Shuttle Bus Transportation System to Begin December 31, 2016, as Whales and Seals Arrive!

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Date: December 21, 2016
Contact: John Golda, 415-464-5143

The Point Reyes winter shuttle bus transportation system will begin Saturday, December 31, 2016, and will run through early April 2017. The shuttle bus system provides access to the prime viewing areas of the Point Reyes headlands, including the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock. This is the nineteenth year of the shuttle transportation system operations. This operation is an important tool to protect the fragile headlands while allowing safe access for visitors. Limited parking is available at prime viewing areas such as the Historic Lighthouse and Chimney Rock, so this bus service eases congestion in these areas.

"The New Year is a great way to celebrate the annual return of the Pacific gray whale as they migrate from Alaska to Mexico, but also to watch northern elephant seals as they haul out onto beaches at Point Reyes." said Acting Superintendent David Brouillette. Winter Wildlife Docents will be at the Chimney Rock and Lighthouse overlooks to assist visitors with learning more about the northern elephant seals and migrating gray whales.

Bus service runs only in good weather on weekends and holidays, including on December 31 and January 1 and 2. Ticket sales open at 9:30 am at the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center at Drakes Beach and close at 3 pm. Children 15 and under are free, adult tickets are $7 per person, and Federal Interagency Senior and Access pass discounts apply to the purchase. Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is closed beyond the South Beach junction when the buses are operating. Road closures begin at approximately 9:30 am, and the road reopens at approximately 5:15 pm. For more information, please call the park's "Shuttles, Whales, and Elephant Seals" information line at 415-464-5100 x2 x3 x1.

Please visit our website at https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/shuttle.htm for complete information.

-NPS-



Last updated: December 22, 2016

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

Phone:

415-464-5100
This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (e.g., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc.), or speak with a ranger. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.

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