Take a Ride on the Sequoia Shuttle
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 Gateway Sequoia Shuttle from Visalia to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of this destination. The Sequoia Shuttle 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 free 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.
The Gateway Sequoia Shuttle’s 16-passenger vans leave from several locations throughout Visalia—including most hotels—several time a day, seven days a week all summer long, from end of May to mid-September. The shuttle transports visitors to the park in the morning with several available pick-up times. Shuttles return to Visalia in the late afternoon. Select whichever time is best for you.
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 Shuttle takes about 45 minites from Visalia to Sequoia National Park entrance gate. The Giant Forest Museum, the drop off point for the Shuttle riders is about another 45 minutes. The total ride time is about 2 hours including a brief stop at the Foothill Visitors
The Sequoia Shuttle only costs $15 round trip per person (current 2025 price), 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.
