicious food on a food tour in Boise 

If you are a foodie, or even if you just enjoy good food (and who doesn’t?!), you’ll love the city of Boise! I had some really great food in Boise from places like BACON Boise and The Warehouse Food Hall, but I really enjoyed trying food from a variety of local restaurants on a food tour with Indulge Boise. 

Their Capital City Culinary & Cultural Tour was easy to book online and took place in downtown Boise. Our knowledgeable tour guide from Indulge Boise, Bob, was very polite and friendly. He also made the walking/rolling tour accessible for me, taking us to wheelchair accessible restaurants and he was mindful of the curb cuts along our route (about a mile and a half in total).

During our food tour, we visited places like Boise Fry Company, where we tried a bison burger and fries with unique sauces like blueberry ketchup, and Ansots, where we had delicious chorizo and croquettes. We also visited an Italian restaurant called Acero and it was phenomenally tasty. I would highly recommend dining at any of these restaurants while you’re in Boise.

Then, we finished our food tour with dessert at Stella’s. Stella’s has 16 vegan ice cream options to choose from and many more milk-based ice creams as well. I quickly chose the vegan birthday cake ice cream and honestly, it might’ve been the best ice cream I’ve ever eaten. In fact, I went back the next day for some more of it!

Spending the day with Bob on this food tour was so much fun and the food in Boise was absolutely scrumptious. Going on a food tour with Indulge Boise is a perfect way to get a taste of the city, and a great way to discover some restaurants to return to later in your trip.

Where to Stay in Boise and Twin Falls

For my trip in southern Idaho, I stayed in Boise for four nights and Twin Falls for two nights. In both locations, I stayed in hotels that worked really well for my accessibility needs. I’ll start by telling you about The Grove Hotel, which is where I stayed in Boise, and then I’ll tell you all about the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Twin Falls, so you can determine if these hotels will work for you. 

The Grove Hotel in Boise 

The Grove Hotel is a luxury hotel in downtown Boise. It’s in a prime location near many of Boise’s best restaurants and attractions, and it’s attached to Idaho Central Arena, which is one of the best sporting and event arenas in the northwest. This hotel is in such a great location that we didn’t even need our rental van for a couple days in Boise since we could just walk/roll to many places.

In our wheelchair accessible room, there was a king sized bed (no clearance underneath for a hoyer lift/hoist) and a living area with a couch. The room was incredibly spacious and connected to the hotel’s outdoor terrace. It was a nice area to relax and soak up some sun. 

In the bathroom, there was a pull-under sink, grab bars by the toilet, and a roll-in shower. The roll-in shower did have a small lip to get inside (about 3/4 of an inch), but my personal shower chair was able to get over it. The Grove Hotel also provided a shower seat. 

If you’re in the mood for some pampering, The Grove Hotel has a full spa as well. And if you want some great food, be sure to try the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Trillium. If you’re looking for a hotel in Boise that has it all, look no further! Learn more about The Grove Hotel and book a stay of your own by clicking here.

Fairfield Inn & Suites in Twin Falls 

While in Twin Falls, we stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. It was in a great location, just a short drive from the best wheelchair accessible Twin Falls attractions and only about 90 minutes from Craters of the Moon. 

In our wheelchair accessible room, there was one bed and it did have clearance underneath for a hoyer lift/hoist. The room was spacious enough for my wheelchair to easily maneuver around, and there was a TV, desk, and a mini fridge in the room as well. 

In the bathroom, there was a pull-under sink, grab bars by the toilet, and a roll-in shower. A fold-down seat was available in the shower and there was a handheld shower wand. 

The accessible room worked perfectly for my needs and I would certainly stay here again the next time I’m in Twin Falls. I also liked that there was an indoor heated pool with an access lift. If you’d like to learn more about the Fairfield Inn & Suites or book your own stay, just click right here. 

Well, you’ve officially reached the end of my wheelchair accessible guide to southern Idaho and by this point, you should be fully prepared to plan your own accessible adventure to the state. Whether you want to enjoy the great outdoors, have fun at accessible attractions, eat delicious food, or something different, southern Idaho is an amazing destination and offers something for visitors of all abilities!

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*Thank you to Visit Idaho for working with me on this trip and showing me the best of wheelchair accessible Idaho! While my experiences were complimentary, all opinions expressed are authentic and my own.

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