Soon we’ll be hosting you in Yosemite Gateway for a forest memorial. Below we’ve included all of the necessary information for you to prepare for the event.
Arrival at the forest
We will meet you in the Main Parking area of Yosemite Gateway Forest
10966 Dexter Rd, Coulterville, CA 95311
Once everyone has arrived at the forest, we will welcome everyone in our on-site Welcome Tent where we will have some light refreshments along with a Liability Waiver.
All attendees will be required to sign this Liability Waiver to remain in the forest for the memorial. Please make sure your guests understand this policy, as we would hate to ask someone to leave who is unwilling to sign.
Important things to know
- The entire forest is a non-smoking property for health and safety reasons.
- Weather can change suddenly in the forest — we recommend layering with a warm jacket and long pants.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the forest trails can be grassy and steep in some places.
- We do offer a limited amount of refreshments on-site, but ask that you bring a reusable water bottle to cut waste and protect the environment.
- Generally, the walk to the tree is 5-15 minutes. There is a mobility quad available if you need assistance getting to the tree.
- The memorial generally lasts 30-60 minutes; chairs/benches will be placed at the tree for those who wish to sit down at any point.
What to expect
After your group has gathered we will begin by combining your loved one’s ashes with native soil from the forest. You are welcome to observe and participate in this process as much or as little as you would like.
We will then proceed to the tree together. Walking sticks and a mobility quad are available to make this experience comfortable for you and your family. If you would prefer a ride to the tree we’d be happy to accommodate, just let us know in advance.
At the tree, we will stand as a group for 30-60 minutes. During the forest memorial, guests will have the opportunity to participate in the spreading of ashes beneath the tree. You will be offered to sow native wildflower seeds and have private time at the tree without our team at the conclusion of the memorial.
Afterward, you are welcome to explore the forest.
In order to make your visit as comfortable as possible, please let us know ahead of time if you need the mobility quad to get to the tree or additional seating for the visit.
If you have any questions or requests please call our Forest Team at 209-437-8313
We look forward to seeing you in the forest!
Directions to the Forest
We will meet you in the Main Parking area of Yosemite Gateway Forest, which is located at 10966 Dexter Rd, Coulterville, CA 95311.
We highly recommend following the below directions as it is the easiest way to get to us.
GPS systems tend to take people on interesting routes that are often adventurous, dirt and rutted. We recommend avoiding Cuneo Road, Jackass Ridge Road, and Jackass Creek Access Road, as they are mountainous and dirt based.
FROM COULTERVILLE, CA (15 minute drive)
From Coulterville, CA to the Forest is 10-15 minutes. If guests arrive early there is a lovely park, Coulterville Park at 10313 Park Ln, Coulterville, CA 95311 that has restrooms, a picnic area, and plenty of open space. Also located in Coulterville is the Coulterville Cafe, a great place for a cup of coffee or breakfast/lunch.
*Head northeast on Greeley Hill Rd/Main St (uphill)
*In 6.6 miles, Turn left onto Fiske Road
*Stay left in 1.5 miles onto Dexter Road
The Yosemite Gateway Forest will be on your right in 1.8 miles.
FROM GROVELAND, CA (30 minute drive)
From Groveland, CA to the Forest is 30 minutes. If guests arrive early there is a lovely park called Mary Laveroni Community Park at 18950 CA-120, Groveland, CA 95321. We highly recommend the Iron Door Salon for a great place to eat all meals and a bit of local history.
*Head east on CA-120/Main Street (Toward Yosemite National Park)
*In 6.6 miles, Turn Right onto Smith Station Road
*Stay left in 0.1 miles to stay on Smith Station Road
*In 5.6 miles, continue forward onto Greeley Hill Road
*In 1.8 miles, turn right onto Fiske Road
*Stay left in 1.5 miles onto Dexter Road
The Yosemite Gateway Forest will be on your right in 1.8 miles.
We ask that guests do not arrive more than 15 minutes early (unless previously discussed) for your scheduled visit. If you have any questions or think you will arrive early, call or text the forest at (209) 437-8313 before leaving your location as there is limited service at the forest and limited service en route to the forest.
You can also email us at care@betterplaceforests.org.
