About the Book
The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California: Outdoor Adventures Accessible by Car, Wheelchair, and on Foot is a trailblazing guide that removes one of the barriers to access in the outdoors by providing detailed trail information written by a disabled person, for disabled people. The book features over 40 scenic drives and viewpoints, verified wheelchair accessible trails, and foot trails for disabled hikers. The trail guides provide a step-by-step or roll-by-roll description of what you will encounter on the trail, including obstacles like roots and rocks, steep sections, and places to rest. Public transit and driving directions, detailed maps, and hundreds of photos are also featured. The book covers the northern region of California, from Monterey to the Oregon state line, and offers options that meet a variety of accessibility needs to ensure there is something for everyone.
This guide includes:
Drive-up Adventures: Places that can be reached via car or accessible transportation that offer sweeping views or beautiful surroundings without having to go out on trail. Where trails that meet the guidelines are also available, they are also referenced and a trail guide provided.
Wheelchair-Accessible Trails: Descriptions of verified wheelchair accessible trails. Trails are reviewed for adherence to accessibility guidelines and inaccessible features are noted (this is a fairly common occurrence). Descriptions of trail surface, grade, and detailed directions are also be provided. Wheelchair users need more information than simply listing whether a trail is "wheelchair accessible" or not and this guide provides that detail. It also expands the definition of wheelchair accessibility to include wheelchair hikeable trails.
Hiking Trails: Foot trails for disabled hikers are included to suit a wide variety of accessibility needs. Trails are rated according to the Spoon Rating, a system created by Syren Nagakyrie. There is a mix of trails located in cities, developed recreations areas, and backcountry or wilderness areas.
Links in the book
Trail Updates
Updates about trails in the book will be posted here when available. Please contact us if you find any closures or major changes to the accessibility of a trail!