Hiking is a favorite activity for our family; we love getting into nature and exploring, but it’s not easy to find handicap-accessible hiking trails that will work for my daughter with special needs. Most trails are not level, are narrow and have areas of steep incline, not to mention rocks or fallen trees to step across. Also, my daughter has been struggling with her health lately, so we haven’t been going places that are too remote. We need day trips that allow us to have some fun, with options for a “plan B” should she not be up to the activity we originally set out for.

On a recent trip to Squaw Valley at Lake Tahoe I found a great option for wheelchair accessible hiking trails. What I liked most about it is it would really allow us to get out and explore at our own pace, but had lots of options for other things to do if my daughter was not up for a day on a trail. It also offered options for other family members that might want to hike longer or in more advanced areas. I can’t wait to bring my daughter back and explore more with her!

Where to find handicap accessible hiking in Squaw Valley at lake Tahoe

If you take the Squaw Valley Aerial Tram (totally wheelchair-accessible) to High Camp, there are several accessible hiking service trails that go off from there and explore different parts of the mountain. The views are spectacular – it’s worth it for the ride alone! The added bonus is there’s also a restaurant and pool at High Camp, so you have lots of options for activities that really feel like you’ve gotten out and explored a bit. When you (or your child) are done hiking, return to the Aerial Tram, where you can have lunch, swim, or head back down to the Village.

The trails start here – the top of the Squaw Valley aerial tram.

Where the trails take off.

The pool at High Camp – Top of the Squaw Valley aerial tram. Whether or not you hike, you can always relax at the pool with those stunning views!

Views of Lake Tahoe from the deck at the top of the Squaw Valley aerial tram.

There are also options if some family members want a more challenging hike. The Shirley Canyon Trail is an intermediate hike that takes you from the edge of the Squaw Valley Village to High Camp – the top of the Aerial Tram. It’s a beautiful hike, but definitely not handicap accessible.   It takes about 2 hours to get to High Camp; some family members could take that trail, while others take the accessible route from the Aerial Tram. You all meet back at High Camp for lunch with the most stunning views!

Did I mention the views?

The Squaw Valley Aerial Tram and trails are open seasonally through October 4 this year, and it does cost to take the tram. More information can be found here.

My favorite place to stay in Squaw Valley is The Resort at Squaw Creek – super handicap-accessible, with a great pool, golf course, restaurants and a spa – you could stay on property the whole time and really enjoy it.