Outside Magazine

There’s stiff competition to get onto any “best of” trail list in the United States. But with sweeping views of towering rock features, ruins of historic railroad towns, and some of the biggest trees in the world, these trails are all bucket-list worthy on their own merits. Unlike the other lists, however, this one takes surface stability, cross slope, accessible parking, and trail grade into account. I first interviewed experts like Accessible Nature creator Cecilia Travis and Disabled Hikers founder Syren Nagakyrie, as well as wheelchair adventurers from across the country, including Peter Littrel, Mark Irishsea, and “4WheelBob” Coomber. Then I scoured dozens of national-park accessibility guides and whittled down a massive list to bring you 25 trails that each offer a unique slice of American wilderness.

South Rim Trail

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Distance: 13 miles; point-to-point
Trail surface: Paved and packed gravel