Yosemite National Park

Nestled within the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range lies Yosemite National Park, a natural wonder that has been captivating visitors for over a century. With its soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine wilderness, Yosemite is a breathtaking display of the beauty and grandeur of nature.

The centerpiece of the park is Yosemite Valley, a lush oasis carved by the ancient glaciers that once covered this region. Here, the iconic Half Dome looms majestically over the landscape, its towering granite face a symbol of the park’s awe-inspiring beauty. The valley is also home to the ethereal Yosemite Falls, the roaring Bridalveil Fall, and the peaceful Merced River, which flows gently through the forested valley floor.

In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, which protected the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias from commercial development and exploitation. This was the first time in history that land had been set aside specifically for preservation and public use, and it marked the beginning of the national park system in the United States.