I’ve been fortunate to visit some of America’s most incredible national parks over the years. From watching geysers erupt in Yellowstone to taking in the dramatic scenery of Yosemite, I’ve experienced many places that left me speechless. Every national park has something unique to offer, but after spending time in California’s Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, I can confidently say that these two parks rank among my favorites.
What makes Sequoia and Kings Canyon so special is the combination of natural beauty and accessibility. Too often, people assume that national parks are difficult or impossible to explore if you use a wheelchair. While there are certainly challenges in some parks, I was pleasantly surprised by how much of Sequoia and Kings Canyon I was able to experience. From giant sequoia groves to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints, there were numerous opportunities to get out and enjoy these incredible landscapes.
This trip was also a reminder of why I love accessible travel so much. There is something magical about discovering places that many people might assume are off-limits. Looking up at some of the largest trees on Earth, listening to rushing waterfalls, and rolling through forests that have existed for thousands of years made for an unforgettable experience in California.
In my blog post below, I’ll detail my experiences in Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and then I’ll tell you all about Visalia, California, where I stayed for this trip. If Sequoia and Kings Canyon aren’t already on your travel bucket list, they certainly should be.
Wheelchair Accessible Sequoia National Park
My adventure began in Sequoia National Park, and before doing anything else, I had to stop for a photo at the park entrance sign. It’s become somewhat of a tradition whenever I visit a national park. There is just something exciting about seeing that iconic sign and knowing an adventure is about to begin.
After entering the park, the drive itself quickly became part of the experience. The road winds through the mountains with countless curves and switchbacks as you climb higher in elevation (we got up to about 5,000 feet!). The scenery is beautiful, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s worth being prepared. There are long stretches of winding roads throughout the park. But thankfully, every mile of that drive is worth it.
One of my most anticipated stops was the General Sherman Tree. Known as the largest tree in the world by volume, it’s one of those places I’ve wanted to visit for years. Even after seeing countless photos online, nothing prepared me for what it would feel like to see it in person.
Accessible parking is available near the trailhead, making it relatively easy to reach the tree. The path is paved and smooth, although there are some steeper sections along the way. Most wheelchair users should be able to navigate it, but it’s helpful to know there are a few hills.
As I rolled closer to the tree, it seemed to get larger with every turn. Eventually, I reached the viewing area and found myself staring up, trying to comprehend its size. The General Sherman Tree stands nearly 275 feet tall and is estimated to be more than 2,000 years old. Looking up at something that has been alive for so many centuries is a humbling experience. The giant sequoias have a way of making you feel small in the best possible way.
After visiting General Sherman, we drove to one of my favorite locations in the entire park: the Big Trees Trail. This accessible loop trail is less than a mile long and provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in a giant sequoia grove.
The trail surface is smooth and paved for much of the route, with a few boardwalk sections mixed in. Perhaps the best part of the Big Trees Trail is that it is mostly flat. Unlike some accessible trails that include significant elevation changes, this one is easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace. That allowed me to focus on the scenery instead of worrying about the terrain.
Massive sequoias line the trail from start to finish. Around every bend, another enormous tree comes into view. Some of them are so large that it’s difficult to capture their scale in a photograph. I found myself stopping frequently just to take it all in. It was one of those travel moments you wish could last forever.
Another worthwhile stop in Sequoia National Park is the Giant Forest Museum. The museum is very close to the Big Trees Trail and fully wheelchair accessible, and it does an excellent job of explaining the history and ecology of the giant sequoias. The exhibits provide helpful context that makes your time in the park even more meaningful.
I especially enjoyed learning about how these trees survive for thousands of years and the role that fire plays in maintaining healthy sequoia forests. It’s fascinating to realize how resilient these giants truly are.
The museum also has a gift shop and, importantly for travelers with disabilities, a companion care restroom. Finding facilities like this in national parks can make a huge difference when planning a trip.
By the end of the day, I was so impressed by everything Sequoia National Park had to offer. Between the accessible trails, incredible scenery, and opportunities to experience some of the world’s largest trees, it exceeded my expectations in every way.
Wheelchair Accessible Kings Canyon National Park
The following day, we set out to explore Kings Canyon National Park, and while it’s often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, I quickly learned that it deserves just as much attention. And honestly, I might’ve even liked Kings Canyon a tiny bit more (but don’t tell Sequoia that I said that!).
Kings Canyon offers a completely different experience from Sequoia. While you’ll still find giant sequoias, you’ll also discover dramatic canyon views, rushing rivers, waterfalls, and mountain scenery that feels endless. It quickly became clear why so many people consider this one of California’s hidden gems.
Our first stop was the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. I always enjoy stopping at visitor centers when I visit a national park because they help provide context for everything you’re about to experience. The Kings Canyon Visitor Center was fully wheelchair accessible and featured exhibits about the park’s history, wildlife, and natural features.
The center also includes a museum, a gift shop, and a companion care restroom, making it a valuable stop for travelers with disabilities. It’s a great place to gather information, ask questions, and get oriented before heading deeper into the park.
From there, we made our way to the nearby Grant Grove. One of the things I immediately appreciated about Kings Canyon was how easy it was to access some truly remarkable sights. The trail to the General Grant Tree is fully paved, allowing wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges to enjoy one of the park’s most iconic attractions.
The General Grant Tree is the second-largest tree in the world by volume and is known as “The Nation’s Christmas Tree.” It also serves as a national shrine dedicated to America’s veterans.
When we arrived, a layer of fog lingered among the trees, creating an atmosphere that felt unreal. The paved pathway made it easy to explore at my own pace. Along the route, there are interpretive signs and plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the massive trees that surround you.
Although the General Sherman Tree often gets most of the attention, I found the experience at General Grant equally memorable. There was something peaceful about the grove, and the fog only added to it.
After spending time among the giant sequoias, we continued deeper into the park toward Roaring River Falls. The drive itself was spectacular. As the road descended into Kings Canyon, the scenery changed dramatically. Granite cliffs towered overhead, the canyon walls became steeper, and the Kings River rushed alongside the roadway.
There were countless moments when I found myself staring out the window in disbelief, but eventually, we arrived at Roaring River Falls, one of the most accessible waterfalls in the park.
A paved half-mile trail connects the accessible parking area to the waterfall. While there are a few moderately steep sections, the path is generally smooth and manageable.
As we approached the falls, the sound of rushing water grew louder and then suddenly, the waterfall appeared. One of the things I love most about waterfalls is that they engage all of your senses. You don’t just see them. You hear them, feel the cool mist in the air, and you experience their energy. Roaring River Falls definitely delivered that experience.
Our final major stop of the day was Zumwalt Meadow Trail. Before visiting, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I had heard positive things about the trail, but since it is unpaved, I wasn’t sure how accessible it would be. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised.
Although the trail surface consists of hard-packed dirt rather than pavement, it was firm and relatively easy to navigate in my power wheelchair. Conditions can vary depending on weather and maintenance, but during my visit it was very manageable.
The scenery at Zumwalt Meadow was absolutely stunning. As I rolled along the trail, I was surrounded by towering mountains and views of the river flowing through the canyon. The landscape felt completely different from the giant sequoia groves we had explored earlier.
One of the highlights was reaching a bridge that crosses the river. Being on that bridge and looking out across the canyon was one of my favorite moments of the entire trip. The rushing water below, the granite cliffs in the distance, and the peaceful atmosphere combined to create an unforgettable view. It’s the kind of place where you naturally want to slow down and simply appreciate where you are.
Throughout our time in both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, we were accompanied by our guide, Lindsay, from Sequoia Parks Conservancy. Having a knowledgeable guide added so much to the experience.
Not only did Lindsay know the most accessible routes and viewpoints, but she also shared fascinating stories about the parks, the giant sequoias, local wildlife, and the area’s history. But what stood out most was her genuine commitment to accessibility and her love for these parks. She was constantly thinking about how to make sure I could fully experience each location and never treated accessibility as an afterthought. Instead, it felt like an integral part of the experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about the parks while ensuring you visit the most accessible locations, I highly recommend booking a guided tour through Sequoia Parks Conservancy. And if you’re fortunate enough to have Lindsay as your guide, you’re in excellent hands.
By the end of the day, I was completely blown away by Kings Canyon National Park. Between the giant sequoias, powerful waterfalls, dramatic canyon scenery, and accessible trails, it offered everything I could want in an outdoor adventure.
Planning an Accessible Visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
If you’re considering a trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, I have one piece of advice: start planning now. These parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States, and thanks to a variety of accessibility features, they’re much more manageable for wheelchair users than many people realize.
One of the most important things to know is that people with disabilities can receive free lifetime admission to national parks through the National Parks Access Pass. The pass grants free entry to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country, including all national parks. If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend applying before your trip. It can save you money and make future adventures even more accessible.
Another helpful resource is the Sequoia and Kings Canyon Accessibility Guide. Copies of the guide are available at visitor centers throughout the parks, and the guide provides detailed information about accessible trails, overlooks, visitor centers, restrooms, lodging, and transportation. Having this information on hand can make planning your days much easier and help you maximize your time in the parks.
Transportation is another factor worth considering. The parks operate accessible shuttle services during parts of the year, which can be a convenient option for many visitors. However, I personally preferred having the flexibility of my own transportation.
For this trip, I rented a wheelchair accessible van from MobilityWorks in Pasadena. Having an accessible vehicle allowed me to travel on my own schedule and made it easier to visit multiple locations throughout both parks. If you’re flying into California and need accessible transportation, it’s definitely worth exploring rental options before your trip.
Why Visalia Makes the Perfect Base
While many visitors focus exclusively on the parks themselves, where you stay can have a major impact on your overall experience. For my visit, I stayed in Visalia, and I couldn’t have been happier with that decision.
Located about an hour from Sequoia National Park and roughly an hour and a half from Kings Canyon’s main attractions, Visalia serves as an excellent home base for exploring both parks. The city offers a variety of accessible hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it easy to relax and recharge after a day of outdoor adventure.
I stayed at the Marriott Visalia, which provided a comfortable and convenient place to unwind each evening. In my wheelchair accessible room, there were two beds. They were 24 inches tall and did not have enough clearance underneath them for a hoyer lift.
In the bathroom, there was a pull-under sink, grab bars by the toilet, and a roll-in shower. A shower seat was provided by the hotel and the room worked really well for my accessibility needs.
After spending hours exploring the parks each day, it was nice to return to a city with plenty of dining options and accessible amenities. I also had the chance to explore a few local attractions during my time in Visalia.
The downtown area was easy to navigate and filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, and welcoming businesses. I enjoyed strolling through the area and getting a feel for the community.
Visalia has some excellent restaurants and a couple of my favorite accessible dinner spots were House of Juju (they have awesome and unique burgers!) and Fugazzi’s (the spicy chipotle chicken was delicious!).
And for breakfast, you simply must visit Valhalla Restaurant. I have ordered eggs benedict in pretty much every destination I’ve visited and I will go on record to say that these were the best eggs benedict I’ve ever eaten. I’m still dreaming of that hollandaise sauce.
Mooney Grove Park was another pleasant surprise. The park features an inclusive playground that allows children of varying abilities to play together, which is always wonderful to see. Creating spaces where everyone can participate matters, and it was encouraging to find that commitment to accessibility extending beyond the national parks themselves.
I also visited the Visalia Farmers Market on the Saturday of my visit, which offered a great opportunity to support area vendors. It’s often these smaller moments outside of major attractions that help make a trip feel complete.
Final Thoughts
Before visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, I expected to see giant trees, beautiful landscapes, and incredible scenery. What I didn’t expect was just how accessible many of the experiences would be.
Too often, people assume that national parks are only for hikers or outdoor enthusiasts without mobility limitations. While accessibility still has room for improvement across the National Park System, Sequoia and Kings Canyon demonstrate that meaningful outdoor experiences can be available to a much wider range of visitors.
During just a few days, I sat beneath the largest tree in the world, rolled through sequoia groves, admired powerful waterfalls, crossed a bridge overlooking a rushing river, and learned about the history and ecology of two remarkable national parks.
Most importantly, I was able to experience these places fully. And that feeling never gets old. Travel has always been about more than checking destinations off a list. For me, it’s about discovering what’s possible and showing that the world is far more accessible than many people think. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are perfect examples of that.
Whether you’re a wheelchair user looking for your next adventure or simply someone who appreciates extraordinary natural beauty, these parks deserve a place on your travel bucket list. If you’ve been considering a visit, take this as your sign to start planning. I have a feeling you’ll leave just as amazed as I did.
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*Thank you to Visit California for working with me on this trip and showing me the best of wheelchair accessible Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks! While my experiences were complimentary, all opinions expressed are authentic and my own.
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