Yosemite National Park

The Great Outdoors Adventure in

Yosemite National Park, found in Sierra Nevada, California is one of America's most treasured and popular parks. Over 3.5 million people flock to its gates each year. It was established as a national park in 1890, and was granted the prestigious title of being a World Heritage Site in 1984.

The park's extent boasts 1,200 square miles of wilderness land, (around 93% of the park) hosting a diverse scenery of landscape and amazing bodies of water. Breathtaking sights on land include granite cliffs, giant sequoia forested areas, and exotic wildlife habitat. The waterscape displays an abundance of ponds and lakes, streams covering 1600 miles, with the wild Merced and scenic Tuolumne rivers, and 8 spectacular waterfalls.

For 8,000 years until the 19th century, native American Indians dominated Yosemite territory. Their culture was abounding in religion, traditions and politics. They knew how to exploit the environment for their basic needs. Conflict arose when non-Indian people came to Yosemite to look for gold, prompting the Mariposa Indian War.

In 1851, Yosemite Valley was accidentally discovered by a battalion of soldiers looking for native American Indians. They were dumbstruck by the spectacular view and it was inevitable that word of the impressive sight got out. Soon, the area was flooded with tourists who came by foot, horse, and stagecoach. Eventually, the valley was filled with residences and hotels, orchards and livestock, threatening the unspoiled environment. It was then that the government decided to institute this region of scenic land as a national park to preserve its natural resources, ensuring the park's legacy for future generations.

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Yosemite Information

The most five most well-known park attractions are:

1. Yosemite Valley

A total of 7 million visitors come here every year to witness nature at its finest. The valley is home   to 'Half Dome', the world-renowned, glacially carved granite mountain, 8,800 feet high. More awe-inspiring sights consist of cliffs, meadows and incredible waterfalls.

2. Glacier Point & Badger Pass

One hour from Yosemite Valley, this viewpoint offers people a panoramic view of Half Dome and the rest of the valley. Nearby, ski enthusiasts can take advantage of Badger Pass' snowy slopes, popular for exciting winter activities.

3. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

The area is abundant with giant trees, also named Sierra redwoods. These trees are the tallest and (considered) oldest things in the world. Its most famous tree is the 'Grizzly Giant', measuring 30 feet thick, and 2,700 years old.

4. Tuolumne Meadows

A virtual backpacker's paradise, the vicinity covers the Tuolumne River, and an assembly of staggering mountains. Hikers can traverse through the vast array of picturesque meadows, fields, and granite domes.

5. Wawona

Preserving the rich historical heritage of Yosemite National park is the Wawona hotel, which dates back to the 19th Century. Visitors can also take a historical tour through Wawona's Pioneer Yosemite History Center, which include several historic buildings.

For the most part, the weather is not constant, as elevation affects the location's precipitation and temperature. However, visitors can enjoy spring, summer, and fall and winter activities. Different areas of the park become especially beautiful following a particular season.

The park allows many thrilling activities for: biking, boating, camping, climbing, fishing, kayaking and swimming. Park hours are open 24 hours all day, all days the whole year. For that once in a lifetime, great outdoors adventure, visit Yosemite National Park.