The past few months have allowed little time for writing, but I am finally in a space where I have both the time and the energy to capture my thoughts on paper. The holiday season is a time to reflect and give thanks for all that brings you joy.  Some of my most treasured memories involve time spent outdoors with family. Whether we are by the coast or exploring our own backyard, I love being outside. Unfortunately, the cold and flu season has limited our level of activity in recent weeks, so for now, I have to be content with our patio.

Time spent outdoors enhances not only your physical well-being, but your mental and spiritual health.  The beauty of the natural world should be accessible to all people-regardless of your level of mobility. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience all that our beautiful planet has to offer. From wooded paths to saguaro lined trails, Arizona has an incredibly beautiful and diverse landscape.  I am not very sure- footed, so I am always looking out for trails that are easily accessible to hikers of all ability levels.  We have discovered two walking trails in Arizona that are accessible to individuals with all ranges of mobility- the Bajada Trail at Gateway Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in Scottsdale and the Canopy Trail at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood. Both trails provide scenic views that can be enjoyed by all visitors.

Bajada Trail

Bajada Trail at Gateway Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy offers stunning desert vistas with the McDowell Mountains in the background.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The half-mile trail is family friendly with interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the area. The smooth surface allows individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran landscape without having to worry about accessibility or risk for injury.

The following link offers additional information about all the trails at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy  http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/visit-the-preserve/trailheads/

 

Canopy Trail

A drive up north to Cottonwood will take you to Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the Canopy Trail- a wheelchair accessible wooded path that is designated for individuals with chemical sensitivities. The loop trail is less than a quarter mile in length and runs through a canopy of Fremont cottonwood trees.  A stroll along the shaded walkway is a welcome retreat from the heat and an ideal spot for bird watching.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For additional information about Dead Horse Ranch State Park, click on the following link: https://azstateparks.com/dead-horse/things-to-do/trail.

I believe every family should have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the natural world together. Whether you are a reliant on braces, confined to a wheelchair, or like me- a little less sure-footed, nature’s blessings should be accessible to everyone.

For more extensive information regarding recreation sites and nature trails that are accessible to individuals with disabilities in Arizona, I discovered the following two sites:  Accessible Nature http://www.accessiblenature.info/?page_id=44 and Accessing Arizona by Loren Worthington http://www.accessingarizona.com/

A collection of our Arizona images is available for download and purchase at Bigstock:

https://www.bigstockphoto.com/search/?contributor=SILVERBROOK+IMAGES&safesearch=n

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!

With blessings,

Sheryl Brooks