



What is Connecting Yosemite Communities?
Oakhurst California is located in a beautiful region of the Sierra Nevada. Located at the south gate entrance of Yosemite National Park and adjacent to an amazing recreation area like Bass Lake, Oakhurst is positioned with an opportunity to create more access to nature for local residents and a draw for visitors to spend more money in our communities.
Connecting Yosemite Communities is a plan led by Madera County residents to build a multi-use trail system connecting the communities surrounding the Park. These connections will encourage residents and visitors to walk, bike, or ride horse to a different town in this region. A multi-use trail system will provide a healthy and safe transportation option, a reduction of vehicle traffic, and growth for businesses throughout the region.
This plan is replicating another project happening in the Downieville/ Lake Tahoe area called Connected Communities developed by Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship which is looking to connect 15 small towns with multi-use trails.
Our goal is to improve quality of life, create jobs, grow the tourism economy, and create more recreation for the diverse communities adjacent to yosemite national park.
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More than 100 miles of trail are already connected. With 80% of the trails already established, only 20% will involve new trail development.
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Potential Trail Segments
01
Oakhurst River Greenway
A greenway along the river will extend from Oakhurst Community Park to the El Cid's area. This greenway will feature rest stops, scenic viewpoints, and will be designed to accommodate individuals with mobility disabilities.
02
Oakhurst-Awhanee River Greenway
A second greenway will connect Oakhurst Community Park with Ahwahnee along the river, and will also accommodate individuals with disabilities. These two greenways offer a great option for residents to commute to the main town, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors safely.
03
Oakhurst - Bass lake Multiuse trail
A new multi-use trail for hikers, horses, and cyclist that will go from Oakhurst river Greenway to Bass Lake
04
Bass Lake - North Fork
A combination of existing dirt roads, established trails, and new pathways will connect Bass Lake to Manzanita Lake, Downtown North Fork, and the historic site of the old mill.
05
Bass Lake - Coarsegold
This trail will offer a great option for all users by utilizing existing trails and dirt roads, taking you from Bass Lake to the historic village in Coarsegold.
06
Bass Lake - Fish Camp
A trail that will take you into the high country Nelder grove of Giant Sequoias and the town of Fish Camp.
07
Bass Lake Greenway
A greenway along the lake that will connect Recreation Point to the Wishon Dam. This trail will help reduce vehicle traffic around the lake and provide a safe option for pedestrians and bike riders.
08
Fish Camp - Yosemite- Jerseydale
A series of existing trails will connect Fish Camp to the south gate of Yosemite, with an additional route leading to Jerseydale in Mariposa.








What needs to happen?
Development of a master plan
The plan is promising, but without the support of local government entities and private landowners, the project cannot be completed. The plan consists of several phases, each with its own specific planning and funding requirements.
Funding
A project of this magnitude requires various sources of funding. Establishing a master plan that outlines the different segments will be essential for grant applications. Additionally, we will accept personal donations, which will be directed to the Connecting Yosemite Communities Fund, managed by the Eastern Madera County Foundation.
EMCF is a non-profit organization under 501(c)(3)
Community and Government support
Informative meetings with the community will be scheduled, along with meetings involving local government and federal institutions, where all questions will be addressed.
This project has the support of the Madera County Board of Supervisors, the Oakhurst Chamber of Commerce, the Eastern Madera Foundation, and other nonprofit organizations in the area.
Connecting Yosemite Communities will:
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Create multi-use trails for a variety of recreation types.
(Foot/Pedal/Hoof/OHV/ADA) -
Create more recreation opportunities close to where people live
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Foster after-school activities for kids and teenagers, connecting trails to schools that can be used as transportation or recreation
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Improve quality of life for residents
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Educate about natural and cultural history of the area
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Provide recreation to improve health
(Blue Zones) -
Establish “Main Street”trailheads, connecting trails directly to each town's commerce center
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Provide more recreation infrastructure adjcent to Yosemite National Park
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Grow the tourism economy by creating more recreation opportunities for the shoulder seasons
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Reduce environmental impacts by utilizing abandoned/decommissioned roads and trails
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Bring partnerships and investment
in public lands through the outdoor industry -
Improve active transportation
infrastructure -
Encourage more diverse participation in the outdoors
Learn More
Learn more about the project from the vision deck.
Take the Survey
Let us know what you think with this short survey.
Q&A Event
Thursday, January 30th
Oakhurst Government Center Conference Room
4:30-6PM
40232 Junction Dr, Oakhurst, CA 93644

Get in touch
Contact
Address
Eastern Madera County Foundation
40343 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644