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MAWS Transportation

Point-to-Point Car Services, Limousine Services, Airport Shuttles, and Sightseeing Tours

Trailhead Shuttle

Why shuttle two cars when we can do the driving for you.

Affordable Shuttle Rates and Easy Trailhead Access While Backpacking and Hiking in the Eastern Sierra

MAWS Transporting Backpackers to the Trailhead

We know how much preparation and time goes into planning your adventure on the John Muir Trail (JMT) or Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). We will be pleased to help you with your transportation logistics to and from the trailhead. We recommend the use of our trailhead shuttle services at the beginning of your trip. Park your vehicle at your final destination and let us shuttle you and your group to the trailhead where you will start hiking/backpacking. This allows you the freedom to finish your hike early or later in the day, without the need, rush, or stress to meet a set pickup time.

5 Star Review on Yelp

Folks… I just completed a backpack from Agnews Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows (we ended up at the Mono Peak Trailhead). First night we camped at Gem Lake. Second night at Algers Lake. Third night at Summit Lake (after going over Mono Pass). We left our cars at the trailhead in Tuolumne, and got a ride via Lucas at MAWS Transportation. He was awesome — showed up on-time (he was there when we arrived), his van was spotless, carried 7 guys plus packs with some room to spare, and was the pinnacle of service. He took us first to pick up our permits, offered to stop someplace for breakfast, etc. AWESOME and I’d highly recommend him if you need shuttling in the Mammoth/Yosemite area.
– on

We Provide Trailhead Shuttle Services Up and Down HWY 395

Here is a brief list of commonly accessed trailheads:

  • New Army Pass
  • McGee Trailhead
  • Dog Lake Trailhead
  • Whitney Portal
  • Duck Pass Trailhead
  • Twin Lakes (Bridgeport)
  • Onion Valley Campgroud
  • Agnew Meadows Sonora Pass
  • North and South Lake
  • Red’s Meadow
  • Devils Postpile
  • Happy Isle
  • Rock Creek (Mosquito Flat)
  • Tuolumne Meadows

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you allow dogs in your vehicles?

Yes, we are dog friendly, we only ask you to keep your dog calm on the ride to minimize hair in the vehicle.

Do you have room for our backpacks?

Yes, we operate full size SUV’s with luggage racks and our 14 passenger van can easily accommodate backpacks for 14 people. View our fleet.

We need to get our permits on our way to the trailhead, can we make an extra stop?

No problem, as long as it is prearranged and wait time is no longer then 10 minutes, overtime will be charged hourly at a rate of $60 per/hour.

Can we use your services instead of Red’s Meadow shuttle?

Due Covid-19, Reds Meadow shuttle system is not operating this summer, we are currently permitted to run private trailhead shuttle anytime of the day. Under normal circumstances we are only allowed to shuttle guests to Red’s Meadow area while their shuttle is not in operation, including off hours during shuttle operations (7:30PM to 7:30AM) or if you are a guest of MMSA Lodging. All hikers and backpackers need to use the Red’s Meadow Shuttle if it is operating.

Does your trailhead shuttle in and out of Yosemite National Park include entrance fees?

No, Yosemite Park recently raised their fees to $15 per person, we highly recommend purchasing an annual pass ($60) if your group/party is larger then 4 people.

What is the best way to schedule our pickup to return to our vehicle?

To better make use of our trailhead transportation service and give you more flexibility of your time, we suggest that you use our service at the beginning of your trip. By parking your car where you will finish on the trail, and have us pick you up there and take you to the starting trailhead, gives you the freedom to take your time hiking or even get an early finish. If this is not an option, we suggest planning an early arrival from your scheduled pickup time to avoid extra charges for driver waiting time.

How far North can you shuttle us?

We are licensed to drive as far as Canada, if charges are convenient for you.

Can you shuttle our vehicle to the end of the trail for us?

Yes, we will be pleased to do this service for you. An extra fee will apply for the extra driver and time for shuttling your vehicle, but we are happy to do it.

What trailheads do you provide shuttle services for?

We provide trailhead shuttles for any trailhead with a maintained parking area and/or a designated shuttle pick up and drop off location in Inyo County, Mono County, and Yosemite. Learn more about the trailheads in Inyo National Forest, Mammoth Lakes, and Yosemite National Park.

Can you provide transportation to Devil’s Post Pile?

Due Covid-19, we can do private trailhead shuttle anytime to the Devil’s Post Pile long term parking lot. Under normal times access is limited to the Reds Meadow Shuttle, normally from the end of June to early September. We will be happy to take you there before and after the shuttle system is in operation.

Can you drive us to Rainbow Falls?

Yes, Due Covid-19 we will be happy to drive you there anytime of the day. An alternative and preferred option by the Rangers is to take the Reds Meadow shuttle system which normally operates between 7:30AM and 7:30PM from Main Lodge Area starting by the end of June to early September. Be advised we can only provide transportation to the parking lot. From there, Rainbow Falls is about 1.5 miles walk, we recommend you plan about 2-3 hours for your round trip visit. An alternative is to contact Red’s Meadow Resort and do the trail on horseback.

Are your trailhead shuttle rates based per person or per vehicle?

All of our trailhead shuttle service rates are a flat cost per vehicle regardless of the number of passengers.