Wheelchair Travel in the Tuolumne Meadows
Do you know those times when you really miss climbing a rock or jumping in a lake? Those times when all you want is your spinal cord back; even if it’s just for a day? Tuolumne Meadows is the closest I’ve come to reliving that joy.
Anyone that’s been to Yosemite before knows just how amazing it is driving into the park. When driving to Tuolomne, you actually get to see Half Dome from a wonderfully different perspective.
There are very few opportunities, in our limited ability, to actually get up on big swaths of rock. Thankfully, glacial erosion gives us that chance. I was able to roll on the Lembert Dome. Not the top, but the massive lower section.
The easiest way to get on the lower part is just off the road to the right of the parking lot.
Also, you can roll right up to the edge of Tenaya Lake. Those with manual chairs can roll right in if they want. This is on the western side of the lake; opposite end from the beach side.
The tents at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge rival that of the Housekeeping Camp tents from my Yosemite article.
Be sure you specify needing a wheelchair accessible tent and be sure to bring a ramp; as we all do wherever we go. There is a small step that needs to be navigated to get into the office/market/restaurant.
The tents come with three or four beds, a wonderful wood stove, lanterns, sheets, pillows, a heavy wool blanket, comforter, and towels. This is tent 66.
Towels, table, water container, and cups included. Wine, beer and cheese is not.
Definitely be sure to reserve one night to eat dinner in the restaurant. You are guaranteed to meet other travelers, hikers, and explorers because they will seat you at one of the many round tables where none is left to eat alone. After dinner, they light the campfire that sits in a large ring for all to enjoy.
Tent 66 was the tent they gave me. It worked out very well and I’m sure they have other accessible tents available.
www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/tuolumne.htm
www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/tuolumne-meadows-lodge
Due to the very large snowpack this year, it may open a little later than June 7.
Open June 7 to September 15 of 2019. 69 canvas tents. Call to see which ones are accessible to date. Amazing place to have dinner sitting at tables with other campers and then sitting around the fire. It is such a great way to get to know so many people. Everyone wants to interact a bit. Especially during dinner. Parking is not the easiest in the valley so the bus is the best.