BLM Launches Map of Accessible Public Lands
The Bureau of Land Management's new interactive tool shows existing and proposed accessible recreation sites on public lands across the West and Alaska.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in National Parks
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The Bureau of Land Management launched an interactive map showing accessible recreation sites on public lands, searchable by state or BLM field office. The tool also displays proposed accessible trails and projects identified under the EXPLORE Act through a nationwide assessment.
Why it matters
The map gives visitors with disabilities a single place to find where accessible recreation is available or planned across the agency's lands. It also signals where federal accessibility improvements are most needed, tying the effort to the All Americans Outside Initiative.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land across 12 western states, including Alaska. The agency's initial nationwide assessment has not yet been tied to a count of completed accessible sites.
The players
Bureau of Land Management
The federal agency that manages roughly 245 million acres of public land, mostly in the western United States, and oversees the agency's recreation and accessibility planning.
All Americans Outside Initiative
A federal effort that the BLM is supporting to identify additional accessibility needs on public lands for people of all abilities.
The details
Users can search the map by state or BLM field office and click individual sites to view project details, accessibility features, and planning status. Some proposed projects are under construction, while others remain in the planning and funding phase, and the BLM plans to seek feedback from disability advocates, local communities, tribal governments, partners, and recreation organizations.
Timeline
- November 4, 2026: BLM announces the interactive accessibility map.
Roadmap
The map operationalizes the EXPLORE Act by publicly tracking which proposed accessible trails and recreation projects it has identified across BLM lands. It extends federal recreation policy from planning documents into a searchable public record that visitors can use before they travel.
Visitors who need accessible trails or facilities can use the map to check existing sites and planning status before choosing a destination. Because some projects are still in planning and funding, travelers should confirm current accessibility on a specific site before relying on a proposed improvement.
The takeaway
Before planning a trip to public lands, check the BLM's interactive map to see which sites are accessible now and which are still proposed. Confirming a site's status ahead of time helps you avoid surprises on arrival.
Further reading
Explore more on National Parks to see how federal lands are managed for visitors across the country.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gold Rush Cam.
Live Poll
Should the federal government spend more to make public lands accessible to people with disabilities?
