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Accessibility

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Accessible Trails and Visitor Center

Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center: The exhibits are generally accessible, but assistance may be needed to operate some of the interactive exhibits. Park staff is available to help. The restrooms permits front and side transfers and are accessible. There are three designated accessible parking spaces available near the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center at 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, CA 91932.

The North McCoy Trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail that is 0.33 mile each way through a marsh setting. The surface is compacted soil with either gravel or decomposed granite to stabilize it. The gravel, while may be challenging for some users, reduces the occurrence of major divots and cavities that can result from rain. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with one section for 82 feet at 8%. Trailhead, restroom and three designated accessible parking spaces are available near the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center at 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, CA 91932.

The South McCoy Trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail that is a 1.06 mile each way back country trail through a marsh setting. The surface is compacted soil with gravel and decomposed granite in some places. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes. Trailhead is at the center of 5th Street and Iris Avenue, Imperial Beach. Limited parking is available at the end of Iris Avenue with one designated accessible parking space.

Trail Name Running Slope
(parallel to travel, trail going up or downhill)
Cross Slope
(perpendicular to travel, edges of trail)
Trail Width Trail Surface
North McCoy Trail 3% Average 2% Average 6 FT Average Soil with gravel and decomposed granite
8% Maximum 4% Maximum 4 FT Minimum
South McCoy Trails 2% Average 2% Average 8 FT Average Soil with some gravel and decomposed granite
5% Maximum 4% Maximum 5 FT Minimum

 

Social Narrative: Visiting the Tijuana Estuary

This social narrative helps visitors understand what to expect during a visit to the Tijuana Estuary. It may be especially helpful for autistic visitors, visitors with anxiety, families with young children, and anyone who prefers to prepare in advance.

Additionally, there are sensory kits available at the Visitor Center front desk to support the experience of neurodivergent visitors.

For visitors sensitive to noise, please be aware, weekends are quieter than weekdays due to a nearby naval airfield. During the week, a variety of aircraft including helicopters can be heard, sometimes at close range. There are quieter areas by the Visitor Center as well as ear covers in the sensory kits.

Wayfinding with Navilens

The Tijuana Estuary features a NaviLens system designed to improve access for blind and low-vision visitors while enhancing the experience for all visitors. Approximately twenty-five NaviLens codes are located near the Visitor Center and along the North McCoy Trail.

A sign near a Toyon bush has a Navilens code and an arrow pointing toward North McCoy Trail.