Yosemite National Park is a spectacular tract of mountain and valley scenery that is known for its extraordinary beauty and grandeur. Its 750,000 acres (1, 189 square miles) are located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, approximately for hours from San Francisco and six hours from Los Angeles by car. From easy hikes through ancient forests to rugged backcountry adventure, there is a magnificent outdoor experience for everyone at Yosemite.
Native Americans have lived in the Yosemite region for
nearly 4,000 years. The firs slighting of the area that today compromises
Yosemite National Park by non-Indian people was likely by explorers in 1833. On
June 30, 1864, to prevent private exploitation of Yosemite’s natural wonders,
President Lincoln signed an act that made Yosemite Valley a California state
public park. In 1890, the land around the Valley was established as a national
park. Today, millions of people visit Yosemite annually.
Yosemite
Valley contains many spectacular waterfalls. Yosemite Falls, the world’ fifth
tallest falls, drops 2,425 feet. It only runs from winter through mid-summer,
when it dries up. Bridal veil, Vernal, and Nevada Falls are other high
waterfalls within the valley, and flow year-round.
There are many other popular attractions in Yosemite
that are outside of the Valley. The Mariposa Grove, located near the park’s
south entrance, is the largest and most visited of three groves of giant
sequoias in Yosemite. The largest tree in the grove is Grizzly Giant, with a
height of 204 feet and a base diameter of nearly 35 feet. It is estimated to be
well over 3,000 years old.
The Yosemite Museum is one of the most comprehensive
museums to be found in any national park. There are also smaller museums
located throughout the park. Guided sightseeing tours are offered on open-air
trams and buses. Hotels are located throughout the park. Other activities
include bicycling, skiing, ice skating, horseback riding, backpacking, rock
climbing classes, and more.
From the spectacular Yosemite Valley and the giant
sequoias to the high waterfalls and breathtaking vistas, Yosemite National Park
is alive with natural beauty. One of America’s national treasures, a visit to Yosemite
can provide memories that will last a lifetime.
