All five of Utah’s national parks now offer all-terrain wheelchairs, expanding access to outdoor recreation for visitors with mobility limitations and highlighting opportunities for parks and outdoor hospitality operators to improve accessibility.
The National Park Service (NPS) announced that all-terrain wheelchairs are available at Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef national parks. The initiative allows visitors who may have difficulty navigating unpaved trails and uneven surfaces to experience more of the parks’ landscapes with family and friends.
Utah-based Extreme Motus, a manufacturer of all-terrain wheelchairs, said the milestone reflects broader efforts to make outdoor recreation more accessible. Traditional wheelchairs can be difficult to use on dirt paths, sand, rocks, and other rugged surfaces, potentially limiting participation in outdoor activities.
“Being outdoors, exploring a trail, taking in a view or simply experiencing nature, is special,” said Michael Painter, CEO of Extreme Motus. “Mobility challenges have made those experiences difficult or impossible for too many families. Having our wheelchairs at all five Utah national parks is a meaningful step toward giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.”
Extreme Motus wheelchairs feature lightweight aluminum frames, oversized low-pressure tires, and a nonmotorized design. A companion or caregiver can assist the passenger across terrain that may be inaccessible with a conventional wheelchair.
According to the NPS, each of Utah’s five national parks has at least one all-terrain wheelchair available for visitors to use free of charge. However, supplies are limited, and visitors are encouraged to contact individual parks before arriving to confirm availability, learn which routes are approved, and understand checkout procedures.
The NPS credited several organizations and partners with supporting the initiative, including Zion Forever Project, Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks, Outdoor Access Project, private donors, and the individual national parks.
“The National Park Service is committed to offering experiences that not only improve visitor access but create opportunities to connect deeply with the history, culture, and natural wonder of some of our incredible parks in Utah,” said Jordan Hoaglund, deputy regional director for the National Park Service, in the agency’s announcement.
The development offers a practical example for campground owners, RV park operators, and glamping businesses considering ways to accommodate guests with different mobility needs. Accessibility measures can involve more than providing accessible restrooms or lodging units. Operators may also need to evaluate the routes connecting parking areas, reception buildings, recreational facilities, trails, and other guest amenities.
All-terrain mobility equipment may be relevant to properties that offer nature trails, waterfront access, outdoor activities, or other experiences across unpaved terrain. However, introducing such equipment requires operators to consider terrain conditions, appropriate use, maintenance, staff training, and guest safety. Businesses should also assess whether routes and facilities can be accessed safely by visitors with different mobility requirements.
“Utah’s Mighty 5 shows what’s possible when organizations share a commitment to accessibility,” said Kenny Jardine, chief business development officer at Extreme Motus. “We want to build on that momentum with parks, municipalities, nonprofits and recreation providers nationwide so families can spend less time worrying about barriers and more time creating memories together.”
The initiative also illustrates how public agencies, equipment manufacturers, nonprofits, and private donors can collaborate to expand access to outdoor destinations. For private outdoor hospitality businesses, similar partnerships could help identify accessibility needs, source equipment, and develop programs that allow more guests to participate in recreational activities.
Visitors seeking information about wheelchair availability, approved trails, and park-specific requirements can contact the individual parks or visit the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov. More information about Extreme Motus and its all-terrain wheelchairs is available at www.extrememotus.com.
Extreme Motus is headquartered in Payson, Utah, and designs and manufactures all-terrain wheelchairs for people with mobility disabilities. Its products are intended for outdoor environments including hiking trails, beaches, snow, and rugged terrain, with the company working alongside families, parks, nonprofits, and recreation providers to support outdoor access.
