Naturalist John Muir cast a big shadow in his lifetime, and most people can't even imagine making an impact like the one he has had in the world.

Or so his great-grandson Michael Muir believes.

Rather than attempt to replicate his renowned ancestor’s accomplishments, Muir chose his own path to bring nature to those who he thought needed it most — the disabled.

“For people with mobility problems, it’s easy to be housebound, to get caught up in modern life and not get out,” he said.

His solution?

Access Adventure, Muir’s nonprofit, offers those with disabilities free rides in wheelchair-accessible, horse-drawn wagons to three scenic locations in Humboldt County.

On Thursday, he’ll offer rides around Garberville; on Friday — around Humboldt Redwoods State Park and on Saturday — around the Arcata/Mad River area. The rides will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a potluck lunch at 1 p.m.

Thursday’s event will feature a talk by Muir, with videos documenting his cross-country wagon trip with a group of disabled people from San Diego to Washington, D.C. in 2001.

The rides feature wagons equipped with hydraulic lifts to accommodate those with wheelchairs, along with seats and seat belts for others.

This will be the third time Muir’s Fairfield-based nonprofit has offered the rides in Humboldt County, which many residents relate to fondly — such as a man named Mattole of Honeydew.

Mattole said he could relate to Muir and his disabilities — Muir was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 15 — since he hobbles when he walks and requires a cane to get around.

“It was really a wonderful lifelong memory,” he said of his wagon ride last year in Capetown, between Ferndale and Petrolia. “Disabled people really don’t have the opportunity to go to remote wilderness areas. It’s really a fantastic adventure and words are hard to find to describe it.”

Andrew Sawyer, a local volunteer for Access Adventure, said that the wagon rides were expanded past last year’s solo venue of Capetown to accommodate more riders.

“It’s such a phenomenal opportunity,” Sawyer said. “It’s nice to be inspired and working at the same time. It’s trying to get people together to enjoy something great.”

(Ashley Bailey can be reached at abailey@eurekareporter.com, or at 707-269-7433.)

Access Adventure schedule

Thursday
— Where: Southern Humboldt Community Park, Garberville.
— When: multiple rides from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., potluck lunch at 1 p.m. and talk by Michael Muir at 7 p.m. in the big barn.

Friday
— Where: Humboldt Redwoods State park, Dyerville Overlook.
— When: multiple rides from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., potluck lunch at 1 p.m.

Saturday
— Where: Mad River Beach boat ramp, Arcata
— When: multiple rides from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., potluck lunch at 1 p.m.

For more information, phone 707-834-6174 or e-mail sawyersoup@yahoo.com.