The Sequoia Shuttle is back this year, from May 26th through September 11th.
Visalia Ca. March 23, 2022 – In the world of sky rocketing fuel costs and the push for sustainable and eco-friendly way to enjoy our National Parks, there may be no better service that the Sequoia Shuttle that runs from Visalia to Sequoia for a round trip total cost of $20 per person.
The Sequoia Shuttle, operating all summer long, is the perfect way to get to the Sequoia National Park. The shuttle departs from various convenient locations throughout Visalia, Exeter, Three Rivers, and Lemon Cove, Ca. several times a day, seven days a week. Reservations are required and round-trip tickets are only $20, this includes unlimited shuttle service inside the park. Under the current arrangement shuttle riders will not be charged an additional entry fee to enter the park.
Make a Reservation – Reservations for 2022 have not opened yet, but you can sign-up to be notified when they are open.
About the Shuttle
Each 16-passenger shuttle is wheelchair accessible, features comfortable seats, luggage space, and an informative video during the trip.
About Visalia
Visalia – an easy drive from all of California’s major population and business centers – lies in the heart of the Central Valley, at the base of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Our welcoming community hosts visitors from across the United States and from many nations worldwide – all eager to explore the unrivaled beauty of the National Parks and find adventure in the great outdoors. Visalia is also a featured city in the battle with Autism. Several of their local businesses and facilities have been recognized for their efforts to welcome families battling Autism
As the center of the nation’s most productive agricultural region, Tulare County harvests more than 250 different crops and is the world’s top dairy producer.
Visit Visalia – the oldest city between Los Angeles and Stockton, and one that is proud of its endearing hometown atmosphere, enlivened by a vibrant downtown brimming with world-class restaurants, art galleries, antique stores, boutique shopping, and live entertainment.
Once Inside Sequoia National Park
Once inside Sequoia National park, take advantage of unlimited shuttle service to the parks major attractions. The in-park shuttles run from 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and are completely ticketless, so simply hop on and off at any stop.
For information on in-park attractions, download The Sequoia Shuttle Trail Guide.
The four in-park routes are:
Route 1 (Green Route)
THE GIANT FOREST ROUTE
15 min. loop
This route departs from the Giant Forest Museum and includes stops at:
- General Sherman Tree
- Lodgepole Campground
- Lodgepole Marketing & Visitors Center
- Tokopah Falls trail
- Twin Lakes Trail
Route 2 (Grey Route)
MORO ROCK / CRESCENT MEADOW
20 min. loop
This route departs from the Giant Forest Museum and includes stops at:
- Moro Rock
- Bear Hill Trail
- Sugar Pine Trail
- Crescent Meadow
- Log Meadow Trail
- Tunnel Log
Route 3 (Purple Route)
LODGEPOLE / WUKSACHI ROUTE
20 min. loop
This route departs from the Lodgepole Campground and Visitors Center and includes stops at:
- Wuksachi Lodge
- Dorst Creek Campground
- Little Baldy Trail, Trailheads accessible from Dorst Campground
- Muir Grove Trail, Trailheads accessible from Dorst Campground
Route 4 (Orange Route)
WOLVERTON ROUTE
15 min. loop
This route departs from the Sherman Tree Trail and Parking and stops at:
- General Sherman Tree
- Lakes Trailhead
- Wolverton
Can I bring a back-pack on the Sequoia Shuttle?
Our shuttles are 16 passenger vehicles and have limited space for small backpacks, strollers or other carry-on items. They would be similar to what many airports use to shuttle customers. Please note that the more passengers and the more carry on pieces they bring on the more limited space will become. So go ahead and bring it, if it folds up, but please do not be surprised if the driver asks customers make do with whatever space is available.
Can I bring food on the Sequoia Shuttle?
Yes, you can bring your own food on board. This should not be eaten while riding on the shuttle because of safety issues. It should be stored in an appropriate sealed container. There is limited storage space on board, so a large ice chest would not be appropriate. A small one-day picnic size pack would be acceptable. You may bring a beverage that comes with a cap to reseal it and prevent it from spilling.
Do I get a Sequoia Shuttle discount if I have a Park Pass?
Under the current arrangement shuttle riders will not be charged an additional entry fee to enter the park. The $20 round trip fee is applied to other expenses incurred in operating a shuttle service (e.g. fuel); therefore, it is not related to the NPS entry fee. We do need to gather data about how many riders have an NPS pass, so that we can determine if future discounts are feasible. Drivers will make a brief inquiry about this at some point along the ride.
Why do I have to book Sequoia Shuttle reservations?
The Sequoia Shuttle operates on a relatively tight schedule. Road construction along the Generals Highway limits the shuttle to once an hour. Having all reservations made in advance eliminates the time it would take at the departure and helps meet the construction zone time frame.
The Sequoia Shuttle Visalia route has been limited to no bigger than a 16 passenger vehicle. Many shuttles are full and we would have to make customers wait at least one hour for an available seat.
The Visalia route shuttles are designed to integrate with the in-park shuttles in order save on cost. This means one bus is scheduled to leave every hour from the valley and assume an in-park shuttle route/schedule when it arrives.
With each shuttle serving several stops, we need to know if passengers are at each stop to avoid unnecessary stops when no passengers are scheduled.
