Journey to the West: Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is best known for its giant sequoia trees and beautiful waterfalls throughout the park. Northern California is a must see for travelers looking to visit a region of the United States that seems to have it all. If you’re looking for a trip centered on nature and natural wonders, then there’s one sure place you should go: Yosemite National Park in California.
This massive park covers over 750,000 acres, spreading across the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range. Every year, close to 3.7 million visitors come every year from all over the United States. Yosemite is known nationwide for its breathtaking waterfalls, streams, granite cliffs, gargantuan Sequoia groves and broad range of species living in the park. This park was not the first National Park to open in the U.S., but it certainly had a part in starting the National Park Trend. This was thanks to its founders, Galen Clark and John Muir.
Out of the entire Sierra Nevada, Yosemite is one of the biggest habit areas within it. It is teaming with wide assortment of animals and plants. It has five vegetation zones, inside which contain 50% of all of California’s plant species combined. The park began taking formation around 10 million years ago, when it was raised and slanted by forceful, shifting tectonic plates. Riverbeds developed between the mountains, forming deep canyons. Further changes took place 1 million years ago when snow and ice engulfed it, forming glaciers and alpine meadows. As it receded, the glaciers carved the vast valley that attracts so many visitors nation and worldwide.
So what is there to do in the park? The park is the place to be for outdoors and photography lovers. Yosemite is the place where famous photographer, Ansel Adams, took the majority of his stunning photos. You can even book photography walks and classes through the Ansel Adams Gallery at Yosemite. There are also art classes held every Spring-Fall at the Yosemite Art Center. For those who want to experience the recreational side of Yosemite, you can explore the park via bike, hiking trails, horseback, or kayak. Stay until dusk to enjoy stargazing in the open California sky.
If you want to view Yosemite from your car, Tioga Road is the best route to see the best of Yosemite. There are also roads that lead to landmarks like Glacier Point and Crane Flat.
Yosemite is the gem of Northern California and a one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re looking to explore the park without camping, try staying at a bed and breakfast near Yosemite to experience Yosemite and everything else Northern California has to offer.
Tags: national parks, Northern California, things to do in Yosemite, Yosemite