Cadillac Mountain Sunrise

Question

Hi everyone!

My daughter and I are heading to Maine for the first time in July (over the 4th) and we want to take the Cadillac Mnt Shuttle bus to see the sunrise. I know we need to make reservations, but the website is kind of confusing. It says ALL RIDERS need a park pass but then it says "All forms of Park Entrance Pass are accepted, including the Vehicle Entrance Pass. These are valid for up to 4 passengers that are traveling together. Or do I need to buy two access passes? Thank you~

Answer

Hi there! It's wonderful that you're planning a trip to Bar Harbor and Cadillac Mountain in July. Watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is truly a memorable experience, and the shuttle bus service is a great way to get there, especially if you're not planning to drive yourself to the summit.

Regarding the park pass and shuttle reservations, the process can indeed be a bit confusing at first, so I’ll clarify things for you:

Park Pass Requirement: All visitors to Acadia National Park, including those taking the Cadillac Mountain shuttle, need a valid park entrance pass. The wording on the website may be unclear, but you only need one entrance pass per vehicle or group, not per person. Since you're traveling together, you can use one pass for both of you.
Types of Passes Accepted: The park accepts various forms of entrance passes, including the Vehicle Entrance Pass, which is typically good for up to 4 people in one vehicle. For the shuttle service, however, you would need to purchase an individual shuttle reservation (which is separate from the park entrance pass). The shuttle reservation is required for each passenger, and you can book this online in advance.
Do You Need Two Passes? You do not need to buy two separate park passes. You only need one pass for the park (valid for you and your daughter), and you will also need to reserve two shuttle tickets (one for you and one for your daughter) to ride the shuttle to Cadillac Mountain for the sunrise. The shuttle tickets are sold separately from the park passes.

Tips for Your Sunrise Trip:

Shuttle Reservation: Since you're visiting over the 4th of July, it can get quite busy, so it’s a good idea to reserve your shuttle tickets as early as possible to ensure you get a spot. The shuttle reservations fill up quickly during peak season.
Arrive Early: Make sure to arrive at the shuttle pickup location well before the scheduled departure time, as it's important to be on time for the sunrise trip. The drive up to Cadillac Mountain takes about 20-30 minutes, so arriving early will give you time to find parking and get settled.
Weather Considerations: Be prepared for cool temperatures, especially at sunrise, even in July. It can be chilly at the summit of Cadillac Mountain early in the morning, so bring layers and something warm to wear as you wait for the sun to rise.

Enjoy your time in Bar Harbor and the breathtaking views from Cadillac Mountain at sunrise! It's an experience you and your daughter will never forget!

Cadillac Mountain Sunrise

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