Can You Borrow an All-Terrain Wheelchair at Zion? Quick Answer
Yes, and it's free. Zion National Park lends an all-terrain wheelchair from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center information desk. It goes out first come, first served, for one day at a time, and Zion does not take reservations. The chair has no motor, so someone has to come along to push it. Both the rider and the helper sign a waiver, one of them shows an ID and proof of insurance, and a ranger gives a short training before you head out.
The National Park Service announced on October 8, 2026, that Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches national parks each now have at least one of these chairs. The Park Service says each park has a limited supply.
What the Chair Can Do
According to the Park Service, the chairs have three large, soft wheels on a frame of about 50 pounds. They're built to cross uneven ground, including sand, rocks, and even steps or ledges on a trail. Dual disc brakes let the operator make sharper turns and quick stops, and the chair can lock in place so the rider can stop and take in the view.
Size and weight limits at Zion
- Maximum rider weight: 250 lbs (113.4 kg)
- Maximum rider height: 6 ft (1.83 m)
- Chair weight: 49 lbs (22.2 kg)
- Width: 32 in; length in use: 6 ft; folded: 2 ft 6 in
- Handlebar height: adjustable, 40 to 44 in
How to Check Out the Chair at Zion
- Go to the information desk at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and ask whether the chair is available.
- The rider and the helper both fill out a waiver. Zion posts the form online, so you can read it ahead of time.
- Either the rider or the helper shows an ID and proof of insurance.
- A ranger trains you both on the chair and goes over its features checklist.
- Return it to the visitor center before it closes that same day. Rentals are single-day only.
Zion says it can't store your own wheelchair while you're out with the park's chair, so plan where yours will stay.
Getting Up Zion Canyon Without the Shuttle
The chair is too long to fit on the Zion Canyon shuttle. When you check it out, the ranger gives you an accessibility pass that lets you drive Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during shuttle season and park in designated spaces. (For when the shuttle runs and when the road is open to everyone, see our Zion shuttle schedule guide.)
Which Zion Trails Work With the Chair
Recommended
- Pa'rus Trail
- Riverside Walk
- Weeping Rock Trail
- Lower Emerald Pools Trail
Also allowed
Middle Emerald Pools, West Rim, Grotto, Coalpits Wash, Chinle, Taylor Creek, Observation Point via East Mesa, East Rim, Cable Mountain and Deer Trap via Stave Spring, Wildcat Trail to Hop Valley, and Hop Valley. Middle and Lower Emerald Pools can't be linked because the connecting trail is too narrow. The park suggests bringing extra helpers on Weeping Rock, West Rim, Middle Emerald Pools and Watchman because of how steep or rough those trails are.
Whatever trail you pick, the chair has to be back at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center before it closes the same day, so plan your route around that.
Not possible in the chair
Angels Landing (chains), the Zion Narrows, Canyon Overlook, Upper Emerald Pools, the link between Lower and Middle Emerald Pools, and the link between the Kayenta Trail and Middle Emerald Pools. Zion's trail access information page lists grade, cross-slope, tread width, surface and obstacles for each trail.
The Other Utah Parks With Chairs
Bryce Canyon runs its chair the same way: pick it up at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, first come, first served, no reservations, same waiver, ID and insurance requirements, and the same size limits. The Bryce chair can't ride the park shuttle either, so the ranger gives you a pass to park at trailheads along the Bryce Amphitheater, and the ranger reviews which trails you can use. Bryce's page shows the chair on the Rim Trail near Bryce Point. Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches also have chairs. The Park Service says to contact each park before your trip about availability and eligible trails.
Who Paid for the Chairs
The Park Service credits partners including the Zion Forever Project, Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks, the Outdoor Access Project and private donors, plus funding from the individual parks. It says the chairs are free to use in support of Secretary's Order 3426. For entrance fees, see Zion fees and passes and the remaining 2026 fee-free days.
Questions about the chair: Zion National Park in Springdale, 435-772-3256 (rangers answer 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time) or [email protected]. Planning the drive? See St. George to Zion and our Southern Utah national parks guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Zion all-terrain wheelchair free?
Yes. The Park Service provides the chairs at no charge. Park entrance fees are a separate matter; see our Zion fees and passes page.
Can I reserve the all-terrain wheelchair at Zion?
No. Zion lends it first come, first served, and does not take reservations. Ask at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center information desk.
Can I take the chair on the Zion shuttle?
No, it's too long. The ranger gives you an accessibility pass to drive Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and park in designated spaces during shuttle season.
Can I take the chair up Angels Landing or the Narrows?
No. Zion lists Angels Landing, the Narrows, Canyon Overlook and Upper Emerald Pools among the trails the chair can't handle.
Does the rider need someone with them?
Yes. The chair has no motor and has to be pushed. The park suggests extra helpers on steeper trails like Weeping Rock and West Rim.
Sources
- National Park Service: New All-Terrain Wheelchairs Improve Visitor Access in Five Utah National Parks (Oct. 8, 2026)
- Zion National Park: All-Terrain Wheelchair
- Zion National Park: all-terrain wheelchair waiver form (PDF)
- Zion National Park: Trail Access Information
- Bryce Canyon National Park: All-Terrain Wheelchair
Published October 18, 2026. Check with the park before your visit for current availability.
