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With the reopening of the Mariposa Grove this summer, Yosemite National Park unveiled a natural area that’s both free of commercial operations, and accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And those features are highlighted in the second edition of Candy B. Harrington’s popular title, Barrier-Free Travel; Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers ($12.95, C& C Creative Concepts).

“The wheelchair access in the grove is excellent,” says Harrington, “as there’s nearly a mile of accessible trails through the sequoias, with wheelchair-accessible shuttle service to the trailheads. And, if you have an accessible parking placard you can also drive directly to the grove.”

Along with specific access details about Mariposa Grove, Harrington’s second edition highlights accessible trails, attractions, and lodging options in and near Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Filled with useful access information the book includes:

Photos and Access Details of 35 Lodging Options
Gateway Community Details
Accessible Bus, Train and Shuttle Information
Accessible Rental Van Options
Wheelchair and Handcycle Rentals
Barrier-Free Campsites
Accessible Bus Tours and Ranger Programs
Special Access Passes and Discounts
Local Adaptive Sports Programs

Adds Harrington, “I was also able to include a newly renovated historic cabin in Half Dome Village in the book. It was once Mother Curry’s home, but now this Yosemite cabin is wheelchair-accessible and it even includes a roll-in shower. They did a wonderful job with the access.”

Additionally the book includes access details on some attractions near the parks, such as the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, which are located near Yosemite’s South Entrance. And if folks from Southern California want to take the scenic route to the parks, the book also details some fun accessible stops along the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway.

This inclusive title is the most recent addition to Harrington’s national park series; and although it’s written for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, moms who have stroller-aged kids will also appreciate the access information in this guide.

Known as the go-to expert on accessible travel, Candy Harrington has covered this niche exclusively for 23 years. She’s the founding editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of several accessible travel titles, including the classic, Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She also blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.

Barrier-Free Travel; Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers ($12.95, ISBN: 978-0-9985103-4-7) is available at www.BarrierFreeYosemite.com.