An Accessible Afternoon Among the Icons of the American West

During our June 2007 Southwest adventure, one destination had been high on our wish list for years—Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Few places are as recognizable as this incredible landscape of towering sandstone buttes rising from the desert floor. By the time we reached the visitor center, the brilliant blue sky and deep red sandstone created one of the most unforgettable scenes we had ever witnessed.

From the moment we arrived, we found plenty to enjoy with Kellisa's manual travel wheelchair. The paved overlooks around the visitor center allowed us to experience many of Monument Valley's famous vistas without difficulty, making it easy to stop, take photographs, and simply admire one spectacular view after another.

An Accessible Visit to Petrified Forest National Park – Spring Break 2010

Kellisa’s first visit to Petrified Forest National Park during spring break 2010 was unlike anything we had ever experienced. Although it was officially spring, northern Arizona still felt more like late winter. The air was cool and crisp, making it comfortable to spend the day exploring under brilliant blue skies without the summer crowds or heat.

This trip was especially meaningful because it was one of the first trips where we relied on Kellisa's new Special Tomato special needs jog stroller. The rugged three-wheel stroller proved to be an excellent companion as we explored every accessible trail and overlook in the park. Smooth paved paths allowed Kellisa to comfortably experience the incredible scenery.

Grand Canyon National Park: A Winter Visit That Changed Everything

 

March 2006

After exploring the ancient pueblos of Wupatki National Monument, our journey toward Grand Canyon National Park nearly came to an unexpected end—not because of the weather, but because of a tiny stroller tire.

Kellisa's oversized jogging stroller had become an essential part of our adventures, allowing us to explore far beyond what a standard wheelchair or stroller could handle. Before leaving Wupatki, however, one of its tires went flat. In the middle of rural northern Arizona, our options were almost nonexistent. We pulled into a small gas station, hoping for anything that might help.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

 

Our 17th anniversary adventure through Arizona brought us to Montezuma Castle National Monument on a cool, crisp March afternoon. The comfortable weather made for a relaxing visit as Chris, Lisa, and Kellisa explored one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the Southwest.

Sedona, Arizona: Red Rocks, Cold Days, and Accessible Family Adventure

 

Our 17th wedding anniversary took us to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the American Southwest—Sedona, Arizona. We expected sunshine and warm desert temperatures, but instead found crisp air and surprisingly cold conditions. Even bundled up in jackets, the cool weather couldn't diminish the incredible scenery surrounding us. Every direction revealed towering crimson cliffs, sculpted buttes, and massive sandstone formations glowing against brilliant blue skies.