Yosemite Gateway, CA memorial forest
Majestic mountain meadows, 30 miles west of Yosemite National Park
Tour this forest
Explore Yosemite Gateway and find your perfect tree.
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What you’ll love about Yosemite Gateway

forest highlights
flora & fauna

forest highlights

What makes this forest special

A mix of deciduous and evergreen trees line two expansive meadows, which bloom with poppies and lupines in the spring. The tree species at home here include black oak, incense cedar, interior live oak, ponderosa pine, and sugar pine.

When you purchase a memorial tree in Yosemite Gateway, you contribute to the lasting protection of forestland and wildlife habitats that your loved ones can enjoy – now and for years to come.

flora & fauna

What you’re protecting

This forest provides habitat to numerous species including great horned owls, wild turkeys, jackrabbits, and the occasional black bear.

The montane meadow ecosystem of Yosemite Gateway is a critical part of the wider Sierra Nevada region. It plays a vital role in the health of the region’s rivers, storing and clearing water via wet meadow vegetation.

Experience the sights and sounds
Take a forest tour online or in person to discover the beauty of Yosemite Gateway.

Location and directions

Visiting hours

Thurs–Mon, 10am–5pm by appointment only

Address

10966 Dexter Rd, Coulterville, CA 95311

Drive from nearby cities

Fresno, CA

Stockton, CA

San Jose, CA

San Francisco, CA

Oakland, CA

Sacramento, CA

Explore the forest's sections

Choose an area based on your preferences: access to trails, special views, or natural features.

Join thousands choosing to leave the earth, better
Dawn experiences peace and legacy as she chooses a tree to share with her late husband in Yosemite Gateway.
Watch Dawn’s story
Yosemite Gateway, California
Watch Dawn’s story
Yosemite Gateway, California
See other California forests
FAQ
Can I visit the Yosemite Gateway memorial forest?
Yes! We’d love to host you and your loved ones in the forest. Book a tour to experience Yosemite Gateway, meet our team, and enjoy the forest. You can also reach us by phone at 877-830-8311, or email at [email protected].
Where is Better Place Forests Yosemite Gateway located?
Better Place Forests Yosemite Gateway is located at 10966 Dexter Rd, Coulterville, CA 95311. Located in the Sierra Nevada region, this forest is an easy and scenic drive for visitors traveling from the Bay Area, Central, and Southern California. For more information, visit our Driving Directions to Better Place Forests Yosemite Gateway.
Can I be buried at or near Yosemite?
Better Place Forests Yosemite Gateway is a memorial conservation forest located about a half hour drive from Yosemite National Park. With Better Place Forests, you can choose a private, established tree in a protected forest where ashes are mixed with local soil and returned to the base of the tree, becoming forever part of the forest.
Is it legal to spread ashes in Yosemite National Park?
After submitting an application and securing a letter of authorization, you may scatter cremated remains in Yosemite National Park following a strict set of criteria you can find on the National Parks Service website. Better Place Forests Yosemite Gateway is not associated with Yosemite National Park, but rather a private forest where our team of experts will help you plan a forest memorial to commemorate your loved one with care. Choosing Better Place Forests means you’re helping to protect and preserve forestland with a lasting, living memorial tree.
What tree species are in Better Place Forests Yosemite Gateway?
Better Place Forests Yosemite Gateway has a variety of evergreen and deciduous trees including Interior Live Oaks, Black Oaks, Incense Cedars, Sugar Pines, and Ponderosa Pines. Tour the forest to choose a section that speaks to you, whether you’re inspired by meadow views, a peaceful knoll with hidden pockets of wildflowers, or a park-like grove of young ponderosas.
How long has Better Place Forests Yosemite Gateway been around?
Better Place Forests Yosemite Gateway opened in July, 2021. Better Place Forests was founded in 2015 by Sandy Gibson, Brad Milne and Jamie Knowlton. Our CEO Sandy Gibson lost his parents at a young age and grew up going to a noisy urban cemetery in downtown Toronto. He knew there had to be a better solution. Read more of Sandy's story here.
How does Better Place Forests work?
Better Place Forests offers a natural alternative to cemeteries for those who choose cremation. When you choose a memorial tree, you help protect it and the entire forest for years to come.

Our team will help you plan a forest memorial to create an experience that’s right for you, and the ashes of loved ones and pets can join your tree in the future if you choose. When the time comes, ashes are mixed with local soil and placed at the base of your tree, becoming part of the forest.

To choose your tree, you can book an online forest tour with one of our advisors. For more information, visit How Better Place Forests Works.