The question every Stone Mountain group planner eventually faces isn't whether to go — it's how to get 20, 40, or 56 people there without turning the trip into a logistics nightmare. Stone Mountain Park sits about 15 miles east of Downtown Atlanta on U.S. Highway 78 (Exit 8), and while that makes it Atlanta's most visited attraction, it also means every driver on I-285 and US-78 is competing for the same stretch of road on a busy Saturday morning.
This guide solves the practical problem: exactly where a bus enters Stone Mountain Park, where it parks, what it costs to park, how the group drops off and picks up, and which vehicle actually fits your headcount. It also covers the trip types — school field trips, family reunions, corporate outings, festival weekends — that show up most often when groups decide to book with Party Bus in Atlanta. By the end, you'll know precisely what to plan, what to tell your group, and how to book the right vehicle.
Stone Mountain Park Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Park Gates: Open daily 5:00 a.m.–Midnight
Customer Service: 770-498-5690
On This Page
- What Is Stone Mountain Park? (The Quick Overview)
- Getting to Stone Mountain Park by Bus: Exactly How It Works
- Bus and Group Parking at Stone Mountain Park
- How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Bus to Stone Mountain Park?
- Which Vehicle Fits Your Group?
- Trip Types: Who Books a Bus to Stone Mountain Park
- Stone Mountain's Annual Events Calendar
- Things to Do at Stone Mountain Park (Group Itinerary Ideas)
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Stone Mountain Park? (The Quick Overview)
Stone Mountain Park is a 3,200-acre state-owned park built around one of geology's most striking sights — a massive quartz monzonite dome that rises 825 feet above the surrounding landscape and stretches more than five miles in circumference at its base. The summit sits at 1,686 feet above sea level and, on clear days, offers views all the way to the Downtown Atlanta skyline. The mountain officially opened to the public as a managed park on April 14, 1965, and today it is the most-visited tourist site in the entire state of Georgia.
The park packs a wide range of experiences into a single visit. The Summit Skyride aerial tram carries guests to the top, bypassing the 1.3-mile Walk-Up Trail that ascends 786 vertical feet through open granite. The Scenic Railroad circles the mountain's base on a 5-mile route.
The Crossroads entertainment area recreates an 1872 Southern town, complete with dining, shops, and a 4-D theater. Historic Square preserves 19 authentic Georgia buildings moved to the site from around the state, including plantation structures dating to 1790. The Dinotorium, Sky Hike ropes course, Geyser Towers, and Adventure Outpost keep the younger end of a group busy while adults explore hiking trails.
And on summer evenings, the "Music Across America" Drone and Light Show projects a massive spectacle onto the mountain's north face — one of Georgia's most popular nighttime events.
One thing that surprises first-time group planners: admission works differently here than at a traditional theme park. A daily parking permit ($20 per vehicle) is required to enter the park at all, regardless of whether you're visiting attractions. Attractions tickets are separate.
School buses and qualifying group vehicles have their own designated parking area (more on that below), and the park's Groups team handles reservations for parties of 15 or more through a dedicated sales office.
Getting to Stone Mountain Park by Bus: Exactly How It Works
The main entrance to Stone Mountain Park is the East Gate, reached by taking Exit 8 from U.S. Highway 78 East and following the exit ramp into the park. Every route to the park — from Downtown Atlanta, from I-285, from I-20, from I-75, from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport — ultimately funnels to this same exit. The official GPS address is 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, though the park notes that some mapping programs produce routes that are difficult to follow; an alternative input is US Highway 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain, GA 30087.
Here's what a bus trip to Stone Mountain actually looks like step by step:
Step 1 — Approach via US-78. From I-285 East (Exit 39B toward Snellville/Athens), travel 7.7 miles on US-78 East. If coming from Downtown Atlanta, take Ponce de Leon Ave NE east to US-78.
From Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, exit toward I-285 East then follow the same route from Exit 39B.
Step 2 — Take Exit 8. This is the Stone Mountain Park Main Entrance. Follow the exit ramp around a long curve to the East Gate.
First-time bus operators should note: this curve is tight and the exit ramp requires careful navigation at motorcoach length.
Step 3 — Pay the parking permit at the gate. Every vehicle entering Stone Mountain Park must purchase a daily parking permit. For school buses and charter buses, parking is complimentary — but the park strongly recommends informing the group sales team in advance about your transportation to ensure proper arrangements are made.
Rideshare vehicles, taxis, and limousines are admitted and those drivers pay $5 to enter for pick-ups and drop-offs.
Step 4 — Proceed to the designated bus drop-off and parking area. Gate staff direct buses to a specific drop-off area close to the main attractions. This keeps passengers close to what they came to see without adding unnecessary walking distance after a long ride.
One critical note on MARTA: Atlanta's public transit system does not serve Stone Mountain Park directly. MARTA drops off in the city of Stone Mountain, approximately half a mile from the park's West Gate — a meaningful distance with young students or elderly guests. For groups, a direct charter bus is the straightforward alternative to MARTA connections or a coordinated taxi relay.
Bus and Group Parking at Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park provides designated parking areas for school buses and other group vehicles. The arrangement differs from the standard parking lot experience in several important ways.
School bus parking is complimentary. Per the park's field trip guidance, parking for school buses is free of charge. The park specifically directs buses to a dedicated drop-off area close to the main attractions, facilitating easy access for students and educators.
Group coordinators are asked to inform the park about transportation needs in advance so proper arrangements can be confirmed.
For charter buses and other large vehicles, the daily parking permit rules apply. The FAQ section of the Stone Mountain Park website directs visitors to the Parking Information page for details on per-vehicle versus per-person fees and what the parking permit includes. Given that the park's page structure has recently changed under new management (Stone Mountain Hospitality LLC, a subsidiary of Aramark Destinations, took over park operations on June 1, 2026), coordinators should confirm the current parking cost by calling the Group Sales Department at 770-498-5632, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
ET, before the trip.
Key logistics details for group coordinators:
- Parking permits allow entry and exit for the entire day but do not guarantee re-entry; re-entry may be difficult on busy days, holidays, or during large events.
- A daily parking permit is required to enter the park at all — this applies even if your group is only visiting for a short time or arriving by rideshare.
- Ride-share vehicles, taxis, and limos pay $5 at the gate for pick-up and drop-off access.
- Groups using the Drone and Light Show or major festival events (Pumpkin Festival, Stone Mountain Christmas, etc.) should expect higher attendance and plan to arrive early — the park notes that re-entry may be restricted during peak events.
- Glass containers are not allowed anywhere in the park. Alcohol is permitted in some areas but not on streets, in parking lots, at attractions, on the Walk-Up Trail, or in the Memorial Lawn — worth communicating to group members in advance.
For groups of 15 or more, the park's dedicated Groups page covers reservation steps, ticket types, and the group sales contact. Advance reservations are required for group rates; payment in full must be received at least 21 days before the visit date, and the group sales office (770-498-5632) can confirm current bus parking protocols for your specific date.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Bus to Stone Mountain Park?
Charter bus pricing is always quote-based — it's not a sticker price because no two trips are identical. What you can do is understand exactly what drives the cost so the quote makes sense when you receive it. For a transparent breakdown of how Party Bus in Atlanta structures pricing, see the party bus pricing guide.
The main factors that shape your Stone Mountain quote:
Vehicle size. A 15-passenger minibus costs meaningfully less per hour than a 56-passenger motorcoach. But the per-person math often inverts once a group grows: a full coach split among 50 passengers frequently beats five separate rideshares or the logistics of a caravan.
Trip hours. Most Stone Mountain day trips run 4–8 hours from metro Atlanta pickup to final drop-off. Atlanta groups starting in neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, or Decatur are looking at roughly 30–45 minutes of drive time each way (more during peak hours on US-78 or on Stone Mountain's access roads during busy event weekends).
A full park day with pickup and return can easily run 6–8 billable hours.
Date and season. Summer weekends and major event weekends (Pumpkin Festival, Stone Mountain Christmas, the Drone & Light Show season) see higher demand on the local fleet. Weekdays, particularly during the school year, often give schools and corporate groups better vehicle availability at more favorable rates.
Pickup complexity. A single pickup at a school or corporate office is simpler than sweeping three hotels before heading east on US-78. Multi-stop pickups add time and slightly affect the quote.
The fastest way to a real number: call 470-298-3025 with your headcount, pickup location(s), visit date, and how long you plan to be at the park — or use the online quote tool to see pricing and availability in under 30 seconds.
Which Vehicle Fits Your Group?
Matching vehicle to headcount is the single most practical decision in the booking process. Here's how the Party Bus in Atlanta fleet maps to Stone Mountain trip sizes:
14-Passenger Sprinter Limo or Sprinter Van — A small leadership team, an executive client group, a VIP family reunion advance team, or a couple's outing. Both vehicles handle the Atlanta-area freeways smoothly; the Sprinter limo brings premium leather and tinted privacy windows if the occasion calls for it.
15–35 Passenger Minibus — The workhorse for medium-sized school groups, youth sports teams, church groups, or corporate teams who don't need a full motorcoach. Reclining seats, climate control, and overhead storage handle a day-trip load comfortably. For a school field trip averaging 25–30 students plus chaperones, a single minibus often covers the whole group.
15–50 Passenger Party Bus — Built for the trip where the ride is part of the fun. Graduation celebrations heading to Stone Mountain's evening light show, bachelorette or birthday groups making a day of it, or friend groups who want the bar, LED lighting, and sound system running from pickup to return. The party bus is the right choice when the destination and the journey are equally important.
40–56 Passenger Charter Bus (Motorcoach) — The standard vehicle for large school field trips, family reunions, corporate outings, and tour groups. Full undercarriage luggage bays handle the backpacks, strollers, and coolers a family group brings. Onboard restrooms available on select coaches are a real advantage on longer drives from outer Atlanta suburbs.
For groups of 40 or more, one motorcoach is almost always more efficient than two minibuses.
ADA-accessible vehicles are available at no additional charge — just note the need when requesting a quote so the right vehicle is reserved.
Trip Types: Who Books a Bus to Stone Mountain Park
School Field Trips
Stone Mountain Park's field trip program is built for school groups, and the park's education team has developed self-guided programs aligned with Georgia Performance Standards. Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Engineering, and History are all addressed through the park's exhibits — the Quarry Exhibit covers Georgia's granite quarrying history (Stone Mountain granite was used in the locks of the Panama Canal and the steps of the U.S. Capitol East Wing), the Historical & Environmental Education Center covers local ecology and the mountain's geology, and the Songbird Habitat and Trail offers hands-on conservation education.
Practically speaking, Stone Mountain provides designated school bus drop-off and parking, making logistics simple for teachers and chaperones. Reservation is required at least 21 days in advance; the Group Sales team at 770-498-5632 handles school bookings and confirms parking arrangements. For field trips coordinated through Party Bus in Atlanta's school event transportation, the bus handles the journey while teachers and chaperones focus entirely on the educational day.
One useful detail from the park's own field trip FAQ: picnic areas throughout the park welcome packed lunches, and the park can discuss catering options for larger groups. Undercarriage storage on a charter bus keeps lunch bags and extra gear out of the way during the day without requiring chaperones to manage them.
Family Reunions
Stone Mountain Park explicitly calls out family reunions as one of its primary group visit categories — and it's easy to see why. The 3,200-acre park absorbs large groups naturally; multiple generations can split up across the Skyride, the Walk-Up Trail, the Scenic Railroad, and the children's activity areas and reconvene without the bottleneck that plagues tighter venues. Private picnic pavilions are available for rental directly through the park (contact the facility rental team for availability), giving a reunion a dedicated home base for meals and downtime between activities.
A charter bus for a family reunion means grandparents and grandchildren in the same vehicle, everyone arrives together, and no one in the family gets stuck navigating the US-78 corridor alone. For reunions drawing members from out of town, the bus can sweep Hartsfield-Jackson (following I-285 East to Exit 39B, 7.7 miles to Exit 8) before heading to the park — keeping the group together from the moment they land. Check the private event bus rental page for more on how to set up a custom family reunion itinerary.
Corporate Events and Team Outings
Companies use Stone Mountain for two distinct purposes: team-building outings and corporate event hosting. The Adventure Outpost zipline, Sky Hike ropes course, and outdoor recreation options make Stone Mountain a genuine team-building venue rather than a passive day out. For larger corporate events, the park offers private picnic pavilions, catered options, and facility rentals for groups ranging from casual picnics to formal receptions.
Transportation-wise, a corporate group shuttling from a Downtown Atlanta office or from a Buckhead hotel block benefits significantly from a private bus. The I-285/US-78 corridor runs about 30–45 minutes in normal traffic, but Friday afternoons and event weekends stretch that considerably. The corporate charter bus rental handles navigation while the team focuses on the day.
For smaller executive groups, a 14-passenger Sprinter Van delivers the right vehicle size and presentation level without the bulk of a full motorcoach.
Atlanta Bachelor and Bachelorette Groups
The combination of Stone Mountain's evening Drone & Light Show and a party bus from Atlanta produces one of the more creative "not just a bar night" bachelorette formats in the metro area. A 15–50 passenger party bus picks up in Midtown or Buckhead, heads east to the park for the evening show (running select dates May through August — confirm current show dates on the official Stone Mountain Park calendar), and returns to the city after. The onboard bar, LED lighting, and sound system make the 30-minute drive in each direction part of the event rather than downtime.
See bachelor and bachelorette party bus rentals in Atlanta for vehicle options that fit a celebration group.
Church and Youth Groups
Stone Mountain's accessible terrain, varied activities, and self-guided options make it a strong fit for church outings and youth organization trips. The Walk-Up Trail's 1.3-mile route to the summit works well for active youth groups; the Songbird Habitat Trails and Nature Garden Trail provide quieter options for reflection walks or nature education. The park's Crossroads area offers dining and retail that accommodate varied groups without requiring a structured itinerary.
Youth group coordinators: the park permits outside food for picnics, which helps manage dietary restrictions and budget. Glass containers are prohibited. A charter bus or minibus keeps the group accountable for arrival and departure timing, which matters when coordinating a large youth group across a sprawling 3,200-acre park.
Stone Mountain's Annual Events Calendar
Stone Mountain Park runs a full seasonal event calendar that can make or break the timing of a group visit. The events below recur annually; exact dates shift year to year, so always confirm against the official Stone Mountain Park events calendar before locking in a booking.
Music Across America Drone & Light Show — Stone Mountain's signature evening event, running select dates from roughly May through August. The show projects lasers, drones, and light onto the mountain's north face — the same surface as the Confederate Memorial Carving — in a large-scale spectacle visible from a wide viewing area. Groups coming specifically for this should book tickets well in advance; summer weekend evenings sell out.
The show replaced the longtime Laser Show Spectacular; as of 2023 the original Laser Show runs on select nights as a heritage offering.
Dino Fest (Spring) — A family-friendly dinosaur event that pairs well with school field trips and family reunion weekends targeting families with young children.
Memorial Day Weekend & Summer at the Rock (May–July) — Extended attraction hours and heightened attendance. Summer is the park's busiest season; arrive early and expect US-78 to be backed up on weekends.
Lift Every Voice (June) — An annual celebration honoring African American culture with a special Drone & Light Show running June 18–21, 2026. Free to attend.
Fantastic Fourth (July 4th weekend) — Independence Day celebrations with fireworks. One of the park's busiest single weekends of the year.
Yellow Daisy Festival (Labor Day Weekend) — An annual arts and crafts festival centered on Stone Mountain's native Confederate yellow daisy. Attendance is high; parking fills early.
Pumpkin Festival (Fall) — A major fall event that transforms the park with thousands of carved pumpkins, seasonal activities, and extended evening hours. Extremely popular with families; advance tickets are strongly recommended.
Highland Games (Fall) — A Scottish cultural festival that draws dedicated audiences. A charter bus makes sense for groups traveling from around the metro area for a full day of competition and culture.
Native American Festival and Pow Wow (Fall) — A significant cultural event that includes dance, music, craft demonstrations, and storytelling. Note: the Group Sales office requires payment 30 days in advance (rather than the usual 21 days) for reservations to this event.
Stone Mountain Christmas (November–January) — One of the park's most attended seasonal events, featuring elaborate light displays, holiday entertainment, and a special Drone & Light Show. Tickets often sell out weeks in advance. Groups planning visits during Stone Mountain Christmas should book both transportation and park tickets as early as possible.
Magical Flight to the North Pole & Kids Early New Year's Eve (December) — Additional holiday programming layered onto the Christmas season.
For groups targeting any of the major festival weekends, note that the park's FAQ specifically mentions that re-entry may be restricted during large events, and that parking fills early. Arriving in a single chartered vehicle eliminates the risk of stragglers arriving after the lot reaches capacity.
Things to Do at Stone Mountain Park (Group Itinerary Ideas)
Stone Mountain Park covers 3,200 acres, and a group doesn't have to see everything to have an excellent day. Here's how the main experiences organize for different group types:
Summit Skyride — The Swiss-built aerial tram to the summit passes directly alongside the Confederate Memorial Carving before depositing guests at 1,686 feet. At the top: panoramic views to the Atlanta skyline, cool mountain winds, rare plant species in vernal pools, and the option to descend via the Walk-Up Trail. The Skyride can be purchased individually or as part of the One Day Attractions Ticket — it's the only attraction available as a standalone purchase.
Walk-Up Trail — 1.3 miles ascending 786 feet to the summit. Steep in sections, but well-maintained. The trailhead is on the west side of the mountain.
Groups with strong walkers who want the summit experience without waiting in the Skyride queue will enjoy this route. Allow 45–90 minutes for the ascent.
Cherokee Trail — An 8-mile National Recreation Trail that loops around the mountain base, with one section going up and over the west side. Passes through oak-hickory forest with views of lakes and streams. Better suited for hiking-focused groups than casual family outings.
Nature Garden Trail and Songbird Habitat Trails — Shorter loop trails (¾ mile and 1 mile respectively) well-suited for educational groups and anyone wanting quieter park time. Note: dogs are not allowed on the Songbird Habitat Trails.
Crossroads — The recreation of an 1872 Southern town anchors the entertainment district with a 4-D theater, the Rockin' Land and Lake Tour (a double-decker open-top bus and pontoon boat ride), restaurants, stores, and craft demonstrations including glass blowing and candy-making. This is the most programmatic area of the park for groups who want structured activities.
Scenic Railroad — A heritage railroad that circles the base of the mountain on a 5-mile route. The original depot dates to 1869. Good for multi-generational groups where not everyone can manage a trail.
Historic Square — Nineteen authentic pre-Civil War Georgia buildings, including plantation structures from 1790, 1845, and 1850, plus a farmyard with historic breeds of sheep, goats, and pigs. Relevant context for school groups studying Georgia and Southern history.
Adventure Outpost — Home to the zipline (book at the Atlanta zipline page), waterfront activities, and Sky Hike ropes course. Best for active groups and corporate team-building outings where participation is the point.
Dinotorium and Dino Explore — 65 interactive games, climbing structures, and dinosaur-themed activities for younger visitors. Relevant for families with children under 10 and school field trips with early elementary students.
Evening Drone & Light Show — The park's signature nighttime event. Combines drone technology, lasers, projections, and fireworks on the mountain's north face. Groups attending the evening show should arrive early enough to secure viewing position and allow time for dinner at one of the park's dining options in Crossroads.
The show runs select dates May–August; confirm on the park's official calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the address for Stone Mountain Park for bus navigation?
Use 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, or the alternative GPS input US Highway 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. The park notes that some mapping systems produce confusing routes; if your GPS system is giving unusual directions, the reliable landmark is Exit 8 on US-78 East, which puts you directly on the park's main entrance ramp to the East Gate. From I-285, take Exit 39B (US-78 East toward Snellville/Athens) and travel 7.7 miles to Exit 8.
Where do charter buses park at Stone Mountain Park?
School buses park in designated complimentary parking provided by the park near the main attractions drop-off area. For charter buses and other large group vehicles, the park directs vehicles to the appropriate area at the gate. Given that Stone Mountain Hospitality LLC (a subsidiary of Aramark Destinations) assumed park operations on June 1, 2026, group coordinators should confirm current bus parking logistics directly with the Group Sales Department at 770-498-5632, Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., before the trip.
Per the park's official FAQ, details on fees and what the parking permit includes are available on the official Parking Information page.
Does MARTA go to Stone Mountain Park?
No. MARTA, Atlanta's public transit system, does not serve Stone Mountain Park directly. The closest MARTA drop-off is in the city of Stone Mountain, approximately half a mile from the park's West Gate. For group trips, a private charter bus or minibus is the practical alternative — it picks up at your starting point and delivers the group to the park's drop-off area without a gap-filling connection.
Can a rideshare or taxi drop off at Stone Mountain Park?
Yes. Rideshare vehicles, taxis, and limousines are admitted to the park; those operators pay $5 to enter for pick-ups and drop-offs. For a large group, splitting into multiple rideshares means multiple $5 entry charges, unpredictable surge pricing on busy event days, and no guarantee that everyone arrives at the same time.
A single chartered vehicle eliminates all three variables.
What time should our bus arrive at Stone Mountain Park?
Park gates open at 5:00 a.m. Attractions typically open on weekends and school holidays; the standard opening window is around 10:00–10:30 a.m. for most attractions. For summer weekends and major event days, arriving close to attractions open time gives the group maximum time before crowds build.
For evening events like the Drone & Light Show, the park recommends arriving with enough buffer to secure viewing position and handle dinner. Confirm attraction hours for your specific date on the park's official operating calendar.
How far in advance should we book a charter bus to Stone Mountain Park?
For school field trips and corporate outings on weekdays: 4–8 weeks ahead is typically comfortable. For summer weekends, Stone Mountain Christmas, Pumpkin Festival, and holiday events: 2–3 months ahead is strongly recommended, as local fleet availability tightens quickly for these dates. If your group is booking through the park's Group Sales office simultaneously, note that park group reservations also require payment 21 days in advance (30 days for the Native American Festival), so the earlier the better to coordinate both the bus and the park tickets.
Is Stone Mountain Park open year-round?
The park grounds are open year-round, 5:00 a.m.–Midnight daily. Attractions, however, are seasonal. The standard schedule runs attractions on weekends in March, April, May, August, September, October, November, and December; daily during Memorial Day Weekend through the end of July; and during Spring Break and school holidays in November and December.
January and February see reduced attraction availability for seasonal maintenance, though hiking trails and park roads remain open. Always check the park's official operating calendar for your visit date before confirming group plans.
What are the current park admission and attractions ticket prices?
The park requires a daily parking permit ($20 per vehicle) for entry; this is separate from attractions tickets. A One Day Attractions Ticket covers most rides and experiences; the Summit Skyride is also available as a standalone purchase. Military discounts are available at the ticket window with valid military or dependent ID.
For current pricing, visit the Stone Mountain Park ticketing page — prices are subject to change and processing fees apply to online orders. Group rates (15+) require advance reservation through the Group Sales office at 770-498-5632.
Can our bus stay on standby while the group is in the park?
Yes — for groups booking through Party Bus in Atlanta, the vehicle and logistics arrangement are part of the quote. Depending on the booking, the bus can remain staged at the park's designated vehicle area for the duration of the visit, or the group can arrange a set pickup time. Group coordinators set that up when booking.
For day trips from Atlanta, the round-trip is typically quoted as a block of hours covering pickup, drive to the park, time at the park (including bus staging), return drive, and drop-off.
Book Your Bus to Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is a 30–45 minute drive from most of Atlanta, depending on traffic — but that drive multiplied across 25 separate cars, four Ubers that show up at different times, and three chaperones texting about where everyone parked is the kind of thing that makes a field trip exhausting before it starts. One bus solves it. Everyone gets on together, arrives together, and goes home together.
Party Bus in Atlanta has access to a full fleet of vehicles — 14-passenger Sprinter limos, 15–35 passenger minibuses, 15–50 passenger party buses, and 40–56 passenger motorcoaches — with transparent pricing and 24/7 reservation support. To get a quote for your group's Stone Mountain trip, call 470-298-3025 any time, or use the online quote tool to see vehicles and pricing in under 30 seconds. For more on Atlanta group transportation services, the school event bus rental page covers field trip specifics, and the private event transportation page covers family reunions, corporate outings, and celebration trips.
