Highlighting the best national parks for seniors can be a tricky business. Seniors encompass a wide group of people. Some seniors, just like many of their younger counterparts, can have trouble with mobility, hearing, or sight. And many are healthier than people half their age!
For the purposes of this article, we’ll take a look at national parks that address concerns many seniors develop as they age. We’ll look at parks with smooth, relatively flat trails to guard against falls. We’ll look at mobility accommodations like wheelchair and scooter accessibility. We’ll look at hearing and sight accommodations as well.
One thing all seniors can take advantage of, however, is the America the Beautiful Pass. Seniors 62 and older can purchase a lifetime pass for the price everyone else pays for just one year – $80. Or they can purchase an annual pass for just $20.
Here are some of our favorite national parks for seniors:
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Badlands National Park
- Arches National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Crater Lake National Park
- Acadia National Park
- Everglades National Park
Most Senior-Friendly National Parks
Many national parks are senior-friendly, depending on the time of year they’re traveling. In fact, weather can be one of the most determining factors in a visit. A park that’s snowed over, icy, and frigid in winter is often a very welcoming spot for seniors during the warmer months.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park has lots of accessible facilities and areas of the park. There are boardwalks around Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin, where wheelchairs can be used. The Grand Loop Road offers lots of opportunities to pull off and watch geothermal features or spot wildlife without much walking.
Accessibility
The park has three medical clinics, and the Mammoth clinic is open year-round. You can rent a wheelchair for $15 a day with a $300 refundable deposit. Motorized personal vehicles are allowed at the park as well.
The films that are shown at the Canyon, Old Faithful, and Grant visitor centers are captioned, to assist those who are hard of hearing. The Albright Visitor Center also has induction loop technology at the information desk, to help those wearing hearing aids.
Many Redditors also have great advice for visiting Yellowstone if you want tips from plenty of people who’ve been there before!
Weather
Winter in Yellowstone can be harsh, with very cold temperatures and lots of snow and ice. Most roads in the park are closed, and all of these factors make winter a tough time for seniors to visit. Summers are mild, and extreme heat is unusual. This is a pleasant time for everyone – seniors included! – to visit.
Elevation
Most of Yellowstone is above 6,000 feet in elevation. For people not used to the altitude, this can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and in rare cases, more extreme illness. Contrary to popular belief, seniors are not more susceptible to altitude sickness than younger people.
However, seniors should still check with a doctor before a trip. Those with pre-existing conditions or taking medications will certainly want to check with healthcare providers. Everyone headed to higher elevations should wear sunscreen, stay well-hydrated, and plan a day or two of easy activities while they acclimate.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is also senior-friendly. And since it’s just a short drive from Yellowstone, it’s well worth visiting both parks! The scenic mountain views are easy to enjoy from a car, or from the many pull-offs where you can simply get out of the vehicle to take pictures. It’s also common to spot wildlife without having to hike as well.
Accessibility
The Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center and the visitor centers at Jenny Lake and Colter Bay have accessible restrooms, parking spots, and entrances. The facilities at Flagg Ranch Information Station are also accessible. Most lodging facilities also have some accessible rooms. Many areas of the park have printed brochures available, which can be helpful for people with hearing loss.
Weather
Weather at Grand Teton is similar to weather at Yellowstone, so winters can be harsh. Some roads in the park are closed, although the main highways remain open and plowed. Temperatures at the park can get very cold, and snow and ice can be dangerous to walk on. Summers, like those in Yellowstone, are mild which makes that a great time to visit.
Elevation
The park is above 6,000 feet in elevation. As with Yellowstone, travelers of all ages should give themselves plenty of time to adjust to the higher altitude. Consult a doctor before traveling to higher elevations, especially if you have pre-existing health concerns. Be sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen while traveling this high.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is a very accessible park that’s easy for seniors to navigate as well. There are paved, wheelchair-accessible walkways along the entire South Rim, and it’s just a short distance from the parking lot or shuttle bus stops to various overlooks. Seniors can tailor any hikes to their abilities and walk down canyon trails as far as they wish before turning around to hike back out. There are also fascinating visitor center displays, ranger talks, and lots of interesting activities along the South Rim where guests can learn more about the park.
Accessibility
All park shuttle buses are wheelchair-accessible, but most motorized scooters will not fit on shuttle buses. There is a Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit which allows visitors with mobility issues to access some areas of the park that are closed to the general public.
Weather
The South Rim is the most popular part of the Grand Canyon for visitors and the easiest for seniors to access and find accommodations. The South Rim does get snow during winter months which can make walking around the park difficult.
But the biggest weather challenge at the Grand Canyon is the summer heat. Late spring, early summer, and mid-to-late fall are all good times to visit the park and avoid the heat. If you’re visiting during the hottest days, plan activities earlier during the day and seek air-conditioning or shade as it heats up. Bring lots of water, regardless of when you visit. Wear sun hats and moisture-wicking clothing that protects from the sun.
Yosemite National Park
Seniors can see lots of Yosemite National Park landmarks from a car or park shuttle in the Yosemite Valley and on drives to outlooks. There are lots of viewpoints where you can see Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Destinations like Glacier Point are just a short walk from the parking lot to the overlook. And the Yosemite History Center in Wawona has easy walking trails and historic exhibits.
Accessibility
Yosemite staff is working hard to make the park as accessible as possible for visitors. Guests can request a temporary accessible parking pass at the entrance. Lodges including the Ahwahnee Hotel and Yosemite Valley Lodge have fully accessible facilities. Guests can also rent manual and electric scooters at Yosemite Lodge or in Curry Village. There are also wheelchair-accessible trails including the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail.
Yosemite also has assistive listening devices and captioned movies at visitor centers.
Weather
Yosemite can get significant snow and ice in the wintertime. The park is still very busy in winter, and main areas in the Yosemite Valley are plowed and shoveled. Still, seniors will want to be careful of icy walkways and guard against falls.
Yosemite Valley can also get very hot in summer. The park has a variety of elevations, and moving to a higher altitude can help you cool off. The Ahwahnee Hotel has air conditioning, but Yosemite Lodge does not. Be sure to drink lots of water, wear moisture-wicking and cooling clothing, and bring a sun hat. On hot days, try to do activities early in the morning – you’ll avoid crowds this way as well.
Glacier National Park
Many areas of Glacier National Park, including the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road, can be explored by vehicle, with just short walks to overlooks. The park has shuttle buses, and there are boat tours at several of the park’s lakes. The Many Glacier Hotel overlooks Swiftcurrent Lake and the towering mountains, and it’s possible to simply enjoy a day at the hotel with its amazing views. However, the hotel does not have elevators, so if a senior has mobility issues, they’ll want a ground floor room.
It’s also possible to see wildlife throughout the park.
Accessibility
There are paved paths at Glacier Overlook, McDonald Falls, and elsewhere that are easy for seniors to navigate on foot or in a wheelchair. Running Eagle Falls and Swiftcurrent Nature Trails are also accessible.
Videos and films at the visitor center are captioned, and assisted listening devices are available upon request.
Weather
Glacier National Park gets significant snowfall during late fall, winter, and spring. There is limited access to the park in the winter, and seniors will want to guard against extreme cold and icy paths where falls are more likely.
Summers at the park are mild. Temperatures have, on occasion, reached into the 90s, but that is unusual. Average temps in July and August range from 60°F to 70°F.
Elevation
Glacier’s elevation ranges from 3,150 feet to 10,466 feet at its highest point. The average elevation at the park is 5,393 feet. For seniors heading to higher elevations, allow time to rest and acclimate before any strenuous activity. Drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, and wear sun-protective clothing and a hat.
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is a great option for senior travelers. A 40-mile loop road through the park means you can explore a wide area by vehicle. There are many overlooks along the way, with a short walk from parking to the overlook. Visitors can also see a wide variety of wildlife from their vehicle along Wildlife Loop Drive. They may see buffalo, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs on this “American safari,” all without getting out of the car.
There are also many ranger talks and events where seniors can learn more about the park, the wildlife, and more.
Accessibility
The Ben Reifel and White River Visitor Centers are both wheelchair accessible, with ramps, parking, and accessible bathrooms. Films are captions for those who have trouble hearing, and listening devices are available. Most overlooks and exhibits throughout the park are accessible and many have boardwalks. The Fossil Exhibit and Window Trail both have accessible boardwalks as well, and the first section of the Door and Cliff Shelf Trails are also accessible.
Cedar Pass Lodge has accessible restrooms, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
Weather
Badlands comes honestly by its name – it’s a land of extreme weather. Summer temperatures can soar to 114°F while winter temps can plummet to below -40°F. In fact, there are limited services at the park in the winter, making that a tough time for seniors to visit. The best times to visit the park are during the shoulder seasons of later spring in April and May or mid-September to October. Visitors will also find fewer crowds during that time.
You’ll want to bring plenty of water since places to refill are scarce in the park. Also, wear a sun hat and moisture-wicking, sun-protective gear.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park has several ways for seniors to enjoy the park. There’s an 18-mile paved road with lots of pullouts where seniors can stop to view the arches and other rock formations. There are also several gentle trails at the park including the Double Arch Trail, the Windows Trail, and the Devils Garden Trail. Ranger talks and other events help visitors learn even more about the park.
Accessibility
The visitor center is fully accessible, with restrooms, water fountains, and benches for resting. Many of the viewpoints are wheelchair accessible as well. The path to the Devils Garden amphitheater, where evening ranger programs are held, is paved and lit.
Weather
Arches can get snow and ice during the wintertime, and daytime highs in winter range from 30°F to 50°F. But the real danger at the park is the summer heat. The park is often over 100°F during the day, making it dangerous for seniors and many other people. If you’re visiting during the summer, go early in the morning to avoid both crowds and heat. Also, be aware that some areas of the park don’t have much shade or respite from the sun. The best time to visit Arches, however, is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. The weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer crowds.
Bring lots of water when you visit, because there are no restaurants and few facilities. Wear sunscreen and a protective sun hat, and wear moisture-wicking, sun-protective clothing.
Mount Rainier National Park
Because of the striking mountain that gives Mount Rainier National Park its name, it might not seem like a it has a lot of activities for seniors. But there are many ways to appreciate the amazing views and to experience the park without climbing the mountain at the center of it.
There are a few easy trails at the park, including the 3/4-mile Trail of the Shadows and the 0.8-mile Myrtle Falls Viewpoint Trail. Tipsoo Lake Loop is also a gentle trail with beautiful lake views. There are also ranger talks and programs where seniors can learn more about the park.
Outside the national park, the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and the Rainier Gondola to Crystal Mountain both offer amazing views. The gondola takes riders to the highest-elevation restaurant in Washington State. At the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, guests can get close-up views of native wildlife.
Accessibility
Some of the park visitor centers are accessible, with exhibits either on the ground floor or in buildings with elevators. There is accessible parking. Longmire Museum has narrow doorways where a wheelchair may not fit, and paths are uneven. Park films are captioned for people who have trouble hearing, and there are listening devices available.
Elevation
The lowest point at Mt. Rainier National Park is 1,600 feet above sea level, while its highest point is 14,410 feet. If visitors head to high elevations, be sure to spend some time acclimating to the high altitude. Plan plenty of rest periods and drink lots of water to help your body adjust.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park has some flat, easy trails seniors can walk including the Sun Notch Trail, the Plaikni Falls Trail, and the Godfrey Glen Trail. There are also guided tours at the park. The trolley tours are two-hour guided ranger tours, and the trolleys are accessible. There are senior discounts available for the tour.
Accessibility
The Rim Village area has lots of accessible facilities, including lodging, cafes, and gift shops. Mazama Village has accessible stores, campgrounds, and restaurants. There are also paved areas around the rim of the lake with viewpoints.
Weather
Crater Lake usually gets a significant amount of snow each winter, and large areas of the park close for the season. Because of the snow, ice, and park closures, winter can be a challenging time for seniors to visit. Summer temperatures are mild, often ranging from 68-69°F. Early fall can also be a good option for visiting the park, and seniors will find fewer crowds after Labor Day.
Be sure to drink plenty of water while visiting the park, and wear sun-protective hats and clothing.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a great destination for seniors. Island Explorer buses are free and wheelchair accessible to help visitors see major points around the park. The Park Loop Road has scenic drives to enjoy from the car. And vehicles can reach most major spots in the park, including the top of Cadillac Mountain.
Trails like Jesup Path and Hemlock Loop are an easy way to get out on a short hike. There are also accessible, raised boardwalks through wooded and marshy areas.
Rangers give talks and plan programs where visitors can learn more about the park and the surrounding area.
Accessibility
Along with the accessible Island Explorer buses and the boardwalk trails at the park, guests can book wheelchair-accessible carriage rides at the park. An accessible beach chair with inflatable tires is available for public use at Echo Lake Park. Other power-driven mobility devices like scooters and e-bikes are allowed at the park after guests apply for a permit.
Weather
Acadia gets lots of snow each winter, and portions of the park close to the public. This can make visiting during colder times of year a challenge for seniors. Summer weather is mild, and temperatures usually range from 70°F to 80°F. Fall is also a wonderful time to visit Acadia, and the leaves usually turn in mid-October.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is a very suitable national park for seniors. Trails including the Anhinga Trail, The Gumbo Limbo Trail, and the Bobcat Boardwalk have boardwalks and paved surfaces that are easy to navigate and wheelchair-friendly. The Pa-hay-okee Overlook is paved, and a short walk takes visitors from their vehicle to the viewing area. Boardwalks and overlooks are also excellent places for visitors to watch for wildlife in the park.
Shark Valley Tram Tours are wheelchair-accessible, narrated tours that take visitors through the park. There are also boat and airboat tours available, for a more unusual way to explore the area.
Accessibility
Many visitor centers at Everglades are accessible, with accessible parking, restrooms, and other facilities. There are also several paths at the park that are paved and able to be navigated by a wheelchair or scooter. Assistive listening devices are available for ranger programs, and park films include captioning for those who have trouble hearing.
Weather
December through April – known as the dry season – is the best time to visit the Everglades. The weather is pleasant, there are fewer mosquitos, and birds and wildlife tend to be easier to see. Average temperatures range from 53°F to 77°F, although there can be cold snaps.
National Park Pass for Seniors
Seniors aged 62 and older do get discounts on a national park pass for seniors. Seniors can purchase an annual pass for $20 or a lifetime America the Beautiful Pass for just $80. Both passes allow access all sites run by the following federal agencies:
- U.S. Forest Service
- National Park Service
- Fish and Wildlife Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- Bureau of Reclamation
- US Army Corps of Engineers
This adds up to more than 2,000 different recreation areas across the U.S.
The pass lets the holder and anyone in a passenger vehicle with them into the area without paying an entrance fee. If fees are charged per-person, the pass allows the holder and up to three other adults to enter without paying.
Why an RV Rental is Perfect for Senior Travelers
An RV rental can be a wonderful way for seniors to travel, especially on a national park road trip. Having your own space allows you to visit each park without having to pack and unpack at a hotel room or campsite each time you move. It also keeps travelers from having to adjust to new pillows and beds at each stop – something many of us appreciate as our bodies get older!
An RV rental also allows seniors, and everyone else, to make their own meals if they wish instead of having to dine out each day. It can be easier to accommodate someone with a special diet, or someone who needs to eat at certain times due to medications. There’s plenty of room in an RV for assistive mobility devices, CPAP machines, hearing aid chargers, and any other devices seniors may need to travel with. Traveling in an RV can even lessen the chance of forgetting something small, like a hearing aid charging cord, in a hotel after you leave.
Seniors can explore national parks at their leisure. They can return to their RV for a rest before heading back out to see more of the park.
Helpful Advice for Seniors Visiting National Parks
Most advice that’s helpful for seniors visiting national parks is actually helpful for anyone visiting national parks! Be sure to check weather reports so you’re prepared for your day. Many parks, especially those in the mountains, require layers because temperatures can fluctuate.
Bring plenty of water, especially if you’re visiting a park when it’s hot or if you’re heading to a higher altitude. Bring protective sun clothing, including a hat and moisture-wicking, SPF-protected shirt. And bring plenty of sunscreen.
Also, consider bringing trekking poles if you’ll be doing any walking. Trekking poles can help relieve pressure on your knees and can help you maintain your balance on uneven terrain. They’re a wonderful addition to anyone’s hiking gear!
Finally, monitor your body’s responses to your activity. Take plenty of rests if you feel fatigued.
If you will be driving an RV on a national park road trip, plan rest days between driving as well. You want to be well-rested and alert when you drive! Here are other tips for planning an RV road trip.
Hopefully, this article has give you some great ideas for national parks to explore with seniors. If you’re looking for places near these parks where you can stay, check out our list of “seniors only” RV resorts for some ideas.
