Roper Lake State Park is located in eastern Arizona.  It’s on the south side of the town of Safford, Arizona. Its a small lake and the park isn’t much bigger.   The location isn’t on any main highways so it’s not likely to be crowded anytime of the year.

The overall wheelchair access is good.  The terrain is pretty flat to begin with, and the park’s people have done a solid job making it accessible.  The first thing to like is the little cabins you can rent.  Of the 10+ cabins, three are right on the shoreline, and one of them is the Bass Cabin, which is their accessible cabin.

Just like the accessible cabin at Dead Horse State Park Lake, these are just a place to sleep for 4 people. We didn’t get to go in, but I’m sure they are similar.  The front deck of the Bass Cabin has a porch swing and a barbecue. It has a nice flat deck for hosting a herd of chair users.

The lake has some 70 RV/camp sites.  Many have water and electric hookups.  We stayed at the one site they designate as ADA parking.  I think most offer about the same functionality, but it is the closest spot to the very nice common bathroom and showers.  The bathrooms get high access marks. This spot doesn’t have the great view the cabin has, but it’s better than most.

There’s a road and a path that goes around the lake.  it’s great for taking a walk/roll.  The lake has an accessible dock that has good access.  There’s also a beach you can roll down to rather easily.  We launched the kayak here, and played whiffle ball.  The lake has a few section of trail that has pebbles too deep for most chairs to roll through.  I’d get stuck and need a lil’ push but in most cases you can find an alternate route.

A really nice feature at Roper Lake is the natural hot spring.  They’ve create a sitting pool out of rock for people to sit and relax in the warm water.  The tub isnt too accessible, but you can roll right up to it.

Roper Lake is a bird paradise.  We woke each morning to cardinals and quails.  There is water fowl always flying in and out of the protected waters.

Black Hills Back Country Byway
One afternoon we took a day trip over to the Black Hills Back Country Byway  This is a 21-mile scenic drive through the northern end of the Peloncillo Mountains.  This is a dirt road, but weather permitting, almost any car could cruise this road in 2-3 hours.  Bring a lunch because the Canyon Overlook Picnic Area (midway along the byway, about 10 miles in from either entrance), has great accessibility with an amazing view.

Near the northern end of the byway is the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area along the Gila River.  This has a great old concrete bridge and good wheelchair access to a small portion of the Gila River below.   If you have 4 wheeldrive, there’s numerous trails leading off to the Gila River and spectacular overlooks of the Gila River canyon.

Roper Lake State Park is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.

First things first: The dead horse is long gone. This is a very clean and accessible park. I couldn’t even smell the carcass.

Located on the edge of a really cool little town called Cottonwood, at 3,300′ elevation, the park is in the high desert region. The park is part of the Verde Valley, and is next to the Verde River. Its easy to see why the early Indians loved the Verde Valley. It’s sorta like an oasis in the desert. There’s huge shade trees that probably where here 300 years ago when migrating tribes discovered the place. Thirty minutes away is Montezuma’s Castle.

The state park has three little ‘lagoons’ they stock with all types of fish. There is a nice trail around the fishing holes and numerous steel piers extend out into the water. These little piers are wheelchair accessible and really well designed for hauling in fish. There are shade trees every where and numerous picnic tables and ramadas. The Lower Lagoon has a larger pier and human-powered boats are allowed.

We barely covered any of the earth packed trails. The ones around the lake are great. We trekked down another that followed the creek, but never found to get near the creek. The park has numerous trails going in between the various camping sites.

An interesting feature at the park is the row of 8 cabins you can rent for $50 a night. They are basically sleeping quarters . Cabin #5, (aka The Eagle Cabin) has wheelchair access. Each cabin has 1 full bed and a set of bunks. They have a small table inside, but not much else. They do have have electricity and there’s public bathrooms (with roll-in shower) near by. There is a BBQ on the side of the cabin. I like the concept as its something between camping and staying at a hotel. The location of these cabins leaves a little to be desired, as the view isn’t scenic compared to other spots in the park, and its quite a walk to the fishing holes. The other bummer is that campers or motor homes can’t stay nearby so depending on how your friends roll, you could not ‘camp’ with them. But if your friends too grabbed a cabin, it would be fun. The cabins, and the entire park are pet-friendly.

What makes Dead Horse Ranch State Park most attractive is the weather. It’s never going to be scorching hot, and never too cold. It’s a year round place to roll around.

Link to Dead Horse Ranch State Park web site

The lagoons have flat wide dirt trails that go around the lagoons. There is shady trees and picnic ramadas as well.

Each lagoon has 6-10 piers that perch over the water. The pier offers good wheelchair access for disabled anglers.

Cabin #5 had good wheelchair access. The public bath room is 30 yards away.

Its pretty tight inside the small cabins.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.

This article covers the Grand Canyon Lodge, the nearby Bridal Trail, the Cape Royal Trail, and the Navajo Bridge Scenic Overview near Lee’s Ferry.

The drive to the lodge is beautiful.  The route passes through huge meadows that are surrounded with pine and aspen trees. It’s a dramatic change for any desert dwellers.  I set the cruise control at maybe 50 and opened all the windows and the sun roof.  Good stuff.

The lodge is right on the rim, and the view is spectacular.

The property is over 80 years old. The main building is huge and made of stone and massive timbers.  When you get here, and you imagine the construction methods and the transportation available back in the 1920′s, it’s ever more impressive.  The main lodge sits right on the canyon’s edge.  We enjoyed two great sunsets on the open patios. The mood around sunset is quite relaxing as guests mingle and a glass of wine allows you to relax and further appreciate the view.

The cabins themselves are rustic.  We stayed in one of the larger Western cabins.  These offer a front porch, a gas fireplace at the foot of the queen size bed, a desk area and for PwDs, an excellent bathroom with roll-in shower.  The Lodge has four of the larger Western Cabins.  Two have tubs, two have showers. They also have two of the smaller Frontier Cabins with limited ADA access. All the cabins interlink with a nice concrete pathway. If you have any craving for television or Internet, forget it as the cabins have no television,  and Internet is located down the road. For us, we suffered a bit of technical withdrawals, but it got us to bed early and up early to go exploring.

The lodge has a great outdoor terrace that is accessed using a small outdoor elevator.

The lodge has a very nice restaurant.  Consider making dinner reservations at the time you book, as each night they are full with a waiting list.  The dining area is down stairs and wheelers get to ride a lil elevator down.  The food is delicious, and we enjoyed the young staff which have a keen knowledge of the lodge, menu and wine selection. If you time your dining to the sunset, you’re in for something special.  Overall, the accessibility at and around the lodge is good.  It’s an old building sitting on a cliff, so the access isn’t always front and center, or in the most convenient spot, but we did nothing but enjoy ourselves, and the fine hospitality.

The Nearby Bridal Trail
From the lodge, you can pick up the Bridal Trail (also called the Greenway Trail) just east of the cabins.  It initially follows the canyon past the parking area, then crosses the road.  At the road, the path is a bit inaccessible, but once you get to the other side, it widens and becomes a very nice nature trail.  As you meander through the junipers, aspen and pine trees, you’ll notice a lot of work has gone into making the path easy to use and resilient to the weather.  The trail is well over a mile long, and at 7.900 ft elevation, you will likely be huffing and puffing.  The trail will take you to the general store which is a good place to grab a drink.  Its also the only place where there’s Internet, so bring along the iPhone or laptop.

From the General Store, the trail goes another 1/8th mile north then crosses the road and heads towards the North Kaibab Trail.  We made it down the steep slope but opted to turn back as the pitch of the trail became quite difficult. Basically I kept sliding sideways towards a lot of pain. The first portion of the trail a is well worth trying.

The view from Angle Point along the Cape Royal Trail.

Cape Royal
For me,  if I go somewhere touted as spectacular, and there isn’t a scenic trail around, well then the place ain’t so great,  The north rim became a great place after visiting Cape Point.  This is perhaps Arizona’s ultimate in scenic accessible trails.  For starters, the hour drive from the lodge is in and of it self, a very beautiful drive.  The last 30 minutes consists on non-stop turns, curves, chicanes, and whip-backs that are really fun.  On many of these turns, failure is not an option.  That big ol’ canyon looms below.

Once you arrive, there’s a sizable parking lot.  Unfortunately there’s only one access parking spot.  We grabbed it, but as there’s no stripes for a loading zone, we sure enough had to ask someone to move their car on return from the hike. But that’s nit-picking compared to the big picture.

From the trail head, the first quarter mile of the trail is asphalt.  It leads you down the center of the narrow finger of the plateau.  On one side is the canyon and the sheer drop offs will definitely get your attention.  Not too far up the trail, you come to the turn for Angel Point. This path continues to be paved and it’s Angel Point, with the huge hole underneath the lookout that you will see as your drive up.  It is an amazing site.

So Angel Point offers a view that really defies words, but unfortunately the point itself isn’t accessible.  It could, and it should be, but we apparently haven’t pestered the park service enough to do so.  None the less, its a superb view and in numerous spots, you can roll right out to the very edge.  It’s definitely a hair raising, brake testing view when you get close to the edge.  If I ever meet President Obama, I plan to tell him Angel Point needs to be accessible.

The trail to Cape Royal. Wheelchair users can get as close as they dare to the edge. Angel Point with its hole in the sandstone is in the distance.

But Point Royal is still to come, so head back to the trail intersection, and then take the now gravel path further out.  The path would be annoying in a chair with small casters, but anything else would travel it easily. Once you arrive, you are looking at the most panoramic view of the Grand Canyon available (270 degrees).  Pack a lunch because this is a surreal place.  Just watching the birds catching the drafts and soaring effortlessly is worth the effort to get out here.  This is one of the few places on the north rim where you can see the Colorado River snaking through the canyon nearly a mile below.    We also found ourselves watching all the people as they arrived. Their expressions told it all.

Getting There
Getting to the north rim is a 6-7 hour drive from Phoenix.  From Flagstaff, the drive up highway 89 towards Page takes you through some very desolate yet spectacular barren deserts.  As you break off at 89A, you’ll cross the Colorado River at Marble Canyon and the Navajo Bridge.  This is an excellent place to stop as the old bridge is now for pedestrians. Its a great place to stretch and see the Colorado River before it enters the Grand Canyon.  I’d suggest parking on the far side as it’s better access parking.

Navajo Bridge at Marble Canyon near Lee's Ferry. This is an excellent opportunity to 'roll' across the Colorado River.

The Grand Canyon Lodge is managed by Forever Resorts.  Their web site is: www.grandcanyonforever.com

Finally let me add that while I make every effort to take Annie, our dog just about everywhere, we didn’t bring her on this trip and I’m glad.  She’d loves the hikes, but once you’ve experienced the lodge, you’ll understand why it’s really not a doggy hangout. But that’s just me.

Below are a few more random photos;

The entrance to the Grand Canyon Lodge

The Western Cabins are more spacious and include a porch with rocking chairs.

The Western Cabins typically include two queen beds. ADA rooms have just one bed to increase access.

The lodge has an enormous viewing area.

Highway 89 travels between Flagstaff and Page. The route takes you through some rather baron desertscapes that are surrounded by limestone cliffs.

And for anyone interested in the bathroom’s wheelchair access, here’s the cabin’s bathroom featuring a nice roll-in shower. The cabin comes with rather small portable stool. so plan accordingly.

Roll-in Shower at the Grand Canon Lodge.

Other side of bathroom.

Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.

[Originally posted on 8/4/08]

How would you like to be able to roll your wheelchair through the Grand Canyon? It might be a little bumpy, but taking a houseboat around Lake Powell is virtually the same thing, and one amazing ride.

Some history, before there was Lake Powell there was the Colorado River, which flowed through Glen Canyon and then down into the Grand Canyon. In the 60s, a dam was installed and Lake Powell came into existence. John Powell was a civil war hero who incidentally was also a amputee. He was one of the early explorers of the region.

Houseboats are like motorhomes. You need to get a lot of creature comforts in to a small space. Not surprisingly this limits how much accessibility you can offer. Well the folks at Forever Houseboats decided to break the mold and build one very accessible houseboat. My family and I rented Houseboat 750 for one week this July and had a magnificent time exploring Lake Powell.

For starters, the boat is big. She is 75 feet long, and 18 feet wide. And it takes quite a bit of skill to be able to maneuver her in tight spots. The boat has five bedrooms and two bathrooms. One bedroom is plenty accessible, and the bathroom next door offers a roll-in shower. The galley and family area is on the main floor and is easy to get around. Perhaps what makes boat 750 most accessible is the elevator that takes you up to the upper deck. It is here that I spent most of my time, and where I really got to enjoy Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon. Having a flat deck that is this long allows a wheeler to roll around and see everything on both sides.

Regardless of anyone’s abilities, such a big boat requires at least three or four good shipmates. At the end of the day, when the exploring finds you a good campsite, all hands need to assist in anchoring the vessel. This is not always a simple task when the canyons are solid rock. A good wind could slam her into something you don’t want to pay for. But that’s why there are four other bedrooms. So bring along some good people. When I say “good” I mean that they are not afraid to get their hands a little dirty and their feet a little wet, and that they can pitch in for the price of such a venture.

I had hoped that we could pull the boat up to some flatter areas and I could explore a little in my chair. This did not prove to be the case. We found one good campsite for this, and I’m sure there are many more if you knew the lake better, but thankfully the boat was big enough for even me to avoid cabin fever and co-exist with family for a week. My only regret is that we were not able to get back to Rainbow Bridge on this trip.

From the upper deck, which I should mention has a hot tub, albeit not too accessible, Glenn Canyon is every bit as spectacular as the Grand Canyon. Even in such a huge boat, you feel small in perspective. The canyon walls tower above you and everywhere you see magnificent colors that change as you pass. We brought along a kayak and a small boat which allowed people to get further back into the narrow canyons and really enjoy the unique peaceful nature of Lake Powell.

Antelope Point Marina (Page, Arizona) is where virtually all such trips originate. It’s very big, and the planners and operators have done a great job making it accessible. Where the ramps are too steep, and too long, golf cart taxis with ramps can zip you around. There are plenty of courteous employees who really make the departures convenient.

Lake Powell can be explored on a smaller scale. There are day trips, and daily boat rentals and there are a number of locations accessible by land that I hope to explore some day.

The photos above have some elaborate descriptions at Flickr. If you are thinking about a similar trip, drop me a note.

For specific Lake Powell rental info click here

Lake Powell is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.

Its late November and in the high 60′s in Phoenix, so I decided to find somewhere warmer. I see Lake Havasu is predicted to be mid-70′s so I packed another pair of shorts and headed west for the 2 hour drive.

Forty years ago some clever people in Lake Havasu, Arizona bought the London Bridge for $3 million from London. They spent another $7 million getting it back to Lake Havasu, now it’s a pretty cool place to visit. Lake Havasu is on the Arizona California border. The lake has a reputation for big time lake parties and some awesome boats. We visited over the Thanksgiving weekend. Not many parties but plenty of seriously fast (and sexy) boats.

The bridge goes across a 1-mile long channel which has beaches on both side. Above the beaches is a 5-star urban trail that goes from the city’s Rotary Park, along the shoreline, up and over the bridge and then down the coast of the island. What I like is that its got a little bit of everything. The park has a great beach. The sand is compact enough that I could get the ol’ power chair to get right on the shoreline. The palm trees add some tropic flavor and the lake and mountains are very scenic. We stopped and watched the kids race the RC cars at a cool little track.

Click on the photo for notes, or see larger photos at Flickr

As you approach the bridge, there’s numerous shops and bistros on the path. Beneath the bridge is a stage where music events occur. Now here is where it gets a bit tricky. In order to get to the island you cross the bridge, which means you have to get up to street level and the one path that is obvious is way too steep. We found a much easier detour by the tennis courts of the London Bridge Resort. You have to cut through their parking lot for a 1/4 mile but it seems like the best route.

Going across the bridge is easy and scenic. When you get to the island, take the sidewalk around the Javalina Cafe (ok food, nice view) and head to the lobby of the Heat hotel. We met the general manager who said they allow PwD’s to use the elevator to get down to the shore. There’s another route but this was easy. From here the path runs south toward London Bridge Beach. This is a really nice path the goes past a great dog park. During our visit they were working on the path past this point, but there’s a great looking park that goes down to the end of the island. One other path is located on the island itself. This is basically a 3-mile bike path that would be great for exercise. It takes you all the way around the island.

Where To Stay
We stayed at The Nautical Inn and really liked it. They have 3 rooms that are ADA wheelchair accessible. Only one has a roll-in shower. The rooms have a great view of the lake. Whats really cool is they have a path leading down to the beach. If you look close you can see my tracks. The restaurant is accessible, and the tiki bar is really fun.

We also visited Heat Hotel, which is right next to the London Bridge and has a room with roll-in shower that has a great view. Heat is definitely a eclectic festive location and the GM tells me the parties slow down around 2pm, so dont expect less. They have two levels of outdoor bars and good music, so its definitely meant for a fun time.

As for fishing, I had hoped to visit the Havasu Springs Pier (Wiki info)which is located 10 miles south of town and supposedly accessible, but we ran out of time.

London Bridge – Lake Havasu is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.

There just isn’t a lot of wheelchair accessible cabins to stay at in northern Arizona. So when I found Hidden Meadow Ranch had an accessible room, it became a priority to visit. Having enjoyed two great nights, I can say that this is not your everyday average cabin or dude ranch. The best way to describe it is to imagine if John Wayne and Donald Trump were to collaborate on a resort. That’s about what you have at Hidden Meadow Ranch.

On arrival, we were escorted to the cabin by a cowboy atop a horse, wearing a well-worn cowboy hat, full-length duster and spurs. He helped with the luggage and explained how the cabin functioned. Cowboy bellhops certainly gets you into the mood and swing of things.

{note: if you click on the photos above, I’ve added some descriptions}

Hidden Meadow Ranch consists of 12 cabins, an amazing restaurant, and a working ranch all surrounded by the Apache-Sitgraves National Forest in Northeastern Arizona, in between the interesting towns of Greer and Pinetop. The ranch is over 150 acres and has 2 trout ponds, numerous riding stalls, an arena and barn. Conde Nash recently voted Hidden Meadow Ranch it’s top ranch style destination for 2009. Best of all, the accessible cabin is really accessible and really nice.

From the moment you arrive it is apparent that this very secluded ranch has been designed by people who understand luxurious accommodations. Perhaps even more telling is in the way management and staff conduct themselves. Everyone is constantly catering to your enjoyment and yet still maintaining a ranch-style casual atmosphere.

History – The land was originally homesteaded in the early 1900’s. Two families owned the ranch up until recently when the current owners, who have hospitality backgrounds acquired the property and began the dramatic transition to what the ranch is today. We enjoyed a sunny lunch on the balcony with a family who had flown from London to Phoenix, and then driven direct the 4-hours to the ranch. Part of their 3-stops, the couple wanted their daughter to experience a real western ranch. No English saddles here for sure.

Accessibility – Let me preface my comments on accessibility by saying that this isn’t a flat resort with concrete paths everywhere. We’re at 8,500’ elevation and the mountains are steep and rugged in every direction. This is snow country and the ranch is not 100% accessible but a lot of thought, and planning and expense has gone into making the ranch as accessible as possible. Paths lead you from your cabin to the common areas. None are too steep or too narrow but they used crushed rock as a surface for the paths and roads which isn’t really compatible for wheelchairs with smaller casters. On this trip I brought a power chair and thankfully was able to go everywhere. An agile para could get about, but a scooter or power chair is going to make getting about the ranch much more enjoyable. As an amateur photographer I ‘saddled up’ the ‘ol Quickie and roamed about the entire ranch taking photos of the scenery and animals.

Strawberry Fields Cabin – The ranch offers the Strawberry Fields cabin to us needing accessible accommodations. The 2-bedroom log cabin is very quaint and very well furnished. The décor is rustic southwestern with plenty of art work, antiques and modern conveniences. The unit has a small refrigerator and microwave along with complimentary coffee, tea and soft drinks. We really enjoyed listening to the commercial-free satellite radio when we were in the cabin and it’s nice to be in touch with the free wi-fi internet as cellular coverage isn’t available. The ranch does accept pets however the Strawberry Fields Cabin is not one of their listed pet-friendly cabins which feature dog runs. So check ahead if you are wanting to bring Fido.

The main floor has a queen-size bedroom to accommodate wheelchairs. The doorways are sufficiently wide and the bed, which has a soft cozy pillow-top mattress and down comforter can be accessed on one side. Stairs lead you to the 2nd floor bedroom which includes a sitting area and desk for additional guests. The ground-floor bathroom is truly a beautiful. The doorway is plenty wide and the toilet is accessible. In addition to the all the candles, lotions, soaps, towels, and antiques, the bathroom has a roll-in shower that’s formed of large rocks. It like being in a little grotto.

The Food – Accommodations are all inclusive, meaning your meals are included and I must say that it was the three gourmet meals we enjoyed each day at the Ranch House that we shall remember the most. The Ranch House itself is impressive. It’s a massive log-framed building with a gorgeous balcony overlooking one of two trout ponds. Inside, the room offers dining for perhaps 50 with a sitting area around the large stone fire place. We spent a few hours enjoying their collection of photography books.

As we relaxed and explored, it didnt take long for us to start pondering and discussing what we were going to order for the next meal. The menu consists of steaks, filet mignon, chicken and fish along with a wilder selection of elk, duck, buffalo and quail. The vegetables were cooked superbly. Each morning we enjoyed fresh fruit and juices along with made to order omelets.

As testament to the superb vittles we were enjoying, numerous times we sat next to local folk who had made the trek back into the ranch just to enjoy the food. No question, Its worth the drive.

Activities – The ranch offers guests of any ability horseback lessons, group rides and use of their horses. Anyone needing adaptive riding equipment or lessons should contact management prior to arrival. As well, guests can enjoy use of mountain bikes, canoes and fishing tackle. Karla set out for a sunny morning jog one day after we had been taking photos at the second trout pond. At this elevation she was gasping for air before she’d gone even a half mile.

The ranch is great for kids. Each day an activity newsletter is delivered to your door which includes all the organized events for kids. Archery, fishing lessons, leather crafting, are offered. Perhaps the best experience for kids is to just see how a ranch operates. All of the employees were showing the kids how the animals are cared for, and what goes on at a ranch.

Whether you are grandparents wanting to show the grandkids how life use to be, or a family looking to escape the typical resort vacation, or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, Hidden Meadow Ranch offers enough accessibility to assure you can relax and enjoy such a scenic part of Arizona and yet still enjoy upscale accommodations, service and dining.

If you are ever coming through Pinetop, check out Woodland Lake, and the Interpretive Trail, and set aside time to visit what I think is Arizona’s best trail: Mogollon #622

Hidden Meadow Ranch
Greer, Arizona
866-333-4080

Hidden Meadow Ranch is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.

[8/1/08 Editor's note; Venture Travel Magazine published an article by your's truly in it's Aug/Sep edition about El Portal and Sedona.]

El Portal Inn is one of the coolest places I have ever stayed. It has good access blended with a charming casual atmosphere. If you are looking for a place to bring someone special El Portal is definantly is a winner.

The award-winning property consists of 12 completely unique rooms surrounding a courtyard. Located on the ground floor is the Adobe Room. The room is the inn’s one accessible room. It is also one of the inn’s pet-friendly room. The room has a queen size bed featuring hand carved wooden posts and rustic wrought iron accents. If there is one complaint to be said it is that like many upscale resorts and inns, the bed is too high for many people to transfer to and from. I often wish upscale locations would include a 3-4 inch platform which could be pulled out from beneath the bed, and we could roll up on the platform in order to transfer. Once we leave just tuck it back under. But this is my one and only qualm with El Portal.

The room has a nice fireplace and French doors that open to a nice little side yard. Perfect for pooches! What makes the Adobe room really a grade A accessible room is the bathroom. The counter is accessible and the walk-in closet offers good access. The roll-in shower is really impressive. It’s a 5-star stall for sure.

There is no shortage of places to eat around Sedona but for breakfast El Portal is where you want to be. They serve an elaborate breakfast that is absolutely delicious. When the weather permits, breakfast is served in the courtyard. Everything is very fresh, hot and tasty.

Within rolling distance to El Portal is the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village and the Los Abrigados Resort. Tlaquepaque is pretty interesting even if shopping is not your bag. The plaza consists of Spanish-style buildings and open court yards. There is often musicians playing around some of the dining establishments. Los Abrigados is a fine resort which also has some accessible rooms, but best of all is their Italian restaurant, Joey’s. Very good food.

What’s To Do
If you are planning a trip to Sedona, you will probably find information about Slide Rock State Park. Accessibility here is not much to speak of, so take a look at Red Rock State Park and Crescent Moon Picnic Grounds.

www.elportalsedona.com has good photos of the Adobe Room and the property.

El Portal Inn is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.

I have been writing quite a bit about Sedona and cool places around the area to explore. There are many really nice places to stay but if you want a basic room with a roll-in shower, then Los Abrigados Lodge should be considered.

First, do not mistake Los Abrigados Lodge with the Los Abrigados Resort. there is considerable difference. The lodge offers basic hotel rooms, and the resort is very upscale.

But if you are coming to Sedona to explore the outdoors, it may not make sense to pay for a posh room that sits empty. Los Abrigados Lodge is right on the main road, and you can roll out your front door and get to many of the little stores and restaurants. Another benefit is that the free trolley has a stop right in front of you. In the summer of 2008, I paid appx $120/night.

One word of caution, Sedona is time-share oriented, and everyone going to offer you a better rate if you are willing to endure a tortuous sales pitch. Los Abrigados is no exception.

Los Abrigados Web Site

Los Abrigados Lodge is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.

This weekend we traveled to southern Arizona. We stayed at the Hacienda Corona de Guevavi Bed and Breakfast and Casitas which is located on 36 acres of the historic Guevavi Ranch along the banks of the Santa Cruz River between the towns of Tubac and Patgaonia, just north of Nogales.

Wendy & Phil Stover run the place. Their web site is excellent and accurately portrays what they have to offer. The Bunkhouse is a nice 2-bedroom home that offers wheelchair access. Phil still needs to improve the sidewalk that leads up to the front porch a bit, but once inside the 2 bedroom, 2 bath, home is quite accessible. The master bedroom has a great roll-in shower.

Let me say that this is not a location for anyone seeking 100% ADA-hospitality. It’s a great place if you are interested in Arizona history and are up for some rustic charm. The main house has a few steps in the court yard that require assistance. They’re pretty steep so I’m not sure even 2 cowboys would be up for assisting a power wheelchair into the main house but its beautiful inside. Phil seems pretty handy so if enough of us show up he might make some portable ramps.

Nearby is Patagonia Lake which I’ve written about a few times. Tupac is just up the road and I plan to visit and write more about it soon. Let me say that if any wheelers plans to go to Sedona for cultural and regional shopping , I recommend Tupac. Much more accessible!

www.haciendacorona.com

Hacienda Corona B&B is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.

This marks a new element of the blog – Cool (Accessible) Places to Stay in Arizona. I’m not going to include basic hotels or resorts, but if anyone is going to set out to see Arizona you will need some places to stay. Hopefully I’ll continue to find a few unique ones.

Happy Jack Lodge & RV is in Northern Arizona. It is located in some beautiful forest at about 7,200 feet elevation. The place is a pretty fancy RV park with some basic cabins surrounding a big grassy area. It doesn’t seem like a great place to just come and hang out but it is affordable and accessible and in a great location. We paid $125/night.

My cabin (actually its more like a four-plex) was very accessible. It’s a 1-bed, 1-bath unit with a really nice roll-in shower. That’s always the first thing I check. The place has a little kitchen with access to sink, microwave and refrigerator. The bed is accessible and the deck offers a nice view.

If you ever have some RV (motorhome) friends coming thru Arizona, have them meet you here. It’s a great place to see a secluded part of Arizona.

Happy Jack Lodge

Happy Jack Lodge & RV is a post from: Wheelchair Arizona eMag Accessing Arizona.