The Yosemite South Gate area is more than an entrance to one of the nation’s premier parks, it’s a travel adventure into the unique California history blending Native traditions, logging, mining, artistry, and travel tourism. Discover some fun immersive history of Yosemite and the South Gate area in Madera County and travel with This Family!!!
Wawona
Wawona has several spots to explore full of early California history. The Victorian Wawona hotel is the jewel of course, but nestled near by there is a surprising little pioneer village where you can travel back in time to learn about the early pioneers of Yosemite and see the buildings they lived in. To enter this little time capsule of a place, you cross the old covered bridge. On the other side you are instantly transported back to the early days of the park, and even before it was a park. Stories of artists, homesteaders, and rangers await on this great self guided tour.
8308 Wawona Rd, Yosemite Valley, California 95389
Sugar Pine Railroad
Logging is such a big part of the history around Yosemite. Ten minutes from the south entrance of the parks the Sugar Pine Railroad where you can learn a little about it and have a great time doing it! Any time of the day you can ride the train and travel back in time to when the steam train pulled logs rather than passengers. There is gold panning and a little museum to explore. Be sure to check out their special events…we checked out the Moonlight Special that included a BBQ and a campfire with old fashioned sing along.
56001 CA-41, Fish Camp, California 93623
Coarsegold Historic Village
In 1841 the first English speaking settlers arrived in Coarsegold. Shortly there after a trading post is established for the gold miners. And shortly after that gold was found right there! Today the historic village is unique bunch of shops and food in a historic setting. There are antiques, dining, craftsman, and even an amazing rock shop! The spirit of Coarsegold Historic Village comes alive in their super fun and unique festivals. I mean, where else can you find a tarantula festival?? (complete with hairy leg contest)
35300 CA-41 # 204, Coarsegold, California 93614
Coarsegold Museum
Coarsegold Historic Society and Museum is a free place to learn and walk around. They specialize in preserving the history of theSouth Yosemite Foothills. It is a free place to visit but since it’s run by volunteers, the hours are a bit sporadic. Make sure you call to find out if they are open before you go.
31899 CA-41, Coarsegold, California 93614
Fresno Flats Historic Village
Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park is a very fun area to explore with the family. Historic buildings from all over the South Gate area have been saved and moved to this spot where you can explore homes, a blacksmith barn, a jail, and a school house (two actually). There is a common thread that weaves throughout the buildings and land by the name of Charlie Myers who robbed the Wells Fargo stage with his cousin but went on to be a respectable member of local society in later life. His life has touched most if not all the buildings.
Of course, no historic village would be complete without some stories of the California goldrush and the logging of Yosemite area. One of the buildings (second to last on the right) houses a great museum that brings a lot of the stories of the buildings and their inhabitants to life as well as putting everything into context of the area. The museum incorporates the diverse cultures that pioneered the area (and were already here).
49777 High School Rd, Oakhurst, California 93644
Axe Throwing in Oakhurst
Axe throwing as sport has been around for ages. The earliest documentation of it I found was third century AD. Loggers of the 1800’s thew axes as friendly competitions after a hard day of logging work in the mountains and foothills. Over the years, axe throwing has become more than a hobby. Now there is a World Axe Throwing League (WATL) and National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF). In fact, an axe throwing champion celebrates this super fun stress relieving activity in Oakhurst. This is a remarkably safe and fun family activity and awesome hands on way to learn a little about the world of logging and its place in Yosemite history.
After our little lesson on safety and technique, both the husband and the ten year old were sticking it and doing remarkably well. I on the other hand, deserve my own special section to tell you my uber specific super bad ass axe throwing skills (sort of) Moral to this story is should the zombie apocalypse happen, you would want Sage and Josh on your team. Me, you would call if you had a very specific need, like to take a cyclops’ eye out. My throwing is unique, to say the least. At least I’m consistent. You know what… instead of telling you, I’ll just show you. Please enjoy this remarkable display of my BAD AXE MOM SKILLS.
40761 CA-41, Oakhurst, California 93644
DISCOVER HISTORIC CALIFORNIA
Yosemite: A Native American Perspective
Maybe it’s the roots of This Family but when we travel, I always think it’s interesting to learn about the people and the cultures of the area. I also believe it’s important to remember and honor the original inhabitants. Time marches on and history too often forgets the original people of an area. Their histories are rich and can make for a very different and meaningful experience of an area. We’ve put together a few stops that will be sure to make your travel to the Yosemite South Gate area even more meaningful and memorable.
Wawona
What is now Wawona, was originally known to the local Miwok in their language as Pallachun “a good place to stay”. The word Wawona is bit of an enigma but we do know that today’s Wawona Road was a trail used by the indigenous people. Today Wawona is a beautiful place in Yosemite just inside the South Gate. It features a Meadow Loop hike where you can see a multitude of wildflowers and often some of Yosemite’s four legged residents. Of course to the original inhabitants, these were more than just merely pretty to look at. They each held properties like food and medicine. Today they are protected and they flourish to provide a feast for the eyes. It really is Pallachun.
8308 Wawona Rd, Yosemite Valley, California 95389
Way of the Mono Trail
This unique interpretive trail is 1.5 miles long and offers stops along the way for visitors to learn about native plants to the area and their meaning and uses to the Mono. The view at the top offers a spectacular place to contemplate the interpretive signs from the hike and to take in the beauty of Bass Lake. To get here, just travel along Road 222 on the N/W end of Bass Lake. There is a parking lot off to the right.
Don’t forget to bring, water, good hiking shoes, and your camera!
Bass Lake, California
Wassuma Round House
The Wassuma Round House is the traditional meeting place of the Southern Sierra Miwok people. It is still used as a meeting place for ceremonies so when visiting, please observe it with respect. Since it can be closed due to ceremony or weather, check the Wassuma website before visiting.
42877 Round House Road, Ahwahnee, California 93601
North Fork
North Fork marks the beginning of the Sierra Scenic Byway (for sure worth the slightly out of the way travel…so pretty!) and is home to Northfork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California. They maintain their tribal headquarters there. The Sierra Mono Museum is also located here. It’s a great place to support local business.
North Fork, California 93643
DISCOVER NATIVE AMERICA
Good Eats in the Yosemite South Gate Area
One thing we love about travel is partaking in the local fare. The Yosemite South Gate area is just full of mom and pop shops and places to eat. Some of the outstanding eats you should 100% check out are the subs from Deli Delicious (they are aptly named). Smokehouse 41 is freaking amazing and will satisfy all your carnivorous tendencies. South Gate Brewing Company is full of REALLY good pub fare and boasts home made root beer that is not to be missed! Feeling a little veggie? Love Cafe and their vegan menu have got you covered. Big fans of the smoothies and the avocado toast. BIG fans.
Super Supper Sidenote: BBQ is included in the Moonlight Special at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. This is some serious yum and a ride afterwards on a steam train.
Know Before You Go
Travel smart! There are several precautions to bear in mind before you travel to the Yosemite South Gate area. A little preparation and forethought will make all the difference in making your experience hassle free and nothing but fabulous memories!!
COVID Precautions
The National Park Service has made adjustments to the access of Yosemite this summer. Each day 1,700 day-use park passes are available via online reservation. While the situation is not ideal when passes sell out, Yosemite and the communities that surround the park are prioritizing visitor comfort and health, providing creative solutions during temporary travel setbacks.
Madera County pledges to maintain standards of cleanliness and safety for all visitors and staff. Posters at each shop, restaurant and hotel are there to inform potential guests the safeguards being implemented and encouraged.
Mountain protection
Hiking is one the most enjoyable things ever but it’s not so fun if you have wet feet, are sunburned, thirsty or otherwise miserable. Thankfully, it doesn’t take much to be prepared and avoid all this. Wear good shoes and bring extra socks. This is a must! Bring loads of water for each person and snacks. No one likes to hike with someone who is hangry…especially if they are a teenager! Wear layers. Mountain weather varies and varies quickly. Wear a hat, bring sun protection, have a first aid kit handy, bring poop bags if you have a dog and a garbage bag to take out your trash. That’s it. It all fits nicely in a day pack and BAM you are off to travel, explore and have fun!
Wild Animals
One of the coolest things about traveling to a place like Yosemite California is seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. Everyone gets excited to see deer and bears. A word of caution… as someone who has spent the bulk of her life in one mountain range or another…. please maintain a safe distance. They ARE magnificent but they ARE also wild. For some reason, people seem to forget that and want to get as close as they can for that epic IG moment. The result can be disastrous both for the human and the animal (as in, if an animal attacks, they will have to put it down). SO take tons of photos but do it safely, for all concerned. 🙂 (Stepping off soapbox now)
COVID Protection: Masks, wipes, sanitizer, spray alcohol 
Be good house guests…it is their house after all
Final Travel Notes
The South Gate area of Yosemite and Madera County provide endless ways to experience the rich and unique history of the area. We hope we’ve given you a couple different travel itineraries that excite you and make you want to get out there and explore the area.
For even MORE information, visit the super friendly staff at the Oakhurst Visitor Center. There you will find many more ways to discover the Yosemite South Gate area including a trail of thrift stores, dog friendly hikes and places to visit and more!
Also…stay tuned! We’re going to show you a dog’s travel guide to the Yosemite South Gate area and more!!!
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Travel and Discover Historic South Yosemite California