Foresta Road is a historic 21mile dirt loop leading into Yosemite that offers a mix of challenging climbs, scenic waterfalls, and a glimpse into the area’s rich past.
Experience Foresta Road: The Abandoned Pathway into Yosemite
Written by: Chris Van Leuven | February 7, 2025 | Time to read 9 min
Turning the corner and coming up on the first waterfall during this electric bike ride, with the faint trail leading right up to the swimming hole, there’s nothing sweeter.
More about the Author: Chris Van Leuven
Chris is a writer, climber, and founder of Yosemite E-Biking in Mariposa, CA. When he’s not tackling Sierra Foothills trails or scaling rock walls, he’s crafting adventure stories with his boxer, Fenster. His work has appeared in Outside, Men’s Journal, Gripped, and Best American Sports Writing.
Discover Yosemite’s forgotten side country on Foresta Road—a historic, 21‑mile loop that weaves through the rugged Sierra foothills, passing waterfalls along the way and offering epic views of the park’s iconic granite giants.
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About Foresta Road
The Sierra foothills west of Yosemite, California, rival the park’s stunning views—especially for e-bikers. While you won’t find another El Capitan or Half Dome (though some roads offer distant glimpses), you will encounter waterfalls, mountain streams, old gold mining camps, and hidden summer retreats tucked deep in the mountains. Snow-capped peaks top off the view.
This wild area isn’t forgiving if you get stuck or injured, so pack all the necessary repair tools. It’s also wise to ride with a buddy (or several) and let someone know your route, as cell reception is often nonexistent.
My favorite route near Yosemite is up Foresta Road, a steep, 21-mile loop with an elevation gain of 3,885 feet that enters the park. This mostly abandoned dirt road starts with a climb from Yosemite’s gateway neighborhood of El Portal (EP) along Hwy 140, utilizing an old ranch access road, Foresta Road, that connects EP to the residential community of Foresta. Head back to El Portal via a main road from Foresta or reverse the route.
I ride this on a Class 3 Aventon and I know others who have done it on a Class 3 Rad Power Bike. Read the comparison of the two brands here. Selecting the right size is key, too, as riding one that is too small will be hard on your knees, while one that is too tall will make you ride on your toes. Check out the blog How Do I Know Which Size Aventon e-Bike Is Right For Me?
The first train arrived at the El Portal station in 1907 and ceased operation in 1945. At the time, visitors would dismount the train and catch a stagecoach to Yosemite. Meanwhile, local ranchers from Big Meadow descended Foresta Road and used the train to ship goods.
First used as a footpath starting in 1906, Foresta Road was built in 1923 and used as a delivery road to the train station in El Portal from the McCauley Ranch in Big Meadow (near Foresta). However, it has been mostly abandoned since the 2009 Big Meadow Fire, which destroyed the wooden deck of the Lower Foresta Falls Bridge at Crane Creek. Still used by hikers and the occasional rider, it now varies between single- and double-wide sections, featuring several slide-out areas. It offers an intense, scenic, and historic adventure with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
When I ride Foresta Road on a fat-tire e-Bike, I can barely manage it on one battery. The continuous steeps drain the battery quickly, so if you’re concerned about range, be prepared to turn back or bring a spare. Since this is a prolonged hill climb, I dismount and let my bike cool for a moment after sustained steeps. This keeps it running its best.
Starting Out
Park at the El Portal Market and Chevron gas station along Hwy 140—ideal for a quick stop for snacks or a bathroom break. Head west and follow the signs for Foresta Road, which begins almost immediately. After ascending through the small cluster of houses in EP, you reach a gate marking the end of the vehicle-accessible section and the start of your adventure.
Due to the sustained nature of the climbing on this ride, it’s best to have a powerful e-Bike. Browse ones in the mountain section. I recommend Aventure 1 and 2, which will get the job done. On the higher end, including bikes with a more aggressive design, you can’t go wrong with Specialized. And though it can be done with a cargo bike (my friend did that), it’s not recommended.
After several miles of zigzagging up the mountain, you pass the first of several bridges. Water cascades down granite slabs and funnels under the road in winter and spring, creating natural dipping holes—a welcome relief on a hot day. The concrete bridges, dating from the mid-20th century, evoke a sense of stepping back in time. Around this area, you encounter a massive tan boulder with white graffiti that jars you back to the present. Dismount here as it’s rough ground, and walk your bike through the narrow trail over the rocks and overgrown thickets until the terrain opens again.
The occasional landslide sliced by a footpath occurs throughout the ride. Here, again, it’s best to walk instead of ride. The most intimidating section comes at two-thirds height, where the bridge is burned out but still passable. Nearly two decades after the 1990 Arch Rock Fire transformed much of Foresta into a powdery, Mars-like landscape, the 2009 Big Meadow Fire scorched this area and burned the bridge, leaving only steel planks (some wooden planks have been added since). Walking over the wood and steel planks, I push my bike through this section carefully. There’s also an old climbing rope that can be used as a guideline, but I wouldn’t trust my life to it.
If the exposure overwhelms you, turning back is always an option—the downhill ride back to your car, the store, or even to the Merced River (great for a swim or whitewater rafting) is tempting.
Continuing the Adventure
Once past the bridge and after a few twists, you reach Foresta Falls—one of Yosemite’s least-visited waterfalls (technically just outside the park), with 200 cascading feet and a dramatic 40foot drop. This is a great place for a picnic. Shortly afterward, Coulterville Road connects to Foresta Road; keep right (east) to cross into Yosemite. Coulterville, the first road into Yosemite, is worth exploring in its own right.
As a side note, if you head west on Coulterville Road, you’ll eventually reach Bower Cave—an underground labyrinth that once featured a dance floor, stairwell, and even a nearby eight-room hotel. However, in the 1950s, it closed after a staircase collapsed, resulting in a fatality. There’s even a song about it. Tip: If you’re e-biking to view Bower Cave, visit from the town of Greeley Hill, which is closer.
As you approach the high point on Foresta Road, the terrain becomes bumpier, and the road shows deep runnels from water runoff. At the summit, near where it turns paved, the road runs alongside a sparkling creek—perfect for a refreshing dip—and nearby roads offer stunning views of El Capitan and Half Dome to the east.
Finish
Once in Foresta, head toward Hwy 120. Along the way, you’ll pass a few scattered properties—Airbnb homes that survived the ‘90 fire alongside new constructions. When your battery power approaches red, don’t worry. After reaching Hwy 120, it’s a downhill ride the whole way, and you’ll zip through a few tunnels. When you arrive at the 120/140 junction, turn right (west) and coast to the park entrance gate (don’t forget to pay or show your National Parks Pass) before heading back to your car at the El Portal Market.
Key Takeways
- Foresta Road offers a rarely explored, historic pathway into Yosemite.
- It’s a 21‑mile e-Bike challenge with nearly 4,000 feet of elevation gain, often requiring a mix of riding and walking.
- Steeped in history—from early footpaths and train connections to relics of old ranching and mining—this route rewards adventurers with cascading waterfalls, mountain streams, and breathtaking views of iconic granite peaks, including El Capitan and Half Dome.
What is Foresta Road?
How challenging is the ride?
With an elevation gain of nearly 4,000 feet, the route is demanding—even on an e-bike. Riders often need to walk through the steepest sections to navigate safely.
What should I bring for the ride?
Extra battery (recommended), repair tools for on-the-go fixes. It’s also wise to ride with a buddy and inform someone of your planned route.
What are the main highlights of the journey?
Expect epic views of Yosemite’s landmarks at the end, cascading waterfalls, and swimming holes along the trail.
Is this route suitable for beginners?
Due to its rugged terrain and steep climbs, Foresta Road is best suited for experienced e-bikers or those looking for a challenging adventure.
