Coarsegold, California

Where small town charm meets California beauty, is located on Highway 41, between Fresno and Yosemite National Park. Originally home to several gold mines which produced millions of dollars in gold during gold rush days, today, we still remember our past, with many attractions and events that honor our heritage and culture.

Attractions include our Coarsegold Historic Village and Coarsegold Museum. Exciting events include the Coarsegold Rodeo, Memorial Day and Labor Day Peddler’s Fairs, the October Tarantula Festival and a variety of custom and classic car shows.

Coarsegold is also home to 11,000 people who appreciate the Sierra foothills tranquility and beauty.

The Coarsegold Chamber of Commerce invites you to visit our stores and businesses, and consider relocating here. We are strong supporters of local business, are your advocates to local, state and federal government and promote new business opportunities and are here to serve you.

Now with more members than ever before, we are working to make Coarsegold an even better place to live and work.

History – During the 1849 California Gold Rush, men who were rushing to the great gold strike in California would stop overnight in a beautiful valley nestled on the banks of the Fresno River. The discovery of heavy, coarse, gold nuggets nearby led to naming the area Coarse Gold Gulch. In 1851, at the height of the gold rush, some estimates put Coarsegold’s population at 10,000 people.By 1866 the nuggets were dwindling, but by then Coarsegold was a major stop for travelers to the mountain area. When the wagon road to Yosemite Valley was completed in 1876, Yosemite’s fame had spread worldwide and Coarsegold became an overnight stage stop for travelers.

Photos provided by the Coarsegold Historical Society

Coarsegold Today – Over 100 years later, Coarsegold remains the “watering place” for travelers on the southern gateway to Yosemite, scenic Highway 41. Coarsegold remains a personable, charming town where visitors can find a warm welcome and experience the adventure of yesteryear.

The Coarsegold Chamber of Commerce is organized to promote the general welfare and prosperity of the area business community of Coarsegold, California, “Your Gateway To Yosemite”

Coarsegold is 35 miles north of Fresno, and 30 minutes from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park on Highway 41.