Inyo National Forest

Recreational Activities - Red's Meadow Shuttle

Reds Meadow Valley Mandatory Shuttle Bus with Service to Devils Postpile National Monument

Note: Due to the recent winter storms, the road is subject to temporary closures. AS OF OCTOBER 15TH, THERE WILL BE NO MORE OVERNIGHT PARKING.

All visitors accessing the recreational opportunities and activities in the Reds Meadow Valley are charged a per-person transportation fee. Fees are collected during the entire open season and all hours of the day. Fees are used to operate the shuttle system. If visitors arrive when the station is closed, their fee will be collected upon their exit from the valley. Passes are available at the Shuttle Terminal at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge Gondola Building and also at Minaret Vista Station for those few exceptions that are not required to ride the bus.

The shuttle service to Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile began in 1979. The shuttle was determined necessary to reduce the impact on the environment from vehicle traffic. The narrow road into the Reds Meadow area serves as the only access to the San Joaquin River Valley , the Devils Postpile National Monument , Rainbow Falls and 5 trailheads leading into the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness Areas, including the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail. The road also allows access to 186 campsites (6 campgrounds), 4 nature trails, and 2 day use lakes, Reds Meadow Pack Station and Lodge, and Agnew Meadows Pack Station.

Mandatory Shuttle Bus

The mandatory shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes, or more frequently during periods of high use. The first bus each morning leaves Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge Gondola Building at 7:15 am . The last bus of the day leaves the Gondola Building at 7:00 pm , Devils Postpile at 7:45 pm , and Agnew Meadows at 8:00 pm , arriving back at the Main Lodge Gondola Building and out of service by 8:30 pm . Please plan your trip to coincide with the shuttle bus schedule. Wilderness permits DO NOT entitle backpackers to drive their own vehicles to trailheads or into the valley. Shuttle buses are equipped to accommodate packs and bicycles. Dogs on leashes are welcome on buses and ride for free.

Vehicle use and Exceptions

Excessive vehicle use is the reason for a mandatory shuttle bus. However, some exceptions are recognized. Following is a list of most exceptions:

• Vehicles entering the valley before 7:00 am , or after 7:30 pm
• Vehicles carrying passengers with a disabled placard (once in the valley visitors must hike to most sites)
• Vehicles towing horse trailers or other livestock
• Campers camping in the Reds Meadow area
• Overnight Resort Guests
• Administrative vehicles
• Vehicles carrying car top boats, canoes, kayaks for use in valley

Exceptions are still charged the per person transportation fee.

Fee Schedule

Relax and enjoy the thick forest, wildflowers, wildlife, and spectacular scenery while you ride the shuttle. Notice the peace and quiet and the serene ambiance in the valley. Take advantage of the one-way hiking that the shuttle system facilitates.

US Forest Service - Inyo National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 09 October 2007 at 10:21:15 EDT