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

Tim Garcia

May 01, 2026

Open

There were a lot of downed trees but someone cleared them enough for 4 wheel traffic. Several large puddles and plenty of ruts. Little Nellie Falls was running pretty good. I went out through Foresta and through the gate of Yosemite.

Brion Wood

Feb 11, 2026

Open

Jorge Rivera

Dec 06, 2025

Open

Trail was easily completed in a 2wd 90s ranger on 28" tires and a posi. Started on Yosemite end and ended up taking Bull Creek Road North. There were a few 6" deep puddles and some ruts where high clearance was needed. Other than that, be prepared for a long drive.

Victor Escalante

Dec 06, 2025

Open

Old Yosemite Road is open, and the conditions are great right now. The trail is fully passable, with a few rocky sections but nothing too technical. Beautiful views along the way and overall a smooth, enjoyable experience. Highly recommend it.

Steven Z

Oct 12, 2025

Open

Fairly easy trail, gets a little technical towards the end, the road is about 40miles long if you are going through all the way so keep in mind you have about 10-15miles to go after OnX indicates.

Jack Cimino

Oct 11, 2025

Open

davie olivas

Oct 04, 2025

Open

Funkly Runner

Sep 30, 2025

Open

Nice easy trail with great views was foggy when I went so not a whole lot to see. I was the only one on the trail until I got to the water crossing at little Nellie falls (which was like 10’ long in 4” of water so not difficult) and there was someone camping at the spur right there. That is also the location of really the only spot that you’d have to pay attention when heading towards Yosemite as the turn right before the crossing is pretty steep and has a pretty good rut that I didn’t want to slide into but other then that nothing to it.

J s

Sep 15, 2025

Open

Stock TJ.

orlando h

Aug 20, 2025

Open

Pretty easy, encountered one person while on the trail coming the opposite direction but luckily I could turn out and let pass. I will say there are several sections that can fit two full width vehicles but there are also several spots where it’s one width and expect pinstripes. I would not recommend if not high clearance to attempt the trail starting from the Yosemite side as I would say the hardest portion is right by the water fall including steep incline and deep ruts.

Panamint Valley

Jul 28, 2025

Open

Most of the trail goes through dry and dusty forest or former burn areas, but there are nice stretches through dense growth. The best part is Little Nellie Falls near the Yosemite end. Pick up others' trash along the way and help keep it open. I'm surprised the Park Service hasn't closed their gate into Yosemite.

slump god

Jul 27, 2025

Open

Entered from coulterville side, took about 1.5 hours to get all the way through into Yosemite. Some washouts on the trail, would recommend at minimum 2wd with fairly aggressive all terrains. 4x4 would make some of the steeper sections easier, but not necessary at all. There is a fair amount of downed trees, most of which have already been cleared but I had to move 2 myself. The waterfall is beautiful and well worth the drive. If you didn’t already know, you can take this trail all the way into Yosemite and bypass and gates, fees, and wait time/reservations.

Dan K.

Jul 25, 2025

Open

Eric W

Jul 19, 2025

Open

Did not expect to start the trail scaling a mountain withhold a large drop off. It was wide enough for a F150 Raptor. Very scenic. This was my first off roading experience and got through the trail with no hiccups.

Ramon Peekel

Jul 13, 2025

Open

Drove the trail eastbound. Hot and dry conditions made for a very dusty but fun trail. 99% of this trail can be done in a high clearance 2WD vehicle. There is one section right before Little Nellie Falls, that is pretty steep downhill where you have to pick your line somewhat carefully. Going westbound (uphill) this section definitely requires 4WD, preferably 4LO. Would recommend this trail to any off roader who is looking for an non stress trail with some amazing views.