The Yosemite National Park is one of the finest natural treasures in America. It was discovered in 1851 by an army tracking the Ahwahnee Indians, who were living in the valley at the time. A Dr. Lafayette Bunnel was with the army and he is credited with naming the valley after a band of Indians they had thought they were chasing. The Ahwahnee were captured and sent to a reservation near present day Fresno. They returned to the valley in 1852 and lived with the Mono band of Indians. Eventually the Ahwahnee angered the Mono so much that they were all tracked down and killed. Later, in 1879, the Wawona hotel was built to encourage tourists. Yosemite was the first National Park to be created. It became such in 1864, by Abraham Lincoln. The most famous pictures by Ansel Adams are of Yosemite. Naturalist John Muir spent much of his time here. Today, Yosemite National Park is one of the busiest in the country, with more than 3 million people entering each year. At times it can feel more like Times Square than a National Park. If you plan on going, I would recommend going in the off-season. Yosemite has such sights as Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, Tenaya Lake, and the famous Ahwahnee Lodge. In the 1960s they used to have the "Fire Falls", which consisted of burning embers being pushed over one of the mountain cliffs. Yosemite Falls is the highest in the country and is the third highest in the world. Camping in this National Park is a great experience that I would recommend to all families. Just remember to lock up your food in one of the bear-proof lockers! They will show you a video in which bears rip through cars like butter to get at food. They might also rummage through your tent in search of a nice meal if you decide that you need a midnight snack to keep with you.
Fees for entering the park are as follows;
for a one year pass
for automobiles (valid for 7 days)
for an individual on foot, horseback, Motorcycles, or bus.
Quick Tips:
Yosemite National Park has miles and miles of hiking, and biking trails. If you are up for it, I would recommend hiking so that you can stop and look at all the great things. If you choose to bike, please be mindful that not everyone is paying attention to where they are walking. I have seen numerous bikers crash into hikers in this area. There is also rafting on the Merced River, and horseback riding is also an option for those equestrians out there. The Ahwahnee Lodge is expensive, but one not to be missed! This lodge has one of the best restaurants in California inside of it. Sunday brunch is to die for! Pricey, but well worth the expense. The lodge is considered one of the first "fire proof" hotels. Built in 1927, the lodge was an immediate success. The lodge looks to be made out of redwood and stone, but in fact, it was built with concrete and granite that has been stained to look like wood. It is really hard to tell the difference until you get right up to it, and feel it for yourself. Inside the park, don't miss out on Half-Dome and Yosemite Falls, and try to make it over to Curry Village to check out the general stores.
I recommend visiting the website www.nps.gov and clicking on the Yosemite area for more information.Best Way To Get Around:
The easiest way to get around in Yosemite is by car, barring that, biking or walking will get you where you want to go, but will leave your legs screaming the next day unless you are Lance Armstrong.