UPDATE ON RELEASE AS OF 7/1/2023:  All Sequoia Shuttle Services will run on regular schedule and there are no anticipated service interruptions at this time. If you received notice of cancellation for your upcoming reservation please call 1-877-287-4453 to make arrangements or confirm your date of travel. 

Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park Reopens to Visitors

Visit Visalia is ready for First Long Summer Weekend that Kick-starts Outdoor Adventure

Visalia, Calif. (JUNE 28, 2023) -  This Independence Day holiday weekend kick-offs peak summer vacation time. Those looking for a national park getaway will be thrilled that beginning July 1, the Giant Forest area, which includes the General Sherman Tree, will be accessible from both the Highway 198 Ash Mountain and the Highway 180 Big Stump entrances. Road repairs made to the Generals Highway in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will allow visitor traffic to flow through the parks. Visit Visalia is ready with tips and suggestions for eager travelers ready to hit the road for a summertime vacation. 

Many attractions popular with visitors, both inside the parks and in the gateway community of Visalia, will be open for the holiday weekend and seasonal businesses are ready to welcome visitors for summer travel. Here is what’s on tap for some of the most popular destinations:

Opening in the Parks

• Popular destinations like Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow and the General Sherman giant sequoia tree are accessible via Highway 198 beginning July 1.  Visitors can walk or drive through Tunnel Log, a photo op not to be missed. 
• Internal Park Shuttles are operating and provide free, frequent service to all the top sites in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park. Shuttle stops and parking are available at Lodgepole Visitors Center and near the Giant Forest Museum.
• Gateway Sequoia Shuttle service from Visalia begins July 1 and runs all summer long. The Gateway Shuttle picks up visitors at all Visalia hotels for the ride to Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park with multiple departure times daily. Round-trip tickets are only $20 and all 16-passenger buses are wheel-chair accessible. Reservations are required and can be made at https://www.sequoiashuttle.com/

Happening in Visalia 

• The Red, White and Brews Party is at Soccer City 1852, Visalia’s newest brewery, tap room and footy soccer venue. On Saturday, July 1 from 5:00 – 10:00 pm they’ll be serving up cold brews along with games, water activity relays, and food. 
• Sequoia Springs Water Slides at Visalia Adventure Park are open for family fun. The park’s wettest attraction will keep visitors cool throughout the summer along with all their other attractions like the Go-Kart Track, Bumper Boats and mini-golf.
  • Special 4th of July “Fun in the Sun Spectacular” offers reduced pricing for unlimited fun.
• Visalia Rawhide is on the field at Valley Strong Ballpark playing America’s favorite past-time. Catch the game on July 4th against the Lake Elsinore Storm then watch the dazzling fireworks display. Game time is 7:00 PM.
• Imagine U Children’s Museum, Visalia’s premier children’s attraction, will be open July 4th from 9:00 – 1:00. Enjoy new exhibits like the Shield, which encourages fun, hands-on learning about careers in Law Enforcement, Fire Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Dispatch and K-9 Officer.  

Travel Itineraries 

Visitors can find help for planning for their vacation on the Visit Visalia website (www.visitvisalia.com) which offers itinerary suggestions, especially for the three-day weekend, national parks information, hiking, exploring and more. (https://www.visitvisalia.com/articles/july-4th-celebration-in-visalia)

Located in central California with easy access from major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, Visalia makes a great home base for exploration of the nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Visitors can also experience the best in local food, culture, and adventure. 

 ###

ABOUT VISIT VISALIA: 

Visit Visalia is a collaboration of the Visalia Tourism and Marketing District and the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau (VCVB) dedicated to marketing, advertising, public relations and other promotional efforts that inspire travel to the City of Visalia. Visit Visalia works closely with local lodging properties, restaurants and attractions to foster interest in Visalia as a year-round destination for leisure, family, and meeting and convention travelers. For more information about Visit Visalia go to www.VisitVisalia.com and follow Visit Visalia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Media Contact:

Visit Visalia
Suzanne Bianco, Tourism Marketing Director
Suzanne@VisitVisalia.com
(559) 334-0141