What Is It?
Home to huge waterfalls and cliff faces, Yosemite National Park is one of the country’s most visited national parks. Almost all of the California park’s 747,956 acres are classified as wilderness.
Water Falls
Yosemite is home to many waterfalls. Many of the falls flow heaviest in the spring—specifically May or June. Yosemite Falls is one of the largest falls, with a descent of almost a half- mile over three stages. Horsetail Fall, pictured, typically flows December through April, but can look as if it turns to lava when it catches the light of February sunsets.
Ground Rises
Many cliffs are interesting even without a waterfall. El Capitan is a rock face that rises 3,000 feet over Yosemite Valley. It is a favorite spot for rock climbers. Half Dome is even taller, reaching 5,000 feet above the valley. Half Dome is a batholith—an extrusion from Earth’s crust—visible from most of the eastern half of the Valley.
History
Yosemite was America’s third national park, designated by Congress in 1880. The Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias were protected earlier, in 1864, by President Abraham Lincoln. This protection set aside the lands for public use, resort and recreation, and was the first place the United States preserved for such goals.
More Information
Yosemite National Park is heavily visited, and some days require reservations to visit. Plan ahead to see if you need a reservation for your trip. To start planning, visit www.nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-020.