Yosemite National Park in Northern California
Yosemite
National Park, famously known as the focus of the American photographer
Ansel Adams, is a spectacular combination of awe-inspiring
mountain-and-valley scenery in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, named a
national park in 1890. The park encompasses a grand collection of
waterfalls, meadows and forest land including massive groves of giant
sequoias, the world's largest living trees.
If there is one remarkable landmark that stands out here, it is probably
Half Dome. Rising 1,219 meters (4,000 feet) from the Valley floor, it is the
most photographed mountain in the park with its shaved surface offering a
stunning contrast to the surrounding jagged peaks. Those who dare can
choose to either hike it or climb it, but be prepared for sore muscles
the next day!
Another favorite of experienced rock climbers is El Capitan, the largest
granite monolith in the world at 914 meters (3,000 feet) high. Opposite Bridalveil Fall, it is best seen from the far west of Yosemite Valley.
Another of the park's natural highlights is Yosemite Falls with its
roaring runoff from a height of 740 meters (2,425 feet). One of the world's
tallest, Yosemite Falls is actually made up of three separate falls:
Upper Yosemite Falls measuring 436 meters (1,430 feet), the middle cascades at
206 meters (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Falls at 98 meters (320 feet). It is a very
short walk to Lower Yosemite Falls, but it is a strenuous, all day trip
to reach the towering Upper Yosemite Falls.
Glacier Point's views of Yosemite Valley, with its high cliffs and
waterfalls, are what dreams are made of. The Mariposa Grove, containing
hundreds of ancient giant sequoias, is something not to be missed and
Tuolumne Meadows, a large sub-alpine meadow surrounded by mountain peaks,
will leave you breathless.
And if that is not enough to tempt you to visit this wilderness
wonderland, Yosemite is also home to a variety of animals, although they
are sometimes difficult to spot. Bears and deer are plentiful but shy, as
are the coyotes whose howls you will hear in the night, adding to the
atmosphere of this oasis of natural beauty.
The park is
gorgeous all year round. Spring shows off the massive waterfalls at their
best and is when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Summers are warm and
great for hiking and the sub-alpine flowers are in bloom at this time.
Autumn can be cold but it is less crowded. Winter is great for snow
shoeing and warming yourself by a camp fire. Apart from the summer, it is
advisable to carry snow-chains in your car and be prepared to use them.
