Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
Finding access to the outdoors in a peaceful setting during the summer months can be challenging, but it is possible. Go for a walk amongst the biggest trees in the world, meditate next to a waterfall, and enjoy the tranquility all around you in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.
Photography by Denise Vasquez
While the parks may be known for having the largest trees in the world, they’re also home to wildlife, rivers, canyons, mountains, and the history of the Native peoples. The Native peoples have lived and traveled in these mountains since prehistoric times. Most recent inhabitants of Kings Canyon were The Monache. Like many other tribes in the area, they traveled in and out of the forests and mountains to lower elevations seasonally. Other Indian groups that lived in the area were the Paiutes, Yokuts, Wukchumni and Choynimni. Outsiders came in during The Gold Rush of 1849 bringing an epidemic of smallpox and measles that devastated many of the Native peoples. Some survived and descendants still live in San Joaquin Valley.
Early conservationists and residents of Visalia fought to protect the giant sequoias. In 1890 President Benjamin Harrison signed the bill that established Sequoia National Park as the second National Park in the United States, and a permanent refuge for sequoias. Awareness led people to understand not only the importance of the sequoias, but of the surrounding landscape and habitats. In 1940 Kings Canyon National Park was established, protecting over 800,000 acres of wilderness in both parks.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
There is a lot of ground to cover in the parks. When planning your trip, especially if you’re limited on time, the best place to start is by using the Accessibility Guide. The Guide offers valuable information and is available online www.nps.gov/seki or at the visitor centers. The guide highlights accessible sites, facilities, activities, and services.
Another great tool to help you plan your trip is the National Park Service mobile App. The app is free and offers several accessibility options including audio-guided tours and audio descriptions of exhibits and park features. I recommend downloading the app before your trip. Save it to your favorites to use offline, so you can use it even when there’s no internet access in the parks. When using the NPS app, keep in mind that the information on accessibility is not always specific to your needs or completely accurate.
Do you know about the Access Pass? As I mentioned in a past blog & as Erika mentions in the video, it is free for all U.S. citizens or residents with permanent disabilities. The pass covers the entry fee at over 2,000 sites including National Parks, national forests, BLM sites and more. The Access Pass also gives discounts on some facilities and services like camping but does not include special permit fees or tickets into Crystal Cave. If you don’t have an Access Pass and would like to get one while visiting these parks, ask at the park entrance station. You’ll be asked to sign a form confirming your eligibility.
Service animals are welcome on a leash in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, including all trails, facilities, campgrounds and ranger programs. Just beware that bringing service animals to areas where there is wildlife poses risks. Dogs can trigger aggressive responses from wild animals, diseases can be passed between dogs and wildlife, and remember to check your dog for ticks.
A good place to start your day is by stopping at the Visitor Center. There are several visitor centers throughout the parks, and the rangers and park staff are very happy to answer questions, offer help, and tell you about activities or available services. They offer accessibility guides, temporary accessible parking placards for people with limited mobility, and manual wheelchairs on a first come first serve basis.
There are several ways to support the parks while having fun. Make a donation, shop in the stores, or book a tour with Sequoia Parks Conservancy. As Gary mentions in the video, they are the official non-profit partner to the parks and work hand in hand to fund projects, provide retail services and tours while preserving the parks for future generations. Assisted listening devices and American Sign Language translations are available for tours and National Park Service Ranger Programs. To book your tour visit https://www.sequoiaparksconservancy.org/
Many of the trails in the parks range from paved and accessible to rugged. In the video, I take you to some accessible trails in each park, and show you why they’re my favorites.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
Grant Tree Trail
Wander through a grove of giant sequoia trees as you venture 0.3 miles to the second largest tree in the world.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
This trail is not designated as wheelchair accessible, but as I mention in the video, it is doable with assistance. The trail has steep areas, and uneven terrain. Allow yourself at least 30 minutes to do this trail.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
Take your time, stay hydrated, and learn about the environment by reading the tactile information panels along the way.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
There is a big parking lot with plenty of parking, and one accessible parking spot right at the base of the trail. Park your vehicle and check out the braille and tactile exhibits. The exhibits offer great information about the trail and surrounding area.
Roaring River Falls
Find some tranquility in the remote area of Cedar Grove. Take a stroll through a deep canyon, immersed in the aroma of cedar trees, while listening to the sounds of a waterfall.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
The Roaring River Falls Trail is a 0.10 mile steep sloped paved path ending at a paved landing. There are no benches on this trail, so you might find people sitting on the rocks by the waterfall, taking in the views. There is parking at the base of the trail and one accessible parking spot.
Big Trees Trail
Follow the 0.75 paved loop trail around a meadow of giant sequoias.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
Take a rest on one of the benches, have your camera ready, and watch for wildlife.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
This is a great place to photograph bears, marmots, deer and more.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
Stay on the trail and never approach the animals.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
I recommend using a Telephoto Zoom lens when photographing wildlife to help you keep a safe distance. I always have two cameras ready & use a Canon EF 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 L IS USM Telephoto Zoom lens on one of my cameras.
Photography by Randy Martinez ©2021
There are restrooms at the base of the trail, a water bottle filling station, and exhibits along the path. The parking lot is designated to nine accessible spaces.
Crescent Meadow
Known as the “gem of the Sierras”, this trail leads you through giant sequoia trees to a beautiful grassy wetland.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
Although this trail is paved, it is steep, has uneven terrain, but well worth the hike.
The hike around the meadow takes at least an hour.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
This trail is also the beginning of the famous High Sierra Trail and other trails. The trailhead has some accessible parking spots, and accessible vault toilets.
General Sherman Tree
Become mesmerized by natures’ magnificence, as you follow the path through one of the largest sequoia groves.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
The trail is paved, slightly sloped, and leads you to the worlds largest tree by volume. The General Sherman Tree is believed to be about 2,200 years old, and weighs about 2.7 million pounds.
Learn from the exhibits along the way, have a seat on a bench, and have your camera ready in case you see some wildlife. Remember, never disturb or approach wildlife.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
Accessible parking is available at the designated Sherman Tree Accessible Parking area and trailhead.
Hazelwood Nature Loop
Erika & Gary met with me to discuss accessibility in the park. They led us on a walk along one of the trails that has recently been made wheelchair accessible.
Watch the video to learn all about Hazelwood Nature Loop.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
During the summer months, there are free shuttles providing service to visitor centers, trails, points of interest, and campgrounds. For reservations visit www.sequoiashuttle.com or call (877)BUS-HIKE
Wuksachi Lodge is a great place to stay if you’re looking for accessible lodging. It has rooms that follow ADA standard, with roll-in showers, wide doors, grab bars, raised toilets, low density carpets and beds are between 24-29 inches in height. For more information call (866)807-3598
The parks have campgrounds with at least one accessible site. The accessible campgrounds have extended picnic table, accessible parking, level tent pad and food storage locker.
There are picnic areas designated as accessible, in the parks, but my personal favorite is located in the Giant Forest.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
The Pinewood picnic area has a number of accessible scenic picnic sites, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms.
Photography by Denise Vasquez ©2021
Thank you Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks for being so accessible. In my personal experience, these are the most accessible National Parks I’ve visited to date. I love that they’re working so hard to make the parks even more accessible!
Photography by Randy Martinez ©2021
It takes a lot of time, research, money, travel, content creation, editing and assistance (thank you Randy for all of your love, support & assistance), to make this project possible. Contributions help keep The Disabled Photographer Project "How Accessible Is Accessible" series going. You can help support the project by making a donation Here:
The project is also currently seeking partnerships, sponsors, grants, and ambassadorships. For inquiries contact Denise Vasquez denisevasquezphotography@gmail.com
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