Developers headed by Las Vegas‑based Kingsbarn Realty Capital are in talks with Yosemite National Park officials and the U.S. Department of the Interior to exchange a small parcel of park land for comparable property elsewhere in California. The goal is to acquire one to two acres inside Yosemite, which would allow the construction of a 700‑foot access road linking the privately owned Hazel Green Ranch to Big Oak Flat Road, a major gateway to the park.
Proposed development details
The Hazel Green Ranch, an 83‑acre property purchased in 2024 for $9 million, would become the site of a new lodging operation. While the developer has not released final plans, a fact sheet suggests a resort similar in scale to the nearby Rush Creek Lodge and Spa, featuring a 150‑room hotel, extensive parking, cabins, a market, a gourmet restaurant, a 5,000‑square‑foot spa, and housing for staff, firefighters and rangers. The target audience is described as “Higher End ‘Ahwahnee’ Traveler” and “Average Park Traveler.”
Conservation concerns
Environmental groups, including the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center (CSERC), argue that Yosemite’s lodging market is already saturated and that additional units could strain the park’s capacity. NPCA senior program manager Mark Rose warned that “the park has been at capacity for a number of years now,” and that new development could create unrealistic expectations for visitor accommodation.
Administration’s stance
Attorney Lanny J. Davis, representing Kingsbarn, emphasized that the proposal is a straightforward business deal and denied any lobbying of the Trump White House. “One thing I have not been doing is lobbying the Trump White House or doing any politics there,” Davis said, noting that all discussions have been conducted with Yosemite officials.
The Department of the Interior has not taken a final position, stating that any land exchange must comply with federal laws, regulations, and environmental review requirements. A recent budgetary document to Congress confirmed that the National Park Service lacks authority to sell land outright but may conduct a land exchange if the developer provides comparable value and a demonstrable public benefit.
Political background
The idea originated during the Biden administration, which told Kingsbarn it lacked authority to grant an easement. Interest surged after President Trump took office, with Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly reportedly championing the effort. Yosemite superintendent Ray McPadden, appointed in May, has been directed to prioritize the discussion.
Critics continue to question how a private developer’s gain translates into a public benefit. The Interior’s communications office declined to comment further, reiterating that any land exchange would be subject to full environmental review and public notification processes.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
