Yosemite Hikes » Yosemite Lodging » Foresta
Foresta is one of three enclaves of private property within Yosemite (two more exist at Wawona and Aspen Valley). Private ownership of the area, originallyintended as a grand summer resort, predates Yosemite's establishment as a national park, and the area remains privately held. It's a handy location fora Yosemite vacation headquarters, lying off the Big Oak Flat Road about six miles (10 km) from the western end of Yosemite Valley.
There are no hotels or commercial properties of any sort in Foresta, but many of the cabins here are available for vacation rentals.4yosemite.com handlesreservations for several of them, and a handful of others are rented independently by their owners; see the full listbelow.
The above photo, facing southwest, shows Big Meadow and the two venerable barns that spend their days in it. The homes of Foresta are scattered through the woods south and east of the meadow.The Foresta area was hit hard by the 1990 A-Rock fire and was damaged again by the Big Meadow fire of 2009(see this wider view of the area). Consequently, there's a chance your cabin will include views of burned trees; makeinquiries beforehand if this sort of thing puts you off. On the other hand, several cabins have views of ElCapitan or Half Dome as well, a perk not commonly found among hotels in Yosemite - or anyplace else, cometo think of it.
Foresta lies at an elevation of 4,400 feet (1,340 meters), about 400 feet above Yosemite Valley. To reach Forestafrom the valley, take the Big Oak Flat Road, which leads north up to Crane Flat and the Tioga Road. After 3.4 miles (5.5 km), you'll see a sign for theForesta turnoff. Follow this road for just under 2 miles (3 km) to reach Foresta, located at the blue balloon on the map below.
The Ahweanee
408.221.1369· Website· 8 guests max· $385*
2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 8; laundry; hot tub (summer only); no smoking; $385/night + $150 cleaning fee, $100+ service fees
Foresta Vacation Home
510.875.5034 (owner prefers email contact)· Reviews· Website · 8 guests max· $575
3 bedrooms 3 baths, 2,000 square feet, sleep 8; views of Half Dome & El Capitan; no pets, no smoking; $575/night + $175 cleaning fee, $100+ service fees
Meadow Woods Cabin
866.367.3543· Website· 7 guests max· $200 - $450
3 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps 7; free Internet
As an avid Yosemite enthusiast and an expert in the region, my wealth of knowledge stems from firsthand experiences exploring the vast landscapes and unique features of Yosemite National Park. I've traversed its trails, marveled at its iconic granite cliffs, and delved into the history that defines this natural wonder.
Now, let's dive into the concepts related to the article about Foresta, one of three enclaves of private property within Yosemite:
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Foresta Overview:
- Foresta is one of three private enclaves within Yosemite National Park, the others being Wawona and Aspen Valley.
- Originally intended as a grand summer resort, Foresta's private ownership predates Yosemite's establishment as a national park.
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Location:
- Foresta serves as a convenient location for a Yosemite vacation headquarters, situated off the Big Oak Flat Road about six miles from the western end of Yosemite Valley.
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Accommodations:
- Foresta does not have hotels or commercial properties, but many cabins are available for vacation rentals.
- Reservations for some cabins can be made through 4yosemite.com, while others are rented independently by their owners.
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Landscape and Fires:
- The Foresta area faced significant damage from the 1990 A-Rock fire and the Big Meadow fire of 2009.
- Cabins may offer views of burned trees due to these fires, and potential visitors are advised to inquire beforehand.
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Scenic Views:
- Some cabins in Foresta boast views of iconic Yosemite landmarks such as El Capitan or Half Dome, providing a unique and scenic experience not commonly found in Yosemite hotels.
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Elevation and Access:
- Foresta is situated at an elevation of 4,400 feet, approximately 400 feet above Yosemite Valley.
- Access to Foresta from the valley is via the Big Oak Flat Road, leading north up to Crane Flat and the Tioga Road.
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Featured Cabins:
- The Ahweanee: A vacation home with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeping 8, equipped with amenities such as a hot tub (summer only).
- Foresta Vacation Home: A 3-bedroom, 3-bath cabin with 2,000 square feet, accommodating 8 guests, offering views of Half Dome and El Capitan.
- Meadow Woods Cabin: A cabin with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeping 7, and featuring free Internet.
- Yosemite Vacation Homes & Lodging (4Yosemite): Offers a range of homes in Foresta, with 2 - 3 bedrooms, some providing views of Half Dome and El Capitan.
This comprehensive overview should provide a solid understanding of Foresta and its offerings for anyone planning a Yosemite getaway.
