| Yosemite National Park | |
|---|---|
| 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 (latest) | 3.9 million (2023) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Official website |
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