Click below to see reviews and photos of dozens of trails we've travelled by wheelchair; how far we got and what we thought about it [last updated 04-21-08]
Here you will find access information about SF Bay Area parks I've explored
or tried to explore, intended to help other wheelchair users tell whether they
want to try them.They range from 100% ADA accessible with good public transit
to the kind of perverse undertakings that may make you roll your eyes--unless
you have been frustrated looking for information about undesignated but useable
trails.
I made these trips using Invacare Arrow power wheelchairs and usually
the assistance of my very fit 64 year old husband. Since I have also hiked on
crutches and with other chairs both power and manual--and less capable assistants--I
have some perspective on differing needs, and try to give pertinent information
on such factors as soft going, bumpiness, availability of benches, and uncertainty
when one winter's erosion may make a trail unusable.
Most of these places have been well described elsewhere, so I usually
provide links for more information and maps.
The linked indices, one of areas and cities, the other of parks in alphabetical order let you go directly to a particular review. The map has links so you can check out different areas.
Marin County and the East Bay are the areas most featured, since I live in Berkeley. If you have information about other accessible trails, I need your help! Please contact me. Meanwhile, the Resources section has links to a couple of websites offering trail access information for the SF peninsula.
Of course trails may have changed since I was there. And there are surely mistakes that are all my fault. If other trail users [that's you!] will email or phone with corrections and updates, as well as information about other trails, I'll post it here, and we'll benefit from each other's experience.
If you know of an enjoyable trail that might work for wheelchairs, and
isn't listed here yet, drop me a note so I can check it out.
Ann Sieck asiecker@sbcglobal.net 510-655-8863
Blog:
Ann's 2 cents
Contents
1. Alphabetical Park and Open Space Index
3. Map with locations of some Parks
4. Key to symbols:
e.g.: AG-B; *** 5+ miles v? SJ
5. What does she call accessible, anyway?
