Many of the facilities at Grand Canyon are historic and built before current accessibility standards were set.  The terrain is rugged with narrow, rocky trails and steep cliffs.  Visitors using wheelchairs or who have visual impairments may need assistance. 

The National Park Service provides wheelchairs for temporary day use by park visitors.  No rental fee is charged.  Wheelchairs are usually available on the South Rim at Canyon View Information Plaza, and on the North Rim at the Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Lodge.

Because many park shuttle buses are not yet accessible for wheelchairs, an accessibility permit may be obtained in the park at entrance gates, the visitor center at Canyon View Information Plaza, Yavapai Observation Station, Kolb Studio, El Tovar registration desk, and the Bright Angel Lodge transportation desk.

The accessibility permit allows access to some areas closed to private vehicles, and acts as a temporary parking permit for designated parking.

The park is adding 20 accessible shuttle buses this summer, so more accessible shuttle busses may be available in response to requests made at least 24 hours in advance. Call 928-638-0591.

A copy of the Grand Canyon National Park Accessibility Guide may be downloaded here (1.09MB PDF File) Be aware that this document is out of date and is being reprinted. The Desert View parking areas have been changed.

If you have any accessibility questions about Desert View, or elsewhere in the park, you may email us here.

Upon your arrival at the park, a paper copy of the Accessibility Guide is available upon request at Canyon View Information Center, Yavapai Observation Station, Kolb Studio, Tusayan Museum, Desert View Information Center, or North Rim Visitor Center.

Several of the daily Interpretive Ranger Programs are wheelchair accessible. Inquire at visitor centers or look in the "Grand Canyon Guide" for specifics.