The Yosemite National Park is over 1,200 square miles of pure and unadulterated nature. It is a great weekend getaway, with its scenic sites and many adventurous activities. It is a perfect place to disconnect from the daily routine.
It is located in the Sierra Nevada of Central California.
History
The first dwellers of the Yosemite Valley were called Ahwahnechee, believed to have settled in the area around 8,000 years ago. They were later driven out of their homes by dominant governments. Dr. Lafayette Bunnell, a physician from the United States Army, was credited for naming the area, after writing about his positive views regarding the place in his book, “The Discovery of the Yosemite.”
Eventually, native dwellers were allowed to return back to the valley and became a part of the tourism industry, by becoming laborers, selling hand-crafted baskets and performing for tourists.
Entrepreneur James Mason Hutchings and artist Thomas Ayres were recognized as the first tourists at the valley, in 1855. They were responsible for introducing the region to the world, which rose in popularity as a tourist attraction during the 1850s. Commercial establishments moved in slowly, in the following years.
On June 30, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, which called for the protection of Yosemite National Park.
Places to visit
There are around four million people that visit Yosemite National Park every year, for various activities. Here are the spots that draw so many visitors all year round.
Yosemite Valley – No one goes to Yosemite National Park and misses out on the Yosemite valley. Besides, the surrounding mountains are imposing and hard to miss. Among various sites, visitors should not miss out on the famous cliffs and waterfalls. Spring will be the best time to visit the waterfalls, as they tend to dry up starting from late summer till fall.
Yosemite Museum – Yosemite Valley is a region of cultural importance and has been used as a warzone twice: the Ahwahneechee and Mariposa Wars, mainly due to invasion by foreign explorers. The park’s museum has plenty of displays, that tell the story of the early inhabitants of the region. There is also a reconstructed Ahwahnee Indian Village at the rear of the museum.
Tunnel View – This viewpoint is the perfect vantage point to look at the scenic structures of the park with the famous Half Dome in the background.
El Capitan Meadow – While this place is a scenic spot in itself, it also provides a wonderful view of the Cathedral Rocks.
Sentinel Bridge – This is a pathway along the Sentinel Meadow, but it also gives the visitors a nice view of the reflection of the Half Dome from the Merced River—just picture perfect!
Flora and fauna
The Yosemite National Park was able to preserve the Sierra Nevada landscape, since the early years of the Yosemite Valley. The healthy shrubland of the park is home to pines, firs, and sequoia as well as woodlands and meadows. There are over 130 plant species recorded in the park.
The animal kingdom is diverse, with 250 different species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Wildlife comprises of black bear, bobcats, coyote, fox (gray and red), mountain kingsnake, raccoon, river otter, woodpecker, and so many others.
The park is popular for bird watching as it is home to over 165 species of birds—depending on the season. Some of these birds are migrating or breeding. The Yosemite National Park has since been named as a World Heritage Site, and an Important Bird Area. Some common species of birds in the region are acorn woodpecker, American robin, raven, and Steller's jay. Springtime brings in the red-winged blackbird and western tanager. Visitors are asked to respect the birds’ habitat by treading lightly and quietly.
Things to do
Aside from sightseeing and birdwatching, here are some of the activities one can enjoy at the Yosemite National Park, with friends and family.
Hiking – There are hiking trails in the park’s most famous spots: Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View Outlook, Glacier Point, Half Dome, Tuolumne Meadows, Mist Trail, and the Mariposa Grove.
Camping – There are more than a dozen campsites at the park, and since it is a popular destination, campers have to make prior reservations.
Tours – There are several choices for guided tours at the Yosemite National Park: airborne, stagecoach, and bus.
Health and wellness – Visitors could rejuvenate oneself by attending yoga classes as well as spas.
Fly fishing – There are fly fishing outfitters that can help domestic and international tourists enjoy fly fishing.