Acessibility for walker?/wheelchaair.

Question

I am 73 and walking witha cane. Uneven ground and hills up and down are a negotiation. I have an access pass and realize that not everything will be doable. I would like to know which is better…walker on wheels with a seat or a wheelchair. My group will be my son, daughter-in-law, and two rambunctious kiddos 9 and 11. I dont want to hold them back from exploring more challenging areas. This forum is always so helpful

Answer

For a visitor with limited mobility like yourself, Yosemite National Park has a range of accessibility options, but the choice between a walker with wheels and a wheelchair depends on the type of terrain and the activities you want to enjoy.

Considerations for each option:

Walker with wheels and seat: This is best for visitors who can still bear some weight on their legs, need occasional rest, and are navigating shorter, flatter paths. Many paved areas and boardwalks in Yosemite can be managed with this type of walker. It also allows more flexibility if you want to explore spots where a standard wheelchair may be cumbersome.
Wheelchair: A wheelchair (manual or electric) is generally more stable on flat or moderately sloped terrain and allows for easier movement without worrying about balance. Paved trails, accessible shuttle stops, and many viewpoints are wheelchair-friendly. It’s especially useful if you have any concern about fatigue over longer distances.

Additional tips:

Yosemite offers wheelchair rentals at the visitor centers. Many of the main attractions—Yosemite Valley, Lower Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall viewpoint, and the Valley Shuttle—are accessible via paved paths suitable for wheelchairs or walkers with wheels.
If you anticipate wanting to explore more scenic but uneven trails, consider a sturdy walker with wheels and a seat. Some areas like the Mist Trail or Glacier Point have steep or uneven paths, where neither option may be practical.
Shuttle services in the park are wheelchair-accessible, and some trails have designated accessible viewing points.
With two active kids in your group, a wheelchair might allow you to move at your own comfortable pace without feeling rushed to keep up with them, and they can explore slightly beyond while you wait at accessible viewpoints.

Recommendation: For your situation—age 73, using a cane, and limited negotiation of uneven ground—a wheelchair (manual if someone can push, or electric if you prefer more independence) is likely the safest and most comfortable choice. A walker with wheels could work for short, flat distances, but Yosemite’s terrain can be unpredictable, and a wheelchair provides more security and ease, especially if you want to enjoy the valley and accessible sights without overexertion.

Acessibility for walker?/wheelchaair.

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