Inyo National Forest

Mandatory shuttle bus | New partnership with Eastern Sierra Transit | Biking in Reds Meadow | Fees: your input is needed

The Reds Meadow Valley is a special place.  Home to Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, and great hiking and fishing, visitors have been coming back to the area for generations.  One reason the Valley has remained a special place is because of the 30 year old mandatory shuttle system, one of the oldest and most successful shuttle systems in the country.  The shuttle protects the Valley environment from vehicle traffic beyond the capacity of the area.  In addition, the steep and narrow access road into the Valley would become a major traffic safety hazard without the shuttle during times of high visitation. 

To support the shuttle, all visitors accessing the recreational opportunities in the Reds Meadow Valley are charged a transportation fee when the shuttle is in operation (June 13 to September 9, 2009).  The shuttle is mandatory for all visitors, unless they meet one of the exceptions listed in the sidebar on the right.  Visitors who meet one of the exceptions still must pay the transportation fee and once in the Valley, they may ride the shuttle at no additional cost. 

Whether riding the shuttle or driving into the Valley in an exception vehicle, everyone enjoys a more pristine and safer experience as a result of the shuttle operation.

Mandatory Shuttle Bus

The mandatory shuttle operates daily starting at 7:15 am at the Village in Mammoth Lakes. The last bus of the day leaves the Main Lodge 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 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 into the Valley.

• Shuttle passes are available at Mammoth Mountain Ticket Booths at the Main Lodge and the Village
• Passes for shuttles before 8:00 am can be purchased from the shuttle driver (cash only, no change given) or at Mammoth Mountain Inn.
• Dogs on leashes and wearing a muzzle are welcome on buses as space allows, and ride for free
• Shuttle buses are equipped to accommodate packs, picnic baskets, etc.
• Bicycles are allowed on shuttles on a space-available basis and can only be loaded and unloaded at the Mammoth Main Lodge/Adventure Center and at Reds Meadow Resort (stop 10).

New Partnership with Eastern Sierra Transit

Starting in 2009, Eastern Sierra Transit is operating the Reds Meadow Shuttle in partnership with the Inyo National Forest.  One exciting result of the new partnership is the expansion of the Reds Shuttle service to The Village in Mammoth Lakes.  Eastern Sierra Transit will have 5 buses stop at The Village every morning as they begin their route to Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile - see the Shuttle schedule for exact times, available in the sidebar on the right.  In the past, there was a 4-mile gap in transit service.  There is no additional charge for beginning a trip at the Village. 

Fees:  your input is needed!

In order to provide improved recreation opportunities in Reds Meadow Valley, the Inyo National Forest is proposing to change visitor fees at Reds Meadow Valley in 2010 (the shuttle bus will remain mandatory for most visitors).  Full details about this proposal and how to comment are available here.

Biking into Reds Meadow

If you are interested in biking into Reds Meadow, please consider the following advisories:

• To avoid head-on collisions, do not pass stopped or slowed traffic as they may be waiting for an oncoming vehicle to pass safely.
• On the downhill stretch into Reds Meadow, the road speed limit is 15 mph. Under California State Law, this speed limit applies to both cyclists and vehicles.
• Downhill traffic must yield to uphill traffic and must stay to the right.
• The road is narrow, winding and steep. Make sure your brakes are in good shape before beginning your descent.
• Riding into the valley during peak visitation times (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) is not recommended.
• Bikes will be loaded and unloaded only at the Adventure Center and at Red’s Meadow Resort if space is available.
• Buses can only take 2 bicycles per bus and only if the bus has space available.
• Be advised: there is a speed bump on the road into Devils Postpile National Monument.
• Helmets are recommended for all riders and are required for riders under 18 years of age.
• All cyclists ride at their own risk. Please look after both your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery while you ride the shuttle into Reds Meadow Valley.  Become aware of the serene ambiance in the valley.  Take advantage of the one-way hiking made easy by the shuttle system.