November 2025
by Lacey Franks
We traveled 3 hours north of home to have a relaxing weekend in cooler weather and spend one of those days in Bearizona.
We saw mountain goats, reindeer, bison, wolves, black bears, cubs, otters, porcupine, badgers, foxes, jaguars, and more!
My husband, mom and kids joined us – we had never been before. We were also joined by family friends who have been to Bearizona several times, so it was nice having them with to show us around.
My favorite part was spending time with loved ones away from distractions and watching a porcupine eat a banana.
It means so much to me to get to make these memories together as a family. I have always wanted to go to Bearizona and am very grateful for the opportunity.
The most memorable part for me was just how grateful I was to be alive, take in the gorgeous views and see all of the animals.
Unfortunately, our first night my husband and I spent at the hospital.
My power cord for my biPAP machine was accidentally left at home.
We didn’t realize it until the alarm to my machine went off alerting us that the machine was about to die. I depend on my biPAP completely…
My husband and I had an incredibly traumatic experience at the hospital near the hotel where I almost died from respiratory failure.
Thankfully the friend that was on the trip with us drove down to meet my brother halfway to get my cord.
The accessibility at Bearizona and even the hotel was great.
The walk-through part of Bearizona was completely paved, which made it easy for my husband to get me and my chair around.
We are so thankful to Team Gleason for making this possible for us!
Adventure Details:
Wheelchair Accessible Van Rental: Wheelers
Hotel: Hyatt Place Flagstaff
397 S Malpais Lane, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
