My lastest book will be coming out this Spring.

My first published book - ADA & ABA Illustrated Guide to Parks and Trails.

 As a wheelchair user for over twenty-four years, I have encountered parks that weren’t fully accessible for the disabled. This is why I wrote my book, ADA & ABA Illustrated Guide to Parks and Trails. It is an easy reference guide for park management and planners to make sure their park is barrier-free. My book is also for anyone who wants to know about the guidelines for accessible parking, fully accessible restroom, how wide an accessible trail needs to be, and park elements like benches.

It is now available in print and kindle on Amazon

 I have a new website, markhwriter.com. I will be blogging about my new book, ADA & ABA Illustrated Guide to Parks and Trails, future books, ADA related topics, and my nature photography.  I will still be doing park and trail reviews on this website.

Is it 2021 yet?

For most people around the world, 2020 has been very difficult and challenging. I spent a large portion of this year at home due to the stay at home orders, and being in the high-risk group due to having muscular dystrophy and breathing on a ventilator. Thus, my plans for doing trail reviews were put on hold as I would have to travel outside of the county, which we're not supposed to do during our strict stay at home orders.

Fortunately, there are wheelchair accessible trails near where I live. Here is one that kept me sane from going bonkers being home months on end.

Coyote Creek Parkway

 

February 27th, 2020

 
Few weeks later the stay at home order began.

June 2020

First time I was able to go for a hike

July, 2020

Safe distancing and wearing a mask signs are posted

August 16th, 2020. A few days later

devastating wildfires broke out.
We lived close to an evacuation order area

so we packed our vehicles with emergency supplies

in case we had to leave at a moments notice.

Thanks to the brave efforts by our firefighters

we didn't have to evacuate. 

November 2020

A hike that was most needed after being home

for a couple of months.

 

December 5th, 2020 

Last hike of the year.

December 18th, due to the surge of covid-19 case,

stricter stay at home orders went into effect.

I am hopeful now that with covid-19 vaccines starting to be delivered, that by the summer of 2021 I will be able to make accessible trail reviews again.

Stay home. Stay safe. Save lives.

Mark

 

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

One of my favorite accessible trails in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Redwood Grove Loop Trail.

Coyote Hills Regional Park - Bayview Trail

Coyote Hills is one of my new favorite places to hike.  It is a beautiful regional park that has multiple trails ranging from beginners to advanced hikers.  Next to the rolling hills is a protected marsh area that has two easy trails that let you get a closer look at the shorebirds that occupy the various ponds.

The Coyote Hills Visitor Center parking area has two accessible parking spots, drinking fountains, picnic tables, and an accessible porta potty.  

To reach the Bayview Trail, hike down to the exit area of the parking lot, cross the street and then follow a narrow paved trail until you see a crosswalk.  On the other side is the start of the Bayview Trail.

There is a drinking fountain at the beginning of the trail and further on you'll come across the Quarry Staging Area which has an accessible restroom, picnic tables, and drinking fountain.  Soon after the trail starts to weave around the contours of the rolling hills and presenting a panoramic view of the San Franciso Bay.  A couple of miles further on the trail loops around and back to the parking area.

Because there are a few sections on the trail that are over a 5% grade, I would rate this trail as intermediate for some wheelchair users.   Even though the trail surface is asphalt, it does get bumpy at some spots so you want to make sure your wheelchair can handle that.

Dogs are allowed on some of the trails but they must remain on a leash.

Even though there are drinking fountains, it is advisable to bring your own water. It also can get very windy so be sure to bring an extra layer of clothing just in case.

Trail rating: Intermediate for some wheelchair users.
Trail length:  3.5 miles (From Visitor Center parking area)
Trail width:  Varies from 80 inches to 208 inches
Trail surface: Asphalt
Trail type: Loop
Trail Slope:   Some sections can range from 8% to 12%
Trail Cross-slope:  Can be at 3.1% at some parts of the trail.
Trail usage:  Hiking, bicycles, wheelchairs, dogs.
Handicap Parking: Two at Coyote Hills Visitor Center
Accessible restrooms: Yes 
Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle, $2 per dog. Guide/service dogs free.
Cellular Service signal strength is good.

 To see more of the Bayview Trail, please watch my video.

Weiler Ranch Road, San Pedro Park

The Weiler Ranch Road is located in San Pedro Park, Pacifica. The park has two parking lots with accessible parking, one of which is next to the Plaskon Nature Trail, a short and accessible nature trail. The park has a visitor center, accessible restroom, and a picnic area.

You start off by hiking a paved road which will bring you to the Weiler Ranch Road. The twelve feet wide, dirt and gravel trail, follows along a narrow and scenic valley. There are benches situated along the way which offer you a chance to stop and admire the beauty of the valley and hillsides. Even though it was almost summer, there were still wildflowers dotting each side of the trail here and there. There is a slight slope as you hike along, barely noticeable till you return. The trail finally ends in a roundabout. A cool breeze greeted me on the way back, reminding me that the park is just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean.

I really enjoyed hiking the Weiler Ranch Road and I am looking forward to coming back next year in early spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Trail rating – Easy, (Make sure your wheelchair can handle rough terrain.)

Trail surface and width – Dirt & gravel, 12 feet wide.

Trail length – 1 mile

Trail uses – Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.

Trail elevation change – Less than 6%

Water available on the trail – No

To see more of the Weiler Ranch Road, please watch my video.

New Parks and Trails to review - 2018

This year I'm planning on doing reviews and videos of the following parks and trails. 

Have a great 2018!

Martial Cottle Park

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The planners of this beautiful park made sure that it was accessible to everyone.  It has picnic areas (some require reservations), a playground, a large grassy area, and a paved trail that loops around the park.  The paved trail is multi-use – hikers, bicycles, runners, strollers, wheelchairs, and dog-friendly (doggy bags are provided). The visitor center showcases the history of Marital Cottle Family Ranch.  One of the interesting things to see is the farmland that the trail encompasses. Organic farmers grow produce which will be for sale to the public.

There isn’t much shade on the trail, so during hot days, it’s best to come in the morning or late afternoon.  With two accessible parking areas, both with accessible restrooms, you can relax and enjoy a meal at wheelchair-friendly picnic tables.  Being a wheelchair user, I found the park to be very accessible. 

Trail rating – Easy

Trail Surface – Two-lane, paved

Trail length - 2.4 miles (Loop around the park, starting from the parking lot)

Trail type – Loop

Trail uses – Hiking, jogging, strollers, bicycles, dogs, and wheelchairs

Cumulative elevation change – Less than 5%

Cellular Service Signal Strength – Strong

Water available on the trail - Yes

To see more of Martial Cottle Park please watch my video:

Autumn Arrives at Vasona Park

Mori Point, Pacifica - Old Mori Trail & Lishumsha Trail

 Trail rating: Old Mori Trail - Easy
                    Lishumsha Trail - Intermediate

Trail grade: Old Mori Trail - less than 3%
                    Lishumsha Trail - 9.5%

Trail length: Old Mori Trail -  0.5 miles
                    Lishumsha Trail - 0.28 miles

Trail width: Old Mori Trail - 10 feet
                   Lishumsha Trail - 3 to 5 feet

Trail surface: Old Mori Trail - Compacted dirt, wood boardwalk
                      Lishumsha Trail - Compacted dirt, some small rocks

Trail uses: Hiking, bicycles, and wheelchairs
Accessible restroom and parking: Yes
Cellular Service Signal Strength: Good
Pets allowed: Yes, on leash
Location: Off of Bradford Way, Pacifica
               (Across from the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge - big red building)

The Old Mori Trail is one of those surprising gems that I was fortunate to learn about and visit. Golden Gate National Recreation Area did a wonderful job adding two accessible parking spots, an accessible restroom, and grading the 0.5-mile trail for an easy wheelchair hike. As you cross the boardwalk there are ponds on each side for the California Red-Legged Frog (listed as a threatened species in 1996), and restored habitat for the endangered San Francisco Garter Snake. The trail soon brings you to a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, Mori Point, and the black sands of Sharp Park Beach.

The Lishumsha Trail isn't listed as a wheelchair-accessible trail due to the 9.5% grade, so it could be very challenging for some wheelchair users. I would recommend you have a rugged wheelchair and be experienced in hiking steep dirt trails. The dirt trail surface is well-conditioned and it did a good job of keeping my power chair wheels from sliding down the steep slope. The entrance to the trail is on the left side of the Old Mori Trail, before the boardwalk. Even though it's only a short 0.28-mile trail, the scenic vista views make it well worth the climb and effort.

For those feeling ambitious, after your hike, you can take the trail that parallels the beach and it will take you past Pacifica Beach Park, which has picnic tables, and to the Pacifica Pier.

Since wheelchair hiking both trails little more than a month ago, I've visited Mori Point two more times, that's how much I have enjoyed going there. This being a coastal area, make sure to check the weather ahead of time. Also, make sure to bring water with you.

To see more of Mori Point please watch my video

Coyote Creek Parkway

Trail rating – Easy to moderate

Trail length – 15.5 miles

Trail type – Linear

Trail uses – Hiking, jogging, bicycles, and wheelchairs

Elevation change – Some parts of the trail have an 8% grade

Typical grade – Paved             

Cellular Service Signal Strength – Good

Accessible Parking and Restrooms:

       Anderson Lake Visitor Center -  Malaguerra Ave, Morgan Hill

       Silver Creek Valley Rd, near Piercy Rd., San Jose

       Hellyer County Park, San Jose

Dirt parking lots with limited parking and no restrooms:

       Barnhart Ave, off of Old Monterey Rd

       Monterey Hwy and Metcalf Rd

The newly-repaved Coyote Creek Parkway is never too far from the Coyote Creek. In some places, it’s just a few feet away while, at a few other areas, the parkway crosses over the creek.  One of the things I enjoy most about the 15-mile parkway was the different types of landscapes you to hike through.  At the start of the parkway, you’ll hike past vast, open meadows that reach out to the mountains in the far background.  At many sections of the parkway, you'll past through corridors of trees that offer comforting shade, which is very welcome during the summer months. Other sections past by businesses, and under Highway 101.

Another thing I liked seeing is how parts of the Coyote Creek Parkway pass by neighborhoods, giving easy access to the parkway for those communities.  There are rest areas with picnic tables along the way, though most of these are within the first five miles from the start of the Coyote Creek Parkway at Anderson Lake Visitor Center. In the last couple of miles, however, you arrive at Hellyer County Park, and it has several areas that offer picnic tables and shade.

Most of the parkway doesn’t have water stations, so be sure to bring water with you.  I enjoyed all of the 15.5 miles and would recommend starting at either the Anderson Lake Visitor Center or Hellyer County Park first, as they both offer picnic tables, available accessible parking and restrooms.

 To see more of Coyote Creek Parkway please watch my video:

Hellyer County Park

Trail rating - Easy
Trail length - Over 2.5 miles (includes part of the Coyote Creek Trail) within the park boundaries
Trail type - Loop and linear
Trail uses - Hiking, bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs
Cumulative elevation change - Less than 6% at one part of the Coyote Creek Trail
Trail surface - Paved
Cellular Service Signal Strength - Good
Pets allowed - Yes

I really enjoyed visiting Hellyer County Park for it has a lot to offer for recreation.  A paved path circles Cottonwood Lake, giving you a generous view of geese ducks, and other aquatic birds. There are plenty of picnic tables and barbecue pits located throughout the park, a few spacious grassy areas, and a playground.  The shade isn't a problem as there is an ample amount of trees to
keep you cool during the summer months.  For those that enjoy a long hike, part of the Coyote Creek Trail runs along the western side of the park and it connects from the southern part of the park and up to the northern part.

One of the things that surprised me when I first visited the park was seeing the Hellyer County Park Velodrome.  I was fortunate to be there one day to watch several cyclists racing around the track.  Besides having Wednesday Night races there, they also offer beginner sessions.
Using a power wheelchair I couldn't help but picture myself racing around the track.

There are a few group picnic areas and are available by reservation. Parking areas are located in all the areas of the park and I saw plenty of accessible parking spots. The restrooms and picnic tables are also wheelchair accessible.

To see more of Hellyer County Park, please watch my video:

Sunnyvale Baylands Park

Trail rating - Easy

Trail length – Over a mile within the park boundaries

Trail type – Loop and linear

Trail uses - Hiking, bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs

Cumulative elevation change - Less than 2% for most of the trails

                                                       Wave Walk trail has 8% grade hills

Trail width and surface - Dirt

Cellular Service Signal Strength - Good

Pets allowed:  No

Sunnyvale Baylands Park fits just about everyone’s search for fun and relaxation. There is more than a mile in trails, and the park is also connected to the Bay Trail.  There are playgrounds, a huge grassy area for sports, flying a kite, and sometimes people will fly their model planes. At the back of the park is a seasonal marshland where you can enjoy looking for birds from a viewing platform.  The park has several areas with BBQ pits and picnic tables. Most of the dirt trails are flat, but the Wave Walk has 8% grade hills, but there is a flat dirt trail that goes along next to it.  The park has accessible restrooms and parking.  

                     To see more of Sunnyvale Baylands, please watch my video: 

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Joseph D. Grant County Park

Joseph D. Grant County Park is the largest Santa Clara County regional park and has 52 miles of trails. The park is nestled in the Diablo Range foothills and you take the Mt. Hamilton Road to get to it.

The park has a short paved whole access trail that is very scenic. There is also a longer paved trail nearby that has a meadow on one side and a picnic area on the other.

For those wanting to hike an intermediate level trail, you have the Bernal Trail and the Hotel Trail.

You access the Bernal Trail from a small parking lot just beyond where you turn into the main park area, and it has one accessible parking spot.  The beginning of the 0.4-mile trail has around a 7% slope, but after that, it’s pretty flat.  The trail itself is a mixture of dirt and rocks.  I really like this trail because it gives you a beautiful view of Grant Lake.

The Hotel Trail is near the whole access trail. There is a 7% slope getting to the trail but after that, the trail is fairly flat.  The 3.4-mile trail is mostly made up of hard-packed dirt, which during the summer the trail can become very dusty. So much so, that one time I had to turn back - dust isn't good for ventilators.  But, I've gone in the spring and fall and there was less amount of dust in the air during those times. I really enjoyed wheelchair hiking this trail because of the panoramic beauty of the rolling hills.  Plus, there aren't that many wheelchair accessible trails that are this long.

There are several handicap parking spots in the main park area, accessible bathrooms, and some of the picnic tables are somewhat wheelchair accessible

To see more of Joseph D. Grant County Park, 

please watch my video.

Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve

Just the drive to Rancho Canada del Oro makes it worthwhile to visit this Open Space Preserve.  Minutes after leaving the freeway you're passing farms and horse ranches, as rolling hills begin to encompass your surroundings.

Rancho Canada del Oro has a short, but enjoyable all-access trail.  One of the first things you’ll notice upon arriving is how quiet and peaceful it is.  During several of my visits, I've several species of birds and deer.  My sister saw a fox, but the sound of my power chair chased it away before I was able to see it and take a photo of it.

There are two wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, accessible parking, and accessible restroom.

If you’re looking to get out of the city and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, Rancho Canada del Oro is a perfect place to unwind at and enjoy.

Ed Levin County Park

One of the things that makes Ed Levin County Park special is that it’s located in the foothills above Milpitas.  Just a short drive from Interstate 680, you’re given the choice of two park areas – Sandy Wool Lake and Spring Valley Pond.

The Sandy Wool Lake area offers fishing, a popular dog park, and if you time it right, you can watch hang gliders soar over the hills.  The Spring Valley Pond area is smaller, but just as inviting.  The pond gives you an up-close look at various bird species and turtles that like to sunbathe on half-submerged tree branches.  Both park areas have accessible parking, restrooms, and picnic tables.  Cell phone service isn’t reliable.

Ed Levin is an ideal place to get away from the city and enjoy having a picnic in a quiet and scenic park setting.

To watch a slideshow of my wheelchair adventure, please click on the video below.

Alviso Marina County Park

Trail rating - Easy

Trail length - The Alviso Slough Trail is a 9 miles loop

Trail uses - Hiking, bicycles, and wheelchairs

Cumulative elevation change - Less than 4%

Typical grade, cross slope - Flat, none

Trail width and surface - 8 feet, dirt

Cellular Service Signal Strength - Good within the park area.

Alviso Marina is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the wetlands, salt ponds, and the panoramic view of the mountains in the far distant. I was surprised at how quiet and serene it was, being only a few minutes from the city.  For those up for the challenge, the Alviso Slough Trail makes a 9-mile loop.  There isn’t any shade on the trail and it can be windy at times so come prepared.

The viewing platforms and boardwalk give you the opportunity to see various types of birds, making it a very popular place for bird watching. There is also a boat launch ramp where both non-motorized and motorized boats have access to the San Francisco Bay.

The park has accessible restrooms and picnic tables, two handicap parking spots, and one handicap parking spot at the boat launch parking area.

Dogs are allowed only in the picnic areas and pathways but not on the trails.

To watch a slideshow of my wheelchair adventure, please click on the video below.

Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve

Trail(s) rating:  Easy
Trail length:  1 mile to Deer Hollow Farm.
                     The Deer Meadow Trail is .4 miles (it’s a side trail)
Trail Surface:  Dirt, Paved
Trail usage:  Hikers, bicyclists, dogs, wheelchairs, occasional vehicle on service road.

I’ve been hiking at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve for several years and one of the reasons is because it’s an easy and scenic hike for wheelchairs.

The first trail you take is the Permanente Creek Trail. This is a wide, flat  dirt trail and it has a panoramic view of the hills just beyond the meadow.  You’ll soon come to a junction. Here you can cross a service road and continue onto the Lower Meadow Trail (you can also use the service road that runs along side of it), or you can go right and hike the short Deer Meadow Trail which leads to another service road you can take back to that junction.

The Lower Meadow Trail will bring you back to the main service road. This road will take you to Deer Hollow Farm but you can also continue on the more narrow Lower Meadow trail.  I prefer the service road as it is easier for wheelchairs.

After you cross the bridge the trail has a short, semi steep hill to go up before getting to the farm. At the 160 year-old historic farm you’ll see cows, sheep, chickens, pigs, a garden, and a nature center. General admission is free.

The restrooms in the lower parking area are accessible and there are 5 handicap parking spots. The two upper parking areas each have two handicap parking spots but, there is a steep pathway going down to the lower section so it could be a difficult climb back up in a manual wheelchair.

Rancho San Antonio is very popular and because of that it’s very crowded on the weekends so parking can be an issue.   Afternoons and weekdays are the best time to visit if you don’t want to deal with lots of people on the trail.

Note: The service road is mainly for bicyclists, wheelchairs, and service vehicles. Pedestrians should use the Lower Meadow Trail.

To see a slideshow of my wheelchair adventure, please watch my video:

Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch Park - Martin Murphy Trail

Trail length:  2.4 miles
Trail type: Paved
Trail ratings: Easy
Trail usage: Hikers, bicycles, horses, dogs, and wheelchairs

I haven’t wheelchair-hiked too many paved-loop trails and the few that I have hiked have been very short. This is why I am so impressed with the 2.4 mile Martin Murphy Trail at Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch Park. The first time I visited this park was when the rolling hills and meadows were painted in a mixture of green grass and spring wildflowers.  I found myself constantly stopping on the trail to admire and appreciate the beauty that presented itself.  Various species of birds will keep you company as you make your way around the trail loop.  At the end of the trail, you can enjoy wheeling up to one of the accessible picnic tables which now have new shade structures.

There isn’t much shade on the trail so the best time to visit is during the morning or late afternoon. There are rest areas and a water fountain located on the trail.   The park has one handicap parking spot and a porta potty that is wheelchair accessible.

Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch Park is located in San Martin (Gilroy).  From Hwy 101, take the San Martin Ave exit. Go east on San Martin Ave for about 1.5 miles.  The entrance to the park is on the left.

To watch a slideshow of the Martin Murphy Trail, please watch my video