Take a Ride on the Sequoia Shuttle
An Insider’s Look at the $20 Tour You Can’t Miss
When Summer is here, and if you’re looking for a little adventure—or maybe a lot of adventure—there’s no better time to visit Sequoia National Park. The high season starts in June, which means parking at this popular destination are at a premium. The seasonal Sequoia Shuttle provides a convenient and affordable way to travel to and from Visalia, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the majestic beauty of California’s famous sequoia trees.
Situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sequoia National Park is a majestic and exquisitely maintained wonderland for hiking, fishing and exploring. It is home to the largest living tree in the world, the General Sherman Tree. Standing at 275 feet tall, about 102 feet in diameter and weighing more than 2.7 million pounds, it is also the largest living organism, by volume, on the planet. The park also boasts amazing waterfalls and spectacular views from famous spots like Moro Rock.
Take a ride on the Sequoia Shuttle to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of this destination in all its glory. The Sequoia Shuttle allows you to bypass the entry gates to the park and gives you direct access to the Giant Forest Museum, the hub for the in-park shuttle. The buses are wheelchair-accessible and feature comfortable seats and luggage space. You can even watch an informational video, during the ride.
From the Giant Forest Museum, take the in-park shuttle to all the popular destinations. The in-park shuttles travel four loops, each color-coded. They take visitors to the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock and various trail heads. These shuttles are ticketless and run between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Hop on and off at will.
The Sequoia Shuttle’s 16-passenger vans leave from several locations throughout Visalia—including most hotels—throughout the day seven days a week all summer long, from end of May to mid-September. The shuttle transports visitors between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and makes returns between about 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. The pick-up and drop-off times vary based on location. Here’s a full list of where you can stay to enjoy this convenient service.
- Wyndham Hotel, 9000 W. Airport Dr. Offers daily, overnight, and large vehicle parking.
- Fairfield Inn, 140 S. Akers St. Offers daily and overnight parking.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites, 5438 W. Cypress Ave. Offers daily parking.
- Hampton Inn, 4747 W. Noble Ave. Offers daily and overnight parking.
- Lamp Liter Inn, 3300 W. Mineral King Ave. Offers daily and large vehicle parking.
- Marriott Hotel, 300 S. Court St. Offers Daily and overnight parking.
- Comfort Suites, 210 E. Acequia. Offers daily and overnight parking.
For a more detailed pickup and return schedule for the Sequoia Shuttle check out the Sequoia Shuttle website. Note that the shuttle only picks up from designated spots—if you’re late, you cannot flag one down on the road, even if you have a reservation.
The Sequoia Shuttle only costs $20 round trip per person, and it requires reservations. Don’t forget to reserve your spot on the Sequoia Shuttle, as it can fill up quickly. You can make reservations online or by calling (877) 287-4453. Reservations open in early spring for the season which runs from late May to early September.
There’s no better way to experience the trip from Visalia, via Highway 198, into the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. You can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of the mountain roads, look for wildlife and spot waterfalls flowing down, all while relaxing in an air-conditioned bus with your family. It’s time to explore one of the nation’s most celebrated parks.
