At first glance, Yosemite National Park seems like a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. After all, you can’t do a ramp in Half Dome or El Capitan. With that said, several access improvements have been added to the park over the past 20 years, making it more accessible to everyone. With that in mind, here are five must-see attractions for wheelchair users and slow walkers in California’s first national park.

Lower Yosemite Fall

Located near Yosemite Valley Lodge, the trail to Lower Yosemite Fall received some major improvements in 2005. The eastern section of the wide paved trail leads through the forest to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. There is also a short section of the boardwalk trail, which has low bumpers for unobstructed wheelchair viewing. There are interpretive benches and plaques along the way, and it’s a nice place to sit and enjoy Mother Nature. Also, you can’t get over the feeling of the mist on your face as you admire the roaring fall.

Ahwahnee Indian Village

This rebuilt town, which is right behind the Yosemite Museum, is often overlooked by visitors. There are level paved roads through the village, which is dotted with interpretive plaques that tell the story of the Miwok people. In the center of the town there are dirt roads that lead to the different houses; however, the roads are fairly level and although there are rocks here and there, they are easy to avoid. As a bonus, the town is always open, even when the museum is closed.

Happy Isles Nature Road

Although visitors with accessible placards or plates can drive on Happy Isles Road, this route is also a good walk due to the absence of private vehicles. The road is fairly level and if you get tired you can always hop on the wheelchair accessible shuttle bus at the Happy Isles or Mirror Lake stops. From Half Dome Village it’s a mile to Happy Isles and then another 7 miles to Mirror Lake. And if you want to complete the circuit, it is an additional. 8 miles back to Half Dome Village. The road is also open to bikes, so rent a hand bike at Half Dome Village or Yosemite Valley Lodge, pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy a day off.

Lake reflection

Although the one-mile road to Mirror Lake is wide and paved, it loses its access at about the 65-mile point due to the steep incline. That said, visitors with accessible placards or plates can drive on the road. Accessible vaulted toilets are available down the road, and some of the picnic tables that are on level ground can be used for wheeled vehicles. It should be noted that Mirror Lake is seasonal and generally dries up in late summer; however, the site always boasts spectacular granite views.

Glacier point

Last but not least, save some time to drive to Glacier Point, which offers a commanding view of Yosemite Valley and a bird’s-eye view of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Although the path to the upper viewpoint is steep and has stairs along the way, there is an accessible path just to the left of the stairs. This wide paved road features a series of curves and offers a smooth and accessible climb to the upper vantage point. The signage is good at Glacier Point as well, making it relatively easy to locate the accessible route.