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A long run following portions of the Old Big Oak Flat Road as it heads from Foresta to El Cap.


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Map Key

8.7

Miles

14.1

KM

85%

Runnable

6,020' 1,835 m

High

4,009' 1,222 m

Low

1,330' 405 m

Up

2,194' 669 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

35%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Winter conditions can sometimes close the middle portion of the trail

Runner Notes

This is can be pretty brutal on a warm day and sections of the old road are covered in talus, i.e. watch your step on the loose rock.

Description

This trail is great to do when temperatures are a bit cooler, as it makes it more comfortable to complete the exposed beginning and end of the trail. It also is more enjoyable, in my opinion, to begin at the parking lot on HWY 120 near Foresta and head into the Yosemite Valley, finishing the trip down the old (partially destroyed by rockslide) road. Doing so allows you to soak in the views up valley, and they are a lot more rewarding than those offered by the descent into the old burned forested into Foresta.

Either way you go, the views of the surrounding mountains and forests are impressive.

Approaching and passing Cascade Creek is a pleasant respite of solace and of shade. Traffic through this section seems to be minimal and the seasonal creeks and towering pines of this middle section of the trail contrast well with the open vastness of the beginning and end.

Flora & Fauna

The slope above Foresta is often covered Lupine and other various flowers in the spring.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

schleppy schlepenstien

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 7 votes

#24643

Overall
  3.3 from 7 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
57%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
29%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2,461

in California

#24,643

Overall
31 Views Last Month
8,698 Since Jan 4, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
29%
0%
57%
14%

Photos

Yosemite Valley and Fireplace Bluffs
Jan 17, 2021 near Yosemit…, CA
The view toward Yosemite Valley. El Capitan peeks above the ridge line, and Bridalveil Falls can be seen on right hand side.
Mar 11, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Bridalveil Falls can now be seen through the burned trees on a spring day. This hike shows how the area is recovering from a forest fire.
Mar 11, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Only a few steps into the trail, the scenery is already beautiful.
Jan 2, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
Westerly view across the national park boundary from Old Big Oak Flat Road Trail
Jan 17, 2021 near Yosemit…, CA
Looking back toward Big Oak Flat Road back toward El Portal.
Mar 11, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA

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