Is Zion National Park Wheelchair Accessible? 2025 Guide

We have wanted to take the Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair to Zion’s National Park for several years. It is one of the most visited and beautiful National Parks in Utah. Receiving around 5 million visitors every year.

Many amazing hikes await these travelers. Angel’s Landing and The Narrows are 2 of the most spectacular hikes in Zion’s National Park. Angel’s Landing is a very difficult and potentially dangerous hike, especially for 2 guys using an all-terrain wheelchair. Even Sam & I have our limits. During our brief visit to Zion’s, we only had time to explore the Narrows.

But the big question is – Is Zion’s National Park wheelchair accessible? And how wheelchair accessible is it?

Using a Wheelchair in Zion’s National Park

One of my biggest concerns while planning our trip to Zion’s National Park was the shuttle. Because there is so much traffic in the park Zion’s provides a shuttle service for all travelers going to the popular hiking areas.

I thought I would need to park Sam’s van at the visitor’s center or possibly outside the gate if that parking lot was full.

The plan was to put Sam into the Motus and wait for the shuttle. Take Sam out of the Motus, our Viking friend Dave would grab Sam’s seat cushion from the Motus and set it in the bus, then Sam would sit next to Dave who would keep him from falling over. I would fold and load the Motus into the crowded shuttle.

Dave suggested we ask the ranger at the gate if it was possible to drive to the trailhead. We found out all we needed to do was stop by the information desk at the visitor’s center and explain the situation.

After paying at the gate we headed to the visitors center and told the ranger our situation. He took down our information, wrote the code to the gate on a piece of paper, and sent us on our way. Sam’s adventure van was the only private vehicle in The Temple of Sinawava parking area.

Hiking The Narrows in an All-Terrain Wheelchair

We knew that hiking The Narrows in Zion’s National Park was possible with the Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair because of pictures sent in by our customers.

The Riverside Walk, often called the “Gateway to the Narrows,” is a paved trail that’s not only wheelchair accessible but also offers breathtaking views of the Virgin River and the towering canyon walls.

Picture this: You’re weaving through a canyon, the sound of flowing water by your side, and nature’s grandeur all around — everything you can access with your feet or wheeled chair.

The water level in the Narrows can change depending on the weather and time of year you are hiking, which can add to the challenge of this wheelchair-accessible trail. When we were hiking the water was brown because of sediment being washed down the canyon by higher waters.

I actually preferred the areas of the river with higher waters. The large Wheeleez tires would begin to bob along over the rocks rather than bounce over everything. It was easier to push and more comfortable for Sam.

Hiking in a slot canyon like the Narrows always has an element of danger. Flash floods from rain storms many miles away can hit the slot canyon while you’re hiking on what looks like a sunny day. All adventures have an element of danger and we try our best to explore safely.

The Floating All-Terrain Wheelchair

The Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair does float but it’s also top-heavy and will flip over if you let go of it in deep water. There was one section of the hike where the water was up to my chest, which made the wheelchair-friendly part of this trip a bit debatable.

This was the only section of the hike that made my spider sense tingle. If I slipped on a rock in the river Sam would flip over. Before moving through this deep section, I asked a few other hikers if they could help. The Narrows is a very heavily trafficked trail and there was no shortage of willing helpers around.

I explained the situation and told them to steady the chair from the sides. Together we made it safely through. People love to help Sam on these adventures and I always feel that helping makes their trip more memorable and it’s a great way to make friends.

And, yes, we do highly recommend bringing in your wheelchairs best suited for these uneven surfaces. The outdoors welcome everyone, whether you’re on your feet or wheels!

Exploring Zion’s National Park

If you’ve got a craving for breathtaking landscapes, a love for going on a scenic drive, and a taste for adventure, too, Zion’s National Park in Utah is calling your name.

The towering red cliffs aren’t just photogenic; they carry stories from ages past. Imagine walking through the accessible trail where ancient civilizations once roamed, all while soaking in views that look like Mother Nature’s masterpiece.

The park offers hikes like the iconic Angels Landing, where those who dare can climb up and feel on top of the world. If you’re more into serene strolls, the Emerald Pools will be right up your alley — shimmering waters set against a backdrop of lush vegetation and rugged rocks.

Zion’s National Park is also equipped with campgrounds such as the South Campground, Watchman Campground, and Lava Point Campground. Watchman Campground is open the whole year, but reservations are advised at least 6 months ahead. More details here.

The Narrows is where you wade through cool waters while being sandwiched between towering canyon walls. It’s a national park experience that feels straight out of an adventure novel.

In our case, we packed Sam’s all-terrain wheelchair, which proves that Zion is indeed wheelchair accessible when you have the right piece of adaptive equipment.

Final Notes

Zion’s National Park is indeed wheelchair accessible. Of course, we are talking about the chair that’s all-terrain capable like the Motus. Whether at the campsites, at the paved areas, or a canyon junction — plenty of fun can be enjoyed.

The main roads and shuttle buses are wheelchair-friendly. The shuttles are equipped with access ramps, and the drivers are always super helpful.

In a nutshell, Zion’s National Park rolls out the natural red carpet for everyone. If you want to access a mix of adventure and relaxation, with the freedom to move and explore, Zion is waiting with open arms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zion National Park wheelchair accessible?

Much of Zion is wheelchair accessible. The Pa’rus Trail and Riverside Walk are paved and ADA-compliant. The Temple of Sinawava area, several visitor center viewpoints, and the museum are accessible. Hikes like Angel’s Landing are not.

Can a wheelchair go on the Riverside Walk?

Yes. The Riverside Walk is a paved 2.2-mile round-trip trail from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop to the start of The Narrows. It’s wheelchair-accessible, with breathtaking views of the Virgin River and canyon walls.

Can a wheelchair go into The Narrows?

Yes, with an all-terrain wheelchair built for water and uneven terrain. Standard wheelchairs cannot. The Narrows means walking in the Virgin River, so you need a chair like the Extreme Motus that can roll through water and over submerged rocks. Check current river conditions before going.

How do I get my van past the Zion shuttle gate?

After paying at the entrance gate, drive to the visitor center and stop at the information desk. Explain your accessibility need. A ranger will record your info and provide the gate code, allowing you to drive directly to the Temple of Sinawava parking area instead of taking the shuttle.

Is Angel’s Landing wheelchair accessible?

No. Angel’s Landing is a strenuous hike with steep drop-offs, narrow ridges, and chain-assisted sections. It’s not wheelchair-accessible and is dangerous even for able-bodied hikers. Stick to the Riverside Walk and Pa’rus Trail.