Realty Firm Proposed Yosemite Land Swap for Road

Kingsbarn Realty Capital seeks federal approval for a private road to access new residential and rental developments.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration showing a jagged mountain range silhouette behind small wooden houses and a winding trail, representing development and wilderness. — Kingsbarn Realty Capital has requested a federal land swap to build a private access road for new housing and rentals near Yosemite National Park. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kingsbarn Realty Capital has proposed a land swap with the National Park Service to construct a 700-foot private road leading into Yosemite National Park. The firm intends to build residential housing and short-term rentals on 83 acres of land near the park's western edge.

Why it matters

The developer claims the road is necessary to provide residential access, replacing an existing 11-mile dirt road that currently takes 45 minutes to traverse. However, federal authorities have yet to approve the swap, and the project faces significant pushback from environmental groups.

The developer purchased the 83-acre site for $4 million in February 2024. The proposed private road spans 700 feet, which would serve as a shortcut to replace an 11-mile, 45-minute dirt road.

The players

Kingsbarn Realty Capital

This real estate firm is the developer behind the proposal to build residential and rental properties near the park.

National Park Service

This federal agency manages national parks and is responsible for reviewing the proposed land swap request.

Interior Department

This cabinet-level executive department oversees the National Park Service and manages federal land decisions.

Jeff Pori

He serves as the CEO of Kingsbarn Realty Capital and has publicly discussed the company's development goals.

The details

Kingsbarn Realty Capital registered a company called Sanctuary at Yosemite in Nevada to oversee the development of housing units and tourist rentals. To proceed, the firm must fulfill federal regulations by trading a different parcel of equal value to the National Park Service and completing a comprehensive environmental review.

In February 2024, the company purchased 83 acres of land for $4 million.
In early September 2026, CEO Jeff Pori discussed plans for the short-term rentals.
On October 2, 2026, environmental groups held a protest regarding the proposal.

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Travel Outlook

This proposal reflects the ongoing tension between private development and protected lands, a dynamic frequently governed by the National Environmental Policy Act. The project must undergo the environmental review and public notification processes mandated by this federal law.

Travelers visiting the western edge of the park should anticipate potential changes to local access roads if the development is approved. The outcome of the federal review will determine whether this area remains limited to existing dirt roads or transitions into a managed residential site.

The takeaway

The proposal highlights the complex intersection of private land ownership and federal conservation requirements. Interested residents should monitor future Interior Department filings to see if the land swap moves toward a formal agreement.