Take a Trip, West Coast & Southwest: Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park
California
We are moving out west now! If you are on the West Coast or in the Southwest Region these next couple of weeks we will cover parks that you have to see. We are beginning with the beautiful Yosemite National Park!
“First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.” – National Parks Website
History of the Park
The Gold Rush is what brought the first non-native visitors to the area around 1850. In 1851 a battalion of U.S. troops began exploring it while searching out Native Americans so that they could end the conflict. After being in Yosemite, the members of that battalion began spreading the word of the area’s grandeur and beauty.
In 1855 the first visitors came to see the natural beauty and wonder. This is when people saw an opportunity to make money off of the tourists. Soon the visitors had places to stay and eat before heading into Yosemite. A homesteader named Galen Clark then discovered the beauty of what is now known as “Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.” After seeing their beauty he began a long fight to protect them and the greater Yosemite Valley from lodging and homesteading. After gaining political support they finally were able to get Abraham Lincoln, in the heat of the Civil War, to sign the “Yosemite Grant.” This officially protected the park from homesteading and lodging. In 1890, the park was official deemed a National Park.
Top Attractions
Yosemite Valley – This valley is world renowned for its waterfalls, meadows, cliffs, and amazing rock formations. This is certainly a main attraction for any visitor. Hiking, biking, photography, bird-watching, and many more outdoor activities are available. This valley is open all year!
Glacier Point – This view is incredible and allows you to over look Yosemite Falls, the Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley. There is a road in the park that takes you to just a short walk away from the point.
Yosemite Museum – This museum studies the cultural and historical development of the park and is right next door to the visitor’s center.
For more things to do or places to visit go here: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
Places to Stay
This park is 3 hours SW of Sacramento which if you stayed in Sacrament you could make it a long day and still see the park. If you do not want to commute to the park here are some places to stay:
If you live in the area, make sure you take advantage of it by seeing this park. This park is rivaled by few in the world with it’s beauty and variety of natural environments. Go, take a trip to Yosemite National Park!
