California lawmakers are attempting to stop a proposed road measuring less than half a mile into Yosemite National Park. Supporters of the road argue that it could reduce pollution, ease traffic, and improve safety for drivers. The road is part of a federal land-swap plan involving Kingsbarn Realty Capital, based in Nevada. The Trump administration is reportedly considering exchanging 1.1 acres of federal land in Yosemite for an equivalent parcel elsewhere in California.
The proposed road would connect Kingsbarn's 83-acre Hazel Green property, located just outside Yosemite’s western boundary, to the park’s existing highway network. Lanny J. Davis, the attorney representing Kingsbarn, stated that without this direct access, trips from the Hazel Green area would require significantly longer drives on unpaved forest roads, resulting in increased air pollution. He emphasized that the new access road would be safer and generate less vehicle emissions, noting that Kingsbarn worked with National Park Service staff to develop an environmentally sound access plan.
Despite these efforts, 61 California lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to reject the land exchange proposal. Coachella Valley Republican Assemblymember Greg Wallis stated that the proposal would benefit a private developer at the expense of public land and could set a concerning precedent for development near protected areas.
Yosemite National Park currently experiences heavy visitor traffic, with over 4 million visitors annually. Visitors often face long wait times to enter the park and additional delays in finding parking. Neal Desai, senior program director for the National Parks Conservation Association, described the situation as chaotic. The Hazel Green project could potentially provide visitors with additional lodging options away from overcrowded areas in Yosemite, although plans for short-term rental accommodations and a tourist lodge have yet to be finalized. Any formal agreement would require comprehensive environmental reviews and public comment.