Yosemite National Park, renowned for its magnificent valley, great granite domes and peaks, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and spectacular high country
Yosemite National Park is a national park spanning eastern portions of Tuolumne, Mariposa and Madera counties in east central California, United States.
The park covers an area of 761,266 acres or 1,189 square miles (3,081 km²) and reaches across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain.Yosemite is visited by over 3.5 million people each year, many of whom only spend time in the seven square miles (18 km²) of Yosemite Valley.
The park covers an area of 761,266 acres or 1,189 square miles (3,081 km²) and reaches across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain.Yosemite is visited by over 3.5 million people each year, many of whom only spend time in the seven square miles (18 km²) of Yosemite Valley.
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, Giant Sequoia groves, and biological diversity] Almost 95% of the park is designated wilderness. Although not the first designated national park, Yosemite was a focal point in the development of the national park idea, largely owing to the work of people like John Muir and Galen Clark.
The geology of the Yosemite area is characterized by granitic rocks and remnants of older rock. About 10 million years ago, the Sierra Nevada was uplifted and then tilted to form its relatively gentle western slopes and the more dramatic eastern slopes. The uplift increased the steepness of stream and river beds, resulting in formation of deep, narrow canyons.
About 1 million years ago, snow and ice accumulated, forming glaciers at the higher alpine meadows that moved down the river valleys. Ice thickness in Yosemite Valley may have reached 4,000 feet (1200 m) during the early glacial episode. The downslope movement of the ice masses cut and sculpted the U-shaped valley that attracts so many visitors to its scenic vistas today.
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Excellent views...be mindful of possible traffic delays and crowds.
ReplyDeleteDrove about 500 miles out of our way to visit Yosemite, stayed just outside the gate on CA120. Never got in…apparently there was a gravel dump truck accident that closed or partially closed the access road for most of the day. As of 5:00PM on that day it was still taking 2-3 hours just o enter the park. We turned around.
We’re told the previous day there was a major accident in the Village involving med flights that also closed the road for a lengthy period of time.
Ok, so we were disappointed but those events have no reflection on the value of the Yosemite visit.
But…it’s indicative of a weakness in the Yosemite park rangers ability to advise motorists of serious park travel or other safety issues that could make tourists alter there plans. Or at least soften the anxiety of sitting in the likes of a third world country traffic jam for up to 3 hours without any clue as to why.
Clearly, the park is fantastic as are the amount of people enjoying it. So be prepared, you won’t be the only one there.
Be aware, it could happen to you.
Thanks for your comment
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