Yosemite National Park
| Yosemite National Park | |
|---|---|
| [[File:|300px|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