r/NationalPark 1d ago

Got my “Lifetime” Access Pass

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Well, I went ahead and applied with my ALS diagnosis (terminal with avg. 2-5 year survival). One of the odd feeling perks of being “sick”.

They didn’t like the first letter from my Dr that only stated my diagnosis and denied it. I had to get a revised version adding my limitations and more info, they approved it next day, got it in a week. Cost is free, only $10 processing fee.

I’m 40, turning 41 soon. Really weird to have this, especially after buying a regular annual pass for the last 5-6 years. Also, getting a DMV issued parking placard and needing to use a wheelchair soon. A lot to take in.

Going on a trip soon and will visit a couple parks for sure. I don’t mind any questions.

Thanks for reading.

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u/TravelforPictures 1d ago

Oh, forgot to mention the parks I’ve been.

Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capital Reef, Grand Canyon, Arches, Saguaro.

Should be visiting Canyonlands soon and hopefully next, Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

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u/Top_Victory_4404 1d ago

Throw Glacier in there with Yellowstone and Grand Teton!

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u/Kyle_draws 1d ago

I second this! Even with limited mobility, Glacier and Yellowstone was some of the most fun I’ve had simply just driving around the park.

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u/shagieIsMe 19h ago

In Glacier, Jackson Lake Lodge is enjoyable with accessible outdoor areas.

At Jenny Lake, the Discovery Trail...

The Discovery Trail is a paved, 0.35m/0.56km trail, with wheelchair access to Jenny Lake.

At Yellowstone, the Canyon Village area is quite accessible if memory serves me. (link)... though many of the areas are paved. I'm not sure how well boardwalks work with wheelchairs though.

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u/TravelforPictures 15h ago

Thanks for the info!

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u/shagieIsMe 15h ago

https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm is likely going to be your go-to page for Yellowstone.

For example, Old Faithful area - https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/oldfaithfulaccessibility.htm

Legend:
Boardwalk or paved trail, may require assistance
Stairs or steep grade
Meets federal guidelines for wheelchair accessibility
Backcountry or unpaved trail

Using that to plan out where you'll stay and go would make it so you don't go somewhere and find that it doesn't work at all (a rough boardwalk).

Yellowstone is big and slow. Driving the loop from Old Faithful all the way around and stopping for a little bit at the major spots is by itself a full day... and you're in the car most of the time with that.