National Park After Dark Access to Adventure: Accessibility in National Parks
Feb 9, 2026
Two groups with disabilities take on iconic park challenges: a team of paraplegic climbers pushing wheelchairs up Guadalupe Peak and two blind kayakers running the Grand Canyon’s whitewater. The story highlights custom gear, teamwork, daring river runs, and how these journeys shaped park accessibility and advocacy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Field Hacks For Wheelchair Trails
- The POINT team used tricks like wedging rocks, fabric under wheels, and towing chairs with ropes to regain traction and pass narrow sections.
- They sometimes scooted on the ground and carried foam seats to traverse unwheelable stretches.
Climb's Ripple Effects
- David Kiley, a Guadalupe climber, became a decorated Paralympian with 13 medals and Hall of Fame induction.
- Ranger John Jarvis later became NPS Director and credited the climb with changing his perspective on accessibility.
From 'Ask For Help' To Default Accessibility
- Early NPS guidance treated accessibility as assistance-on-request rather than built-in design, putting the burden on disabled visitors.
- The ADA shifted expectation to default accessibility, forcing parks to design inclusively rather than rely on help.
