We will be traveling to the SF-Monterey area for a week this spring with another couple who have some mild physical disabilities - mainly they cannot walk for any great distances. They want to see the redwoods, and I am asking for advice as to which state parks/etc. might afford them the best views as they cannot do hiking trails.
I have been to Muir Woods some time ago but was not looking at it from this point of view, so I do not remember how accessible it was. Are there areas in Monterey (several state parks) that would be better to try? Any advice would be helpful.

can they walk even short distances? I would probably recommend Big Basin State Park not far from Saratoga. It is sort of between San Jose and Santa Cruz and you could visit it enroute south to Monetery.

There are parking areas very near some nice stands of trees and some short and level walks. If they have a handicap car placard that would be a big help.

Hi, Conlet!

The most user-friendly trail that I've seen is the one in Muir Woods. It's very flat and is easy to walk, believe it is also stroller and wheelchair accessible. You get a tremendous view of the redwoods, so it's a justly famous trail.

Of the trails in Monterey - and Big Sur - I can't think of any easy ones with redwoods.

The most beuatiful two smaller trails that are easy to walk are the ones at Point Lobos State Reserve, which will afford a gorgeous view of the California coast. Another trail at Point Lobos along the beach is also relatively easy but involves some climbing and hiking unless one bypasses the trail and just walk along the paved road.

The other easy trail is way south in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and is the trail to see McWay Falls, the only waterfall in California to descend into the Pacific Ocean.

So, I'd suggest Muir Woods for redwoods and Pt Lobos for coastal walks.

There are several gorgeous beaches both north and south of San Francisco if your friends want to walk along the beach. One is the beach at Pt Reyes State Park (north) and the other is Carmel Beach (south).

Enjoy!

Wow - thanks so much for the quick replies. Yes, they can walk some, and do have a handicapped parking card.
Will check out these suggestions.

Big Basin is a good choice if they can walk short distances - there is a nature walk that is maybe a half mile or so, very flat.

At Henry Cowell state park, there is also a flat nature trail that is about the same length.

Big Basin is a good suggestion except that it takes time to get there and the road is extremely curvy and in some places very narrow.

Depending on the amount of time you have, you can either choose Muir Woods to the north or Big Basin to the south.

Here's a site to help you decide:

http://www.redwoodhikes.com/Muir/Muir%20Woods.html

Henry Cowell is very easy to get to and has a flat, easy walking trail. We've taken visitors there & they have enjoyed it. I believe it is even wheelchair accessible.

Yes, Big Basin is the logical choice. If he cannot walk at all, do the drive on Highway 236 from Boulder Creek to Saratoga Gap and turn on Skyline and drive down Bear Creek Road. The forest views are spectacular.

If you decide to do that drive and see a neurotic 48 year old on a bicycle climbing the hill, please don't run me over. hee hee

Have fun in the Bay Area.

I walk with a cane, and visited Muir Woods maybe a year ago. There is an easy "trail" - more like a wooden boardwalk with benches along the way. BUT: if right after the rain, it might get slippery. Even if no rain, still easy to slip on wet leaves, keep that in mind!

Henry Cowell is very easy to get to, being just 9 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 9, and it is flat with good trails.

If you are travelling this week, you might want to avoid this area since we are having snow in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

I agree that Henry Cowell is also beautiful. I love that vista point view about 2 miles south of Skyline on Highway 9.

Henry Coe is also a nice place to visit. It is scary that our Gov wants to close many of these State parks.

Thanks for all the advice. We did go to Muir Woods, and the friend who is least mobile was fine because there were many benches along the way. A great trip!

Good for all of you

Are you going to post a report of your trip?