Old Yosemite Coulterville Road

Trail Overview

The original road leading into Yosemite Valley, this trail first opened in 1874. Enjoy panoramic views as you climb a well-maintained Forest Service road to Pilot Peak and follow a ridgeline towards Trumbull Peak. The surroundings become lush as you make a fun, short, and twisty descent to Little Nellie Falls where there is a shallow creek crossing. The final 3 miles offer breathtaking beauty and unique views of El Capitan and Half Dome as you enter Yosemite Valley. This road is 2 vehicles wide in most areas and is closed seasonally from December 15 through April 15.

Photos of Old Yosemite Coulterville Road

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Difficulty

This road is well-maintained with a few isolated sections having shallow ruts and one shallow creek crossing usually around 6 inches deep. The vast majority of this route is 1/10 difficulty, with 4WD not necessary in dry conditions when traveling west. This route is more difficult when traveling east from Foresta towards Buck Meadows, as the climb out of Little Nellie Falls is somewhat steep and will likely require 4WD.

History

This was the first road into Yosemite Valley. Originally a county road, it became a toll road and later again a county road. Opened in 1874 as an improved toll road, it has served continuously since that time. Beginning in 1956, the Northern California - Yosemite Highway Association raised and spent $50,000 to rebuild the road to be more compatible with modern traffic.

Technical Rating