The outdoors are for everybody — and there are plenty of hikes in our area that are friendly to wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility aids. Get some fresh air on three of our favorite accessible trails.
Coyote Creek Parkway: Hellyer County Park to Silver Creek Valley
The north portion of Coyote Creek Parkway features this 6-mile, paved asphalt trail that provides ample space at ~10 ft wide. The trail also has a gentle grade (3% or less), benches along the way, and four designated accessible parking spaces off of Hellyer Avenue at its north end.
Almaden Lake Loop
Enjoy views of the lake (and that gorgeous mountain backdrop) on this 1.4-mile paved loop. The parking lot off of Almaden Expressway at the trail’s west end features four designated accessible spaces.
Bonus: If you’d like to extend your hike, continue on to the attached Los Alamitos Creek Trail, which is paved, has a gentle grade, and is typically at least 8 ft wide. Note that a painted dividing line along most of the trail technically reduces the width.
Los Gatos Creek Trail: Fruitdale to Los Gatos
If you’re seeking more of a challenge, try this 15.6-mile out-and-back trail. The trail features various surfaces: Asphalt, cement, and wooden bridges with railings, all of which are ~5 ft wide.
While most of the trail has a grade of 5% or less, certain sections can get moderately steep at 1.9, 3.3, 4.6, 7.1, and 7.5 miles headed southbound, and some folks may need assistance.
What’s your go-to wheelchair-accessible trail? Let us know where we should explore next.
If you’re hunting for more hikes, we’ve got you. Check out our full guide to local hiking.
