Accessible Trips
Arizona
Tucson: B+
During the summer, it's often easy to find low rates at high end hotels in warmer climates. (Check out parts of California as well.) For under $100, I booked a night at The Westward Look, in one of their suite sized rooms. The room is spacious and elegant and the bathroom is equipped with grab bars and a roomy roll-in shower. On the downside, the shower chair was a backless plastic bench. (If this doesn't meet your needs, you may want to speak with someone when you make your reservation.) There is a two-inch drop to the private balcony which is easily manageable unless you're traveling alone. The suites are located away from the main lobby where it's very quiet and peaceful. The standard rooms are located near the main pool and restaurant. Room service was prompt and delicious, especially the chocolate nachos. The hotel has a spa on-site and for an extra $20, you can get an in-room massage!
Summer 2009
Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum: A
Located in Tucson, the Senoran Desert Museum is a must-see for visitors and locals of all ages. The "museum" is really a botanical garden, zoo and natural history museum. With it's own restaurant, this is really a great place to spend the day. Even if you choose to forego the gravel part of the tour, it's still worth the price of admission- the humming bird aviary, otters and mountain lions are my favorites. I'd suggest giving yourself at least an hour and a half and paying attention to the weather forecast. Some of the paved paths are steep but it's doable in a manual chair with a friend who'll push. They have different events scheduled seasonally, including evening tours in the summer. For an in-depth guide, check this out: http://www.accessingarizona.com/search/label/Tucson
Chiricahua National Monument: A-
The paved pathways are a bit steep for a solo manual wheelchair user, but the views of the hoodoos are excellent. There is one viewing room at the top that is not accessible but there are accessible bathrooms, picnic areas and a visitor's center.
Tombstone: A+
The
Holiday Inn Express was located a quick drive from the main drag where all the action is. I called ahead to guarantee an accessible room with a roll-in shower. The room was clean, stylish, totally accessible and around $100. The Depot Steakhouse was good for dinner and great for dessert. For a more thorough description of the town itself, check this out:
http://www.gimponthego.com/dest14a.htmSpring 2009
Sedona: B-I can't recommend The Orchard Inn because it's accessible rooms were of a much lower quality than it's standard rooms and not worth the price tag. Also, the hotel's restaurant does not have accessible restrooms. This town is expensive and none of the hotels with character were accessible. I'd suggest finding an affordable hotel chain in the area and enjoying the breathtaking views during the day.
Sedona Jeep Tours offer an amazing off-road experience. Their staff is helpful and the drivers are well-informed about the area. The ride is bumpy, so you may want to opt for the front seat which has more back and neck support. Bring a camera!
Spring 2009
Kartchner Caverns: A+
Way ahead of it's time, this park was constructed in the late 1970s with accessibility in mind. Cave tours, indoor exhibit and theater and outdoor picnic areas are all accessible by wheelchair. Their website devotes an entire page to accessibility issues:
Summer 2008