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This short, easy trail deposits visitors at secluded and uncrowded Foresta Falls


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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.5

KM

Point to Point

4,308' 1,313 m

High

3,992' 1,217 m

Low

1' 0 m

Up

316' 96 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Waterfall

Family Friendly A short, easy, secluded trail that ends at a waterfall. The kids will love exploring the area.

The Foresta area is a historical in-holding within Yosemite that was planned to be a summer retreat. Be respectful of the private property here.

Description

Start from the end of the main Foresta Road near the last house where the paved road ends and narrows a bit into an unpaved dirt road. Proceed gently downhill, paralleling Crane Creek. Don't be alarmed when the road veers away from the creek, it soon turns back and crosses a bridge at the falls themselves. The best time to visit is during the spring runoff or after a large rainstorm, as the falls will be at their most dramatic after recent precipitation or melt. Despite its proximity to the Valley, you're likely to have this area to yourself since it is such a little-known spot.

Foresta Falls descends a total of about 200 feet, but the part that's most accessible and safe to reach is the still-impressive 60 foot cascade that flows in a wide spray across rocky ledges. The falls are split somewhat by the footbridge making it hard to visually appreciate the whole drop. It is possible to reach the upper cascades with some determined bush whacking but this is not recommended due to ticks, poison oak and slippery cliffs.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 3 votes

#27100

Overall
  3.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
67%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2,818

in California

#27,100

Overall
6 Views Last Month
729 Since May 18, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

33%
0%
67%
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0%

Photos

Looking up from the bottom of Foresta Falls.
Nov 10, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Foresta Falls in the fall, after a rainstorm had passed through the Yosemite area, re-vitalizing the waterfalls.
Nov 9, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Evidence of the El Portal Fire in 2014 can be seen on the surrounding hills.
Nov 9, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
From the trail, you can see several cascades and pools in Cane Creek above the falls.
Nov 9, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Even though the signs say that the road is closed, it is open for pedestrians to make their way to the falls. When parking, be respectful of the residents who live in the area.
Nov 9, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
The trail is an old road that leaves the Foresta community and makes its way to the falls.
Nov 9, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Jul 8, 2023
Pancham Parikh
Nov 6, 2016
David Hitchcock
Hiked out and back. Saw about 15 people, one group of 10 were bird watchers. Bridge damaged by fire, but good to walk on.
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