private shuttle between trailheads in October

Question

Hi all, 4 of us are backpacking starting Oct 1. Park shuttles will no longer be running is my understanding and we would like to hire someone to shuttle us between Yosemite Valley to Cathedral Lakes trailhead. Any suggestions?

Answer

Since Yosemite’s free shuttle system stops running after the end of September, private transportation is the main option for getting from Yosemite Valley to trailheads such as Cathedral Lakes in early October. Many backpackers and hikers use local shuttle services or private drivers for this purpose, especially for multi-day treks.

Here are some options and tips for arranging a shuttle:

Yosemite Area Private Shuttle Services: Several local companies provide on-demand shuttle services from Yosemite Valley to trailheads. Examples include:

Yosemite Shuttle & Tours: They offer private pickups and drop-offs and can handle small groups and backpacks.
Yosemite Trails Transportation: Specialized in transporting hikers to popular trailheads including Cathedral Lakes, Glacier Point, and Tuolumne Meadows.
YARTS Private Charter: Although YARTS runs public buses, some operators offer private charter options for early-season needs.

Tips for booking:

Reserve your shuttle in advance, especially for early October, as services may be limited and some companies reduce availability after the peak season.
Confirm whether the driver can accommodate hiking gear and backpacks, and clarify pickup and drop-off locations.
Check reviews and ask for estimated travel time. The drive from Yosemite Valley to Cathedral Lakes trailhead (near the Tioga Road junction) is about 1–1.5 hours depending on road conditions and traffic.
Private shuttles usually charge per vehicle rather than per person, so it can be cost-effective for a group of 4.

Additional considerations:

If you have flexibility, some backpackers arrange a “car shuttle” by dropping one car at the trailhead in advance and driving the rest of the group up with a single vehicle, but this requires a park permit and planning.
Cell service is limited in Yosemite; confirm pickup arrangements carefully and ensure you have contact info for your driver ahead of time.

Overall, booking a reputable private shuttle ahead of time is the most reliable and stress-free way to reach Cathedral Lakes trailhead once park shuttles have stopped running.

private shuttle between trailheads in October

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