Overall Route Rating
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3.5 out of 5 Rider Rating 3.5
3 Reviews

Secret Entrance to Yosemite & Cherry Lake Road

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Oct 31, 2007

Rider Reviews

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Guest
November 13, 2008
Next time riding the Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy…
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Guest
August 9, 2009
This road is just ok. It does not lead to a…
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Written Directions

Start in Tuolumne City (off Highway 108) just below Twain Harte, CA. Leave from Tuolumne City (off Highway 108) just below Twain Harte. Take Buchanan Road east out of Tuolumne City. Next take Cottonwood Road/National Forest Road 1N04 and continue east as it twists and turns all the way to Cherry Lake. Suggest you stop at the lake and take that in. From there get on Cherry Lake Road heading west/southwest as it twists and turns for miles; all the way till it gets you to Colfax Spring, CA. Note: about half way between Cherry Lakee and the town of Colfax Springs, you will be able to exit to the east and head to Yosemite through what some refer to as the "Secret Entrance to Yosemite" - the Hetch Hetchy entrance (before you head out, print the above map for reference).

Scenery

Through the forest, up and down to rivers and streams. This road then ends up near the almost secret Hetch Hetchy entrance to Yosemite. Along the way you'll pass Cherry Lake with a campground; but mostly just wonderful tree-lined road that will give you a workout. And there is virtually no traffic to deal with!

Drive Enjoyment

This path takes you along a National Forest road and offers GREAT twisties for miles and miles and miles! You do need to keep on the look out for logging trucks on weekdays.

Tourism Opportunities

You're taking this one for the scenery and the twisty road as there are basically no services! You'd better gas up before you get there and plan to eat before/after you've done the route. Along the way you'll see, Cherry Lake, with a campground.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Guest
November 13, 2008
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
Next time riding the Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy area, check out Groveland on Highway 120 just outside the park, The Iron Door Saloon is biker friendly and has live music most weekends, the Hotel Charlotte right across the street is casual lodging with great prices, hot showers and huge breakfast buffet, plus free internet, perfect for a good sleep after much dancing. Spend time crusing in the park, or Highway 49 north or south through the Gold Country.
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Guest
August 9, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
This road is just ok. It does not lead to a secret entrance to Yosemite. it will come out about 14 miles west of it. Road is not in the best repair but it is good in some stretches. if you are bored or just want to visit Cherry Lake, then do it. Better road in the area to ride.
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Duked
February 17, 2021
59 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I guess it boils down to where you like to ride. My brother and I rode in from 120 to Cherry lake, camped there and then the next morning road out to Hetch Hetchy all via the back forest service roads and into the park on 120. I would like to take the authors way into Cherry Lake and then repeat what I had done before because all this road was beautiful with little or no traffic. Hwy 120 is the exact opposite of this road which again depends on what you like to ride.
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