All-terrain wheelchairs now available at all five Utah national parks

UTAH — Visitors with mobility challenges can now borrow free all-terrain wheelchairs at all five of Utah’s national parks, expanding opportunities to explore trails and rugged landscapes beyond paved paths.

The National Park Service announced Oct. 8 that Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches national parks each have at least one specialized wheelchair available for public use.

The expansion comes after Zion National Park debuted an Extreme Motus all-terrain chair in August of this year.

The chairs are designed to navigate uneven terrain and trails that can be difficult to traverse in a traditional wheelchair, including sand, rocks, and some steps or ledges. The equipment gives visitors with disabilities and limited mobility another way to experience parts of Utah’s national parks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach.

The chairs feature three large, soft wheels, and weigh about 50 pounds. They are not motorized, meaning another person must push and steer the passenger. Dual disc brakes help the operator stop quickly and secure the chair while the passenger takes in the scenery.

“The National Park Service is committed to offering experiences that not only improve visitor access but create opportunities to connect deeply with the history, culture, and natural wonder of some of our incredible parks in Utah,” said Jordan Hoaglund, deputy regional director for the National Park Service.

The chairs are available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis, though each park has a limited supply. The agency recommends contacting individual parks before visiting to confirm availability, checkout procedures, and which trails can accommodate the equipment.

Where to find the wheelchairs

Each of Utah’s five national parks has its own procedures for borrowing an all-terrain wheelchair.

Because the chairs are manually operated and not suitable for every trail, visitors should review each park’s accessibility guidance before planning a route.

The expansion is part of the agency’s broader work to improve access to public lands and create more opportunities for people of all abilities to experience national parks.