Forestiere Underground Gardens, CA

After doing some map research, we had decided to take a somewhat different route to Santa Barbara from the Rush Creek Lodge, ie; we drove west on route 120 to Groveland and then turned south on route 49 through Mariposa. On the way to Mariposa, we passed through an area known as "Bear Valley" (not the ski resort) where the famous John C. Fremont used to own several gold mines.

On February 10, 1847, John C. Frémont, an American explorer, military officer, and politician, purchased a vast 70-square-mile tract of land in the Sierra Nevada foothills known as Las Mariposas. The transaction was arranged through Thomas Larkin, a prominent land speculator and the first U.S. Consul to California, for the sum of $3,000. This parcel of land had previously belonged to Juan Bautista Alvarado, a former governor of Mexican California, and his wife, Martina Caston de Alvarado.

Frémont initially envisioned Las Mariposas as a prime investment near the bustling ports of San Francisco or Monterey, key hubs of commerce and trade during the era. However, he was disappointed to discover that the land was located farther inland, near the Yosemite Valley, in a remote and rugged area primarily used by the Miwok Indians for hunting and gathering. Despite its distance from major settlements, the land's location would later prove significant during the California Gold Rush, as it became the site of rich gold deposits.

The acquisition of Las Mariposas marked a pivotal moment in Frémont's life and career. Though it brought him considerable wealth through mining operations, it also entangled him in years of legal disputes over the land's title, reflecting the complexities of California's transition from Mexican to American governance.

Frémont's ownership of Rancho Las Mariposas coincided with the height of the California Gold Rush. He recognized the potential for gold mining on the property and invested in mining operations, particularly in the rich Mariposa Mine. This investment brought considerable wealth to Frémont, who became known as the "Prince of the Gold Mines."

Our original idea for breakfast was to stop in Groveland on route 120 before we turned south on route 49. However, we discovered that either we were there way too early, or COVID had closed everything up - so we kept driving until we got to Mariposa.

As can be seen in these images, Mariposa is not a large town (population 1,186) but they have one of the best donut shops we've been to in a while! Donuts A-Go-Go has excellent coffee and a nice range of donuts and other pastries. The staff we interacted with were very nice and fun to talk to !

Quick History: When California was formed in 1850, Mariposa County was one of the original 27 counties and covered one-fifth of the entire state. Between 1850 and 1864 the County was reapportioned to create all of parts of 11 other counties giving rise to the nickname the "Mother of Counties."

Once we had our donuts & coffee and checked the rental car over, we pushed on towards Fresno on route 99 with the goal of reaching Santa Monica by late afternoon.

The traffic on route 99 was brutal and by the time we got to the Fresno, CA area, it was approaching lunch time. Celeste began researching what was available in Fresno in terms of eateries and anything else that might be interesting to see. As she researched, she ran across information pertaining to the underground garden. And as she read further, she discovered how it was built - after a quick discussion, we decided to combine lunch with a trip through the Underground Garden. Located east of the Route 99 freeway (.3 mile) on Shaw Avenue (exit 140) and surrounded by several fast food eateries and a Starbucks - it was an idea stopping point for us.

The icing on the cake was when we discovered that there was a In & Out Burger shop just a block away from the Underground Garden!

There are so many amazing facts about Baldassare Forestiere and how he created this underground garden, but you have to first remember that this entire excavation was created while he wasn't at his day job. Fresno's day time temperatures are generally high, and even though his excavations took place at night, remember that he was working in the evening, tired and by himself.

The underground gardens feature nearly one hundred chambers, passageways, courts and patios. Fruit-bearing trees planted below the ground protrude through openings at ground level. Forestiere resided here, benefiting from cooler temperatures during the high heat of the California Central Valley in summer as well as warmer conditions within the ground during winter.

The dirt that Forestiere excavated was moved to create the large structure was utilized elsewhere to fill planters, create stones placed within the catacombs, and to level out other parts of the land. The pathways and rooms were constructed with various widths to help direct airflow by creating pressure as it moves through narrower portions and maintain movement as it bounces off the slants and curves of the cavernous walls. The conical skylights allow for the hot air to be pushed out more quickly and the cool air to remain below.

One interesting note to remember - Forestiere had no formal training with plants, or citrus farming or tunneling! Combine that thought with the fact that he was illiterate, so everything he learned was from "try it and see" or via discussions with other growers.

The Forestiere Underground Gardens is a remarkable example of innovative design and agricultural ingenuity. The garden’s plants and trees, some of which are over a century old, thrive in an environment uniquely sheltered from the elements. The underground construction naturally protects the plants from frost during the winter months, ensuring their survival and health even in harsher conditions.

One of the garden’s ingenious features is the staggered planting across multiple levels. This approach allows plants to bloom in succession, effectively extending the growing season and providing a continual yield of fresh produce. The variety of fruits grown here is extraordinary, ranging from familiar favorites like citrus fruits and berries to more exotic varieties such as kumquats, loquats, and jujubes. Many of the trees have been skillfully grafted to bear multiple types of fruit on a single tree, maximizing the diversity of produce within the limited space.

The gardens also incorporate a thoughtful use of trees and vines planted above the underground structures. These serve as natural insulation for the dwellings below, regulating temperatures and creating a canopy that shields the area from harsh sun and heavy rain. This multilayered design not only enhances the garden’s functionality but also contributes to its enchanting aesthetic, with greenery cascading from above and intertwining with the subterranean architecture.

The Garden Tour requires date & time reservations, and once your group is taken inside to the shop, you will then be taken to the main ballroom where the tour guide will give you the history of Baldasare Forestiere and his amazing underground garden. The tunnel goes through his living areas and many of the plants growing areas as well. The tour & guide was very informative and you will be glad you came there.

The Forestiere Underground Garden is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is also registered as No. 916 on the list of California Historical Landmarks.

As you can see in this static map, we had a number of destinations (as well as a number of side trips) that would require a considerable amount of driving. Each of the itinerary stops is linked to our content (or page) to allow you to view our content.

Locations / Start & End points are both San Francisco International Airport

1. San Francisco Hilton Financial District.
2. Bonita Point Lighthouse and Fort Baker area.
3. Sausalito, CA.
4. Santa Rosa, CA in the heart of the Sonoma County Wine District.
5. Salida, CA - overnight rest stop along the way to Yosemite.
6. Yosemite National Park, CA where we stayed at the Rush Creek Lodge.
7. Frontieres Underground Garden Fresno, CA - this was an entertainment side stop, as we had read about this place and also wanted to get lunch.
8. Santa Barbara, CA
9. Morro Bay, CA.
10. Monterey Bay, CA to explore the Monterey Bay and Carmel by the Sea areas.