All-terrain wheelchair expands access in Zion

Zion National Park visitors with mobility challenges have a new way to experience some of the park’s trails, with an all-terrain wheelchair now available to borrow free of charge.

There are many trails in Zion to explore with Extreme Motus, like Weeping Rock! NPS photo.

The park is offering an Extreme Motus adventure wheelchair from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The three-wheeled manual chair is designed to travel over terrain that can be difficult or impossible to navigate with a conventional wheelchair.

The chair requires an assistant to push and is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations. It may be checked out for one day and must be returned before the visitor center closes.

Before using the chair, the rider and assistant must sign waivers and receive an orientation from park staff. Either the rider or assistant must also provide identification and proof of insurance. The chair can accommodate riders weighing up to 250 pounds and up to six feet tall.

Zion recommends the chair for several popular areas, including the Pa’rus Trail, Riverside Walk, Weeping Rock and Lower Emerald Pools. It is also permitted on several other frontcountry and backcountry trails, although some routes, including Angels Landing, the Narrows, Canyon Overlook and Upper Emerald Pools, are not suitable for its use.

Because the chair is approximately six feet long when assembled and cannot be carried aboard Zion’s shuttle buses, users may receive an accessibility pass allowing a private vehicle onto Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during shuttle season.

The chair was provided through 2LIV4, a nonprofit organization that works to place adaptive outdoor equipment in public spaces, with Utah-based Extreme Motus supplying the equipment.

According to Extreme Motus, the wheelchair is permanently stationed at Zion for public use.

Additional information, including approved trails and checkout requirements, is available through Zion National Park’s website.