Driving Directions to Better Place Forests Yosemite Gateway

Learn about Better Place Forests sustainable Memorial Forest and find your perfect tree

If you’re reading this, you’re likely preparing to visit the Yosemite Gateway forest. In this post, we’ll explain how to get to the forest.

Please save these directions before heading to the forest as cell phone service may be unreliable.

Forest Address

We will meet you in the Main Parking area of Yosemite Gateway Forest, which is located at 10966 Dexter Rd, Coulterville, CA 95311.

We highly recommend following the below directions as it is the easiest way to get to us.

GPS systems tend to take people on interesting routes that are often adventurous, dirt and rutted. We recommend avoiding Cuneo Road, Jackass Ridge Road, and Jackass Creek Access Road, as they are mountainous and dirt based.

FROM COULTERVILLE, CA (15 minute drive)

From Coulterville, CA to the Forest is 10-15 minutes. If guests arrive early there is a lovely park, Coulterville Park at 10313 Park Ln, Coulterville, CA 95311 that has restrooms, a picnic area, and plenty of open space. Also located in Coulterville is the Coulterville Cafe, a great place for a cup of coffee or breakfast/lunch.

*Head northeast on Greeley Hill Rd/Main St (uphill)

*In 6.6 miles, Turn left onto Fiske Road

*Stay left in 1.5 miles onto Dexter Road

The Yosemite Gateway Forest will be on your right in 1.8 miles.

FROM GROVELAND, CA (30 minute drive)

From Groveland, CA to the Forest is 30 minutes. If guests arrive early there is a lovely park called Mary Laveroni Community Park at 18950 CA-120, Groveland, CA 95321. We highly recommend the Iron Door Salon for a great place to eat all meals and a bit of local history.

*Head east on CA-120/Main Street (Toward Yosemite National Park)

*In 6.6 miles, Turn Right onto Smith Station Road

*Stay left in 0.1 miles to stay on Smith Station Road

*In 5.6 miles, continue forward onto Greeley Hill Road

*In 1.8 miles, turn right onto Fiske Road

*Stay left in 1.5 miles onto Dexter Road

The Yosemite Gateway Forest will be on your right in 1.8 miles.

We ask that guests do not arrive more than 15 minutes early (unless previously discussed) for your scheduled visit. If you have any questions or think you will arrive early, call or text the forest at 1 (415) 300-2575 before leaving your location as there is limited service at the forest and limited service en route to the forest.

Important Tips

The entire forest is a non-smoking property for health and safety reasons.
The forest is incredibly peaceful, but cell phone service can be unreliable.
Our team will be wearing our Better Place Forests branded clothing. We often wear jeans and boots for protection in our forest.
We strongly encourage our guests to dress comfortably for walking in nature. This includes protective clothing appropriate for the weather, closed-toed shoes, sunglasses, and hats are advised. We also recommend bring a jacket as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
If anyone in your group is sensitive to strong sun and heat, we recommend bringing an umbrella for shade protection or booking an early morning or late evening appointment in the summer.
Please save driving directions as service on the way to the forest may be unreliable.
We offer a limited amount of refreshments on-site, and we ask that you bring a reusable water bottle to reduce and protect the environment.
We provide bug spray and sunscreen on-site but also welcome guests to bring their own.

Lodging

Whether you stay in Yosemite National Park or in Groveland you can’t go wrong with these accommodations.

Hotel Charlotte: Located in Groveland, this historic hotel boasts a unique Old West charm with cozy rooms to unwind in after a day exploring Yosemite Gateway. Traveling with your dog? Some of their rooms are pet-friendly, just ask when you call to book.
Groveland Hotel: Just down the street from sister property Hotel Charlotte you’ll find another charming historic hotel, the Groveland. The rooms offer plush bedding and double-paned windows to help you get a peaceful night of sleep.
Yosemite Valley Lodge: If you want to stay close to the heart of Yosemite’s attractions, this lodge is located right across from Yosemite Falls, and is a short walk to photo ops of Sentinel Rock and Half Dome. The lodge offers bike rentals for those who want to explore the area on two wheels, while it also serves as a meeting point for those wishing to take guided tours of the park.
Yosemite Campgrounds: Perhaps you’d rather not have four walls and a door separating you from the legendary Yosemite wilderness. There are 13 campsites in Yosemite, seven of which require reservations, while others are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations go quickly for times during the peak season of May through September, so be sure to be online ready to book the first day that reservations become available.

Dining

All the restaurants listed below are in Groveland, California, just a short drive from our forest.

Around the Horn Brewing Company: Grab a delicious beer at this friendly, family-owned brewery. Its rustic charm paired with tasty menu items like Brie grilled cheese, turkey Bahn mi, and pretzels with beer cheese make it a place not to miss while in the Yosemite Gateway area.
Iron Door Saloon: The oldest saloon in California is just a short drive from our forest — located in Groveland, the Iron Door Saloon was built sometime before 1852 and was once a store. It’s been a bar since 1896, and these days you can stop in for a cold drink, a hearty meal from their extensive menu, and to enjoy live music or karaoke.
Kevin and Randi’s Old Fashioned Meat Market: As their name suggests, this restaurant specializes in meat, serving up grass-fed beef, organic chicken, and wild-caught seafood in their huge sandwiches. They also serve salads and desserts, making it a perfect place to order takeout to enjoy on a picnic while enjoying the iconic Yosemite outdoors.

Things To Do

We highly recommend taking a day trip to see Yosemite National Park. There are countless sights to see and things to do in Yosemite.

Hiking: Hiking Yosemite is the best way to experience the majesty of the area up close. Choose one of the many trails located throughout the park and get ready to see stunning views you’ll never forget.
Take a guided tour: While hiking may be a great way to see the sights, it can be time-consuming to hike to everything you want to see. If you’re short on time and looking for things to do in a day in Yosemite, taking a bus tour is a great way to see a lot of the park quickly. Yosemite Hospitality offers multiple bus and tram tours year-round, ranging from two hours to a full 8-hour day tour.
Ansel Adams Gallery: Operating in the park since 1902, this gallery offers guests a view of many original Ansel Adams photographs, along with books and crafts. The gallery is open seven days a week and is nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley, where guests get a great view of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point.
Merced River: In the spring and summer, the Merced River is the perfect place to take a refreshing dip. Grab your bathing suit to swim, fish, or raft on this iconic river.