This massive sugar pine boasts health with full, robust branches. Near the trail, it's amidst a diverse array of large ponderosa pines, black oaks, and cedars, evoking an old-growth forest ambiance.
View from tree
Their pinecones can be 14 inches long!
Some prefer sugar pine syrup to maple syrup
Nicknames include “King of the Pines” and “Queen of the Sierra”
Sugar pines can live over 500 years
This is the most untouched part of the forest, bounded by the western edge of the property and nestled into a gentle slope that rises above the meadow. It’s perfect for enjoying quiet reflection yet still easily accessible from the trail network.
In Poet’s Knoll, diverse species of deciduous trees and evergreens grow together. Among the ponderosas and sugar pines are moss-covered black oaks, with branches reaching up toward the sun.
Generous spacing between the mature trees allows sunlight to stream through, highlighting pockets of purple lupines.
We look forward to welcoming you to the forest!
If this is your first visit to the Yosemite Gateway Forest, we invite you to enjoy a personalized tour hosted by our Forest Guides. Bring your friends and family, meet your tree and our team, and experience the beauty of the forest you are helping to protect. These one-on-one forest visits are available by appointment only from Thursday through Monday, please reach out to us at Yosemite.gateway@betterplaceforests.com or by calling/texting (415) 300-2575.
If you have already visited the forest and would like to return without assistance, please contact us at Yosemite.gateway@betterplaceforest.com or call/text (415) 300-2575 with the time, date, and tree you wish to visit. We will confirm our availability for your visit.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at the forest.
7% of your purchase is set aside in a stewardship trust for ongoing forest care.
The cycle of life and death are interconnected. If your tree dies before any ashes have been spread, we’ll help transfer you to another tree free of charge. If your tree dies after ashes have been spread, your memorial marker(s) will remain, marking your special place in the forest ecosystem. We look at each tree on a case by case basis, and we seek to be minimally invasive while prioritizing forest health.
You have perpetual access to your tree. Every customer is granted an irrevocable license to access their memorial tree and the forest. These are recorded with local governments to ensure you and your loved ones can enjoy the forest. To spread ashes at your tree (people or pet), your tree needs to be paid in full.
We want you to have peace of mind with your purchase. Within 120 days of your purchase, we offer one free tree transfer and refunds. After 120 days, you can transfer to a tree of the same value for a fee. If your tree dies unexpectedly before ashes have been spread, we’ll help you choose a new tree at no cost.
As part of your purchase, we’ll place 7% of your tree purchase in a trust for the perpetual stewardship of the forest. This trust enables us to fund maintenance of the land for future generations, keeping the forest healthy and accessible for you and your loved ones.
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