The great outdoors has long been considered the last frontier, as far as access is concerned. However, two of California’s largest national parks have made significant access improvements over the past decade.

As a result of this cooperative effort between the National Park Service and concessionaires in Sequoia and Yosemite national parks, today visitors not only have more accessible in-park lodging options, they can also access trails and overlooks that were previously off limits to wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

Access improvements in Sequoia National Park, most famous for its groves of giant sequoia trees, began with the opening of the Giant Forest Museum in November 2001. The museum features interpretive, hands-on exhibits that tell the story of the sequoias.

The accessible Big Trees Trail at Sequoia National Park makes it easy for everyone to see the giant sequoias.

Giant sequoia trees are known for having the greatest mass of all living forms. The park’s General Sherman Tree, 275 feet (84 m) high and 36.4 feet (11.1 m) in diameter, is estimated to weigh some 2,500 metric tons. Research suggests that the tree is 2,100 to 2,200 years old.

Access is excellent in the museum building, as it has a level entry, hardwood floors and plenty of room to maneuver. Accessible restrooms are located inside the museum, and there is plenty of accessible parking in the designated lot near the front entrance.

The Giant Forest Museum serves as a hub for a series of connected hiking trails, many of which have been re-graded to meet accessibility standards. As ranger Malinee Crapsey puts it, “We want to make it easy for everyone to enjoy the big trees.” Although many trails have accessible sections, by far the crown jewel of accessibility is the Big Trees Trail.

In 2002, the Big Trees Trail was lengthened and re-paved to improve access. A little over a mile (1.6 km) long, this interpretive trail circles Round Meadow and provides a good introduction to sequoia ecology. It’s a great place to view wildflowers and to get an up-close-and-personal look at the giant sequoias.

The nicely done five-foot-wide (1.5 m) paved trail features many benches and turnouts along the route, in addition to a few newly constructed boardwalk sections. Accessible restrooms are located near the end of the trail.

Sequoia National Park lodging was also given an access facelift in 1999, when Wuksachi Lodge was rebuilt. Conveniently located in the Giant Forest area, this 102-room property features six accessible guest rooms.