View source for Yosemite National Park

{{Infobox national park
| name         = Yosemite National Park
| image        = 
| caption      = Yosemite Valley with El Capitan and Half Dome
| location     = California, United States
| coordinates  = 37.8651°N, 119.5383°W
| area         = 1,187 sq mi (3,081 km²)
| established  = October 1, 1890
| visitors     = 3.9 million (2023)
| website      = https://www.nps.gov/yose
}}
'''Yosemite National Park''' is located in the western Sierra Nevada of [[California]] and is renowned for its '''towering granite cliffs''', '''ancient sequoia trees''', and '''breathtaking waterfalls'''. It was designated a national park on '''October 1, 1890''', making it one of the earliest in the U.S. park system.

== Natural Highlights ==
Yosemite is world-famous for:
* '''El Capitan''' – a massive vertical rock formation and favorite of rock climbers
* '''Half Dome''' – a uniquely shaped granite peak with a challenging hike
* '''Yosemite Falls''' – one of the tallest waterfalls in North America
* '''Glacier Point''' – offering panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra

== Giant Sequoias ==
The park is home to several groves of ancient '''giant sequoias''', including:
* '''Mariposa Grove''' – contains over 500 mature sequoia trees, some more than 2,000 years old

== Geography and Ecosystems ==
* Over 1,100 square miles of protected wilderness
* Includes deep valleys, alpine meadows, and over 750 miles of hiking trails
* Part of the larger '''Sierra Nevada ecosystem'''

== Wildlife ==
Yosemite supports a wide variety of animals, including:
* '''Black bears'''
* '''Mule deer'''
* '''Bobcats'''
* Over 250 species of birds, including peregrine falcons and owls

== History ==
* Originally inhabited by '''Ahwahneechee''' and other Native American tribes
* First protected by the '''Yosemite Grant''' signed by '''President Abraham Lincoln''' in 1864 — the first instance of land being set aside for public enjoyment and preservation
* Played a major role in the creation of the National Park System, thanks to advocates like '''John Muir'''

== Tourism ==
* Attracts nearly 4 million visitors each year
* Popular activities include hiking, photography, rock climbing, camping, and winter sports
* Yosemite Village includes a visitor center, museum, lodging, and shuttle services

== Fun Facts ==
* El Capitan’s granite face rises 3,000 feet from the valley floor
* Yosemite Falls is 2,425 feet tall
* Yosemite was designated a '''UNESCO World Heritage Site''' in 1984

== See Also ==
* [[National Parks in the United States]]
* [[Yellowstone National Park]]
* [[John Muir]]
* [[Sierra Nevada (U.S.)]]
* [[National Park Service]]