Old Yosemite Coulterville Road

Total Miles
30.2

Elevation

1,667.05 ft

Duration

2.5 Hours

Technical Rating

2

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

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

Old Yosemite Coulterville Road
Old Yosemite Coulterville Road

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

2

Status Reports

Brenton Mayo
Aug 16, 2024
4x4
Obstructed
Downed Tree
Junior Tinoco
Aug 14, 2024
2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
Open
Normal
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
Started on the West entrance, it was good overall. HOW ever, they’re were some sections especially maybe, 3 miles in where the trail is very uneven and rough because of all the water that ran through it. Also if you have a chucky car be ready to feel the bushes and trees touch your car because my left side and right side of my car were heavily brushed upon but that’s if you really care about your paint. Other than that it’s a chill cool all rounded trail.
Tim Wilson
Aug 10, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Dusty
My first trail. Starting on the West entrance, mostly dirt/gravel most of the way. had to move one log off the path for caution. Some ruts and mild inclines and declines. Towards the end is very tight, definitely will be pinstriped. Turned around at the tower and building point. Around 4-5 hours total at a slow ans cautious speed. Overall a fun ride, especially for a firt time off road.
Harley Salazar
Aug 04, 2024
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Open
Normal
Started this trail from Bull Cr Rd. And ended it at foresta. Mostly flat dirt roads. Took us 5 hrs to complete. This trail offers a scenic view of the mountains and has several areas to pull over to set up camp or for a quick break. Some areas get tight for possible pinstripes, wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Once you get to half the trail you can expect it to get kinda rough but not extreme. Nice little waterfall towards the end. If you’re lucky you’ll encounter some wildlife like we did!

Access Description

From Buck Meadows, exit Highway 120 at Buck Meadows Road, and then turn left on Bull Creek Road.

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