Lodgepole Visitor Center — Attraction in Exeter

Things I wish I knew before I went. Buy your national park pass online. It was $35 when I went. Its good for 7 days and includes free museum and shuttle service. Bit a 12 month pass is $70. Go figure. Go as early as you can. I went around 12 and the line to get pass and enter was long. Park doesnt close. But there will be no rangers or park employees on site. So you are on your own with that. Last Shuttle run is 6pm.

Visistors center has alot of information. Its like a little museum that has information for that day. Weather, trails that are open, etc.

Theres a market/food spot next door. It Has everything you need so you dont have to go back down the mountain. Only downfall is the price. They definitely raise prices from what they would charge in town. So be sure to have everything you need. There's a little "fast food" place in the market as well.

There is also a free shuttle you can catch from the visitors center/market to the different spots to see like General Sherman Tree and Moro Rock as well as others. Talk to the shuttle drivers. They are nice. Alot of them live up there so they know the area very well. It is so beautiful up there though. Can't...

Right in the middle of Sequoia proper, more or less. Whether you're there for the day or camping for a few days, it's a good spot to learn about the park, get tips from rangers on good trails for a couple hours or an entire day or just ask questions about other activities. Ranger led programs, walks and talks. All were very knowledgeable and ready to help. As I understood it, at least part the VC gift shop's proceeds (not so sure about the market's) go towards services offered at the park. Public WiFi and some cell service is available (one of the very few spots with any type of signal within the parks). Although technically separate, the market adjacent to the visitor center offers a chance to take a break and replenish while visiting. Offers a restaurant, convenience type shop for basics, gift shop and importantly for those camping for a few days, flush toilets, coin operated laundry...

This place is cool and the staff is knowledgeable.

There is a museum and store plus it does have a deli place, ice cream and the general store. They also have a microwave set up so if you buy something from the store you can microwave it yourself. There are last minute camping things and souvenirs you can pick up....

BUT THE COST OF THINGS ARE CRAZY!! I suggest for a budget friendly trip to the Sequoia National Park is to pack EVERYTHING you might or maybe need or want and not buy it there. Brig a picnic and buy a treat there.

Now I understand that this is a remote place in a national Forest so prices are usually high but the prices just shocked me. Just be prepared.

We took the Visalia Shuttle into the Park, brought our own lunch, drinks/ snacks and we utilized the free bus service in the park....