At the heart of California's state parks stands a gateway to nature's beautiful wonders, offering diverse experiences to all who visit. Yet, the journey to these parks isn't just about reaching a destination; it's about ensuring that the pathway leading there is open to everyone. 

At California State Parks Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of these parks to uplift and inspire. While California state parks are public spaces, many people cannot access or experience them. Barriers to park access include lack of transportation, cost of visiting, lack of awareness of parks or the activities they offer, closures, and more.  

Though we are working to reduce these barriers, this is just the beginning of the effort to ensure that every Californian feels welcome and can enjoy state parks. In this spirit, we invite you to journey through some of California's trails and the accessible features that they offer. 
 

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park  

Spotlight: Karl Knapp Trail, Forests For All Program 

Nestled within the greenery of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, visitors find a network of trails that invite exploration, many of which offer ADA-approved walkways — meaning they include features like wide, firm, and slip-resistant surfaces, gentle slopes, obstacle-free paths, resting intervals, and clear signage to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.  

One ADA-certified trail that is quintessentially Prairie Creek is the Karl Knapp Trail. This 1.19-mile out-and-back trail starts from the visitor center and is lined with massive redwoods alongside rushing creeks; mossy, lichen-draped trees; and ferns. A venture around this remarkable grove gives a sense of immense scale and lushness. Plus, the wheelchair-accessible trail's wide, flat, crushed aggregate, rock, and wood surface makes for an enjoyable hike! Read the specifics here.    

Did you know? Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is among our many 2022 State Parks Improvement grantees! To create more accessibility to the park, we helped fund their Forests for All project to bridge the gap between the park's adjacent communities and redwood forests by removing barriers to transportation and providing safe, welcoming recreational and educational opportunities for all people. Furthermore, the park offers an Actiontrack electric all-terrain track chair to assist visitors with mobility challenges in exploring the trails and grandeur of the old-growth redwood forests. Learn more about these projects here.   
 

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve 

Spotlight: Discovery Trail

In the heart of Sonoma County, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is a serene sanctuary home to majestic ancient coast redwoods. This tranquil park invites visitors into a world where time stands still, as a peaceful retreat and a living reminder of the magnificent primeval redwood forest that covered much of this area before logging operations began during the 19th century. 

The Discovery Trail at the park offers an immersive experience among the dense redwood canopy with views and opportunities to touch the giant trees. Along the way, visitors are greeted with interpretive panels that offer insightful information about the towering redwoods, their ecosystem, and the history of the area. Stretching through the heart of the reserve, this 0.21-mile trail features a smooth, flat surface at a less than 5% slope, making it navigable for wheelchairs and strollers. Read more about the park’s accessible features here.  
 

Empire Mine State Historic Park 

Spotlight: Empire Visitor Center, Empire Cottage, California Adventure Pass

Empire Mine State Historic Park is the site of one of the oldest, largest, and richest gold mines in California. In operation for more than 100 years before its closure in 1956, the remarkable events that have taken place here make it a must-see for history lovers!   

The park's visitor center, housed in a historic structure, offers a rich tapestry of museum exhibits and follows a generally flat, paved route to and through sections of the mine yard. Furthermore, when visiting the Empire Cottage (the once estate of William Bowers Bourn and now accessible by guided tour only), people using wheelchairs may make advance arrangements for transportation or access to alternative entries or lifts. Learn more about the park's accessible features here.   

Did you know? This park is part of the new California State Park Adventure Pass program that serves California's fourth-grade students and their families. Through our 2022 State Parks Improvement grant and in collaboration with Sierra Gold Parks Foundation, the newly funded position of Empire Mine State Historic Park Adventure Pass Interpreter will assist local fourth graders and their families in accessing the park while developing engaging programs and materials to enrich their visits.
 

China Camp State Park 

Spotlight: Turtle Back Nature Trail 

China Camp State Park, located along the shores of San Pablo Bay in Marin County, offers a unique blend of cultural history and natural beauty. This park was once a thriving Chinese fishing village and now serves as a fascinating window into the past. Visitors can explore the diverse landscapes, from salt marshes to oak habitats, while learning about the park's historical significance, which makes China Camp a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.  

The Turtle Back Nature Trail is a clear standout for accessible trails in the park. The mostly flat trail allows visitors an up-close experience with bay views and a journey into the park's tidal marsh and oak woodland forest. The 0.70-mile loop is lined with fun, interpretive signage that offers tactical features for people with visual impairments, a sensory experience of the natural ecosystem! Furthermore, an interpretive audio tour is provided for free on the park's homepage. Read more about the park's accessible features here. 
 

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park 

Spotlight: Web-based 3D tour of the Chumash Painted Cave

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park, situated in the rugged Santa Ynez Mountains near Santa Barbara, is a hidden gem that houses ancient marvels. This small yet significant park is renowned for its rock art created by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, offering a glimpse into their cosmology and artistic expressions. Anthropologists estimate that the paintings date to the 1600s and earlier. 

With funding from our 2022 State Parks Improvement grant, our partner, CyArk, has pioneered an innovative approach to accessibility. By developing a web-based 3D virtual tour optimized for both web and mobile platforms, Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park now offers an immersive digital guided experience, allowing users to explore and learn about the park's unique features from anywhere in the world. This initiative is particularly vital given the physical inaccessibility of the area, ensuring that the story and cultural significance of the site are shared widely and inclusively. Learn more about the project here. 
 

Malibu Creek State Park

Spotlight: Anne Skager Trail

Malibu Creek State Park is a captivating natural haven famous for its striking landscapes and Hollywood legacy. With its varied terrains, from gentle plains to rugged peaks, the park is an ideal spot for hiking, bird-watching, and outdoor exploration. Known as a backdrop for many movies and TV shows, Malibu Creek is a top destination for both nature and film enthusiasts.  

When visiting this picturesque park, be sure to visit the Anne Skager Trail, an out-and-back accessible asphalt trail with views of Las Virgenes Creek, Stokes Canyon, and surrounding mountains. With a generally flat slope at less than 5% (and intermittent sections between 5% to 8%), the trail is lined with educational interpretive panels and includes ADA-certified picnic areas, parking, and restrooms. Read more about the park’s accessible features here.   

In collaboration with Malibu Creek Docents, we have helped fund a 3D topographic map of Malibu Creek State Park for display at the park’s visitor center. This visual display of the park’s terrain will be invaluable for visitors planning their hikes and enhance park experiences for all! 

Please help us end the year strong! Give a tax-deductible gift to our 2024 State Parks Improvement Campaign today. When you give by December 31, your gift will be matched to do twice as much for parks. 
 

SOURCES 

California State Parks Foundation 

• Access and Experiences (YouTube Video)

• Improving Access and Experiences in State Parks

• 2022 State Parks Improvement Grantees 

• Announcing our 2022 Trails for All Grantees 

• Disabled Hikers: Shifting the Culture of Exclusion in the Outdoors (YouTube Video)

• Explore California's Accessible Trails