Animals - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Animals From a bug’s eye view, Yosemite is a good home for creeping, crawling, buzzing creatures to live, breed, and feed. Wildlife Observation Card Fill out a Wildlife Observation Card to report wildlife sightings to the park. [38 kb PDF] Diverse Habitats and a Diversity of Species Yosemite National Park supports more than 400 species of vertebrates including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The high diversity of species is the result of diverse habitats in Yosemite that are largely intact. The park’s rich habitats range from thick foothill chaparral to conifer forests to expanses of alpine rock. Animals feel at home in each location. In Yosemite Valley, you'll find species that depend upon meadow habitat. Predators, in turn, are attracted to these areas. The interface between meadow and forest is also favored by many animal species because of the proximity of open areas for foraging, and cover for protection. Overall, the park's widespread coniferous forests—with a relatively mild climate and a mixture of plant species—provide a lush habitat for animals to live.

At higher elevations, fewer wildlife species tend to be found due, in part, to the lower complexity of the forest. Above treeline, the climate becomes harsh with a short growing season. Despite the richness of high-quality habitats in Yosemite, approximately 40 species have a special status under California endangered species legislation. Three species—grizzly bear, California red-legged frog, and foothill yellow-legged frog—are believed to be extirpated in the park within recent history. Serious threats to Yosemite's wildlife and the ecosystems they occupy include loss of a natural fire regime, non-native species, air pollution, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. On a more local basis, factors such as the availability of human food and occurrence of roadkills negatively affect wildlife species. “In final analysis, no two species well established in a region occupy precisely the same ecologic space; each has its own peculiar places for foraging, and for securing safety for itself and for its eggs or young.

These ultimate units of occurrence are called ‘ecologic niches.’” – Joseph Grinnell and Tracy Irwin Storer, Animal Life in the Yosemite , University of California Press, 1924 Yosemite: A Park of Extremes Yosemite: A Park of Extremes June 10, 2016 Spectators look at El Capitan for a glimpse of climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, as seen from the valley floor in Yosemite National Park, Calif. Caldwell and Jorgeson became the first to free-climb the rock formation' Share Copy and paste the embed code below. The code has been copied to your clipboard. 64 kbps | MP3 Pop-out player Today, we visit one of the most famous national parks in America. You can find it high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of the western state of California. It is one of the most stunning places in the country. Its name is Yosemite. Yosemite National Park is a place of extremes. It has high mountains. It has valleys formed by ancient ice that cut deep into the Earth millions of years ago.

Water from high in the mountains falls in many places to the green valley far below. There are thirteen waterfalls in Yosemite Valley. One of these waterfalls, Yosemite Falls, is the fifth highest on Earth. Water drops 90 meters over Vernal Fall onto the Merced River in Yosemite National Park. Up in the mountains are clear lakes, fast-moving rivers, and huge rock formations . One rock is called Half Dome. It rises more than 2,700 meters into the air. Half Dome and Yosemite Valley in a view from Glacier Point at Yosemite National Park, California More than 60 kinds of animals live in the park. Deer are very common. You might even see a large black bear. More than 200 kinds of birds live in Yosemite. In a place called the Mariposa Grove, visitors can see some of the largest, tallest and oldest living things on Earth. Yosemite's giant Sequoia trees These are the giant Sequoia Trees. One of these trees is called Grizzly Giant. It is more than 1,800 years old. It is almost 63 meters tall. At its base, it is 28 meters around. The old trees can make visitors feel quite small.

The Creation of Yosemite The story of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the area that is Yosemite National Park begins about 500 million years ago, when the area was at the bottom of an ancient sea.​ Scientists believe strong earthquakes forced the bottom of the sea to rise above the water. After millions of years, it was pushed up into the air to form land and mountains. At the same time, hot liquid rock from deep in the Earth pushed to the surface. This liquid rock slowly cooled. This cooling liquid formed a very hard rock known as granite. Years and years of rain caused huge rivers to move violently through this area. Over time, these rivers cut deep into the new mountains. During the great Ice Age, millions of tons of ice cut and shaped the cooled granite to form giant rocks. Millions of years later these would become the giant rocks like Half Dome and El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California Humans have lived in the area of Yosemite for more than 4,000 years. The first people who lived there were hunters. Most were members of a tribe of Native Americans called the Miwok.

A famous hunter and explorer named Joseph Walker passed through the area in the 1830s. He reported about the massive rock formations. In 1864, a United States senator called for legislation to give the Yosemite Valley to the state of California as a public park. The legislation said the valley should be preserved and protected. President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill. This event marked the first time that a government had approved a law to preserve and protect land because of its great beauty. The land was to be kept for the public to enjoy. Yosemite became the first state park. It was the first real park in the world. Then, in 1890, it became a national park. The National Park Service is responsible for the park today. Visiting Yosemite Yosemite is about 320 kilometers east of San Francisco. The roads leading to the park pass over lower parts of the huge mountains. Then the road goes lower and lower into the Yosemite Valley. Visitors to Yosemite Park can stay in several kinds of places in Yosemite Park. Beautiful old hotels are near the park. Some are very costly. Many people bring tents and camp in the park. It costs only a few dollars a day to place a tent in the approved areas.

A view seen on the way to Glacier Point trail in the Yosemite National Park, California. Visitors can walk through the beautiful valley and the mountains. There are more than 1,100 kilometers of walking paths. Some short trails take only a few minutes to walk. Others can take days to complete. Rock climbing adventures People come from all over the world to climb the rock formations at Yosemite. The most famous of these is called El Capitan. Climbers call it "El Cap" for short. Climbing El Cap is only for rock climbing experts. It is difficult and dangerous. The climb is straight up the face of a rock wall. People say it can take about three days to climb to the top of El Cap. Climbers must look for cracks in the rock. They place their hands and feet in the cracks and then work their way up. They also use ropes and special equipment. From the bottom of the valley to the top of El Cap is about 1,100 meters. The climbers on El Cap must rest and sleep during the climb. They hang cloth beds, or hammocks, on the rocks. Kevin Jorgeson, left, and Tommy Caldwell climb El Capitan, Wednesday, Jan.

14, 2015, as seen from the valley floor in Yosemite National Park In 2015, two American rock climbers made history by becoming the first people to "free climb" El Cap's Dawn Wall. It is considered one of the hardest climbs in the world. Free climbing means climbing with little special equipment and ropes. It took them 19 days to climb all the way to the top. One of America's most popular parks In summer, Yosemite Park is filled with visitors. Large buses bring people from San Francisco to spend the day. Other visitors come by car. Some even come by bicycle. This April 2013 photo shows the bus at Yosemite National Park picking up passengers at Sentinel Bridge, with Yosemite Falls in the background. About 4 million people visit the park every year. In the winter, heavy snow falls in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Yosemite. The snow usually begins in November. Heavy snow forces some of the roads into Yosemite to close during the winter months. The National Park Service works hard to keep most of the roads open. Winter visitors enjoy a special beauty at Yosemite. Many come to spend their time skiing at Badger Pass. It has a ski school for those who want to learn the sport.

Snow remains on Banner Peak just outside Yosemite National Park Some of the highest mountain peaks keep their snow until the last hot days of summer. But, whenever visitors come to Yosemite, they experience great natural beauty in one of America’s first parks. I'm Caty Weaver. Yosemite National Park, which is the United States - YouTube Yosemite National Park, which is the United States Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Dec 24, 2015 The park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the east of the State of California and takes great even for American area, about 3,000 square meters. km. On this square are granite rock walls of great height, which, in fact, in the first instance and famous park, waterfalls, among them some of the highest in the United States, three groves of giant redwoods - the most long-lived in the world of wood and the largest diameter of the barrel, and also plenty of rivers, lakes, forests and meadows.

Centre Park Yosemite Valley is a year-round touristy, but much of the park there are no tourists. If you want to take a walk in the park, offers a huge branched system of trails, which paved routes lasting from an hour to several days. To all these charms are attached free animals and birds. If, on your happiness, bears you probably do not see the deer and chipmunks are almost guaranteed to see even without having special skills. Category Yosemite National Park | national park, California, United States | Britannica.com Yosemite National Park national park, California, United States Written By: conservation Yosemite National Park, scenic mountain region in east-central California , U.S. It is situated about 140 miles (225 km) east of the city of San Francisco and some 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Sacramento . Devils Postpile National Monument lies about 15 miles (25 km) to the east, and Kings Canyon National Park is about 40 miles (65 km) to the southeast. The park, surrounded on all sides by national forest lands, encompasses 1,189 square miles (3,080 square km).

It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Park headquarters are located at Yosemite Village in Yosemite Valley, in the west-central part of the park. El Capitan (left) and Bridalveil Fall (right) in Yosemite National Park, California. © Index Open Yosemite National Park, California, designated a World Heritage site in 1984. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Overview of Yosemite National Park, east-central California, with a discussion of the park’s black … Contunico © ZDF Enterprises GmbH, Mainz Natural history The park is situated in the heart of the Sierra Nevada range, and most of it lies within the basins of the Merced and Tuolumne rivers. The land rises from west to east, the eastern boundary forming a drainage divide. Most of the tallest peaks are in the southeastern area of the park, many exceeding 10,000 feet (3,050 metres); Mount Lyell , at 13,114 feet (3,997 metres), is the highest summit. Glaciation has sculpted a number of deep U-shaped valleys, notably the Yosemite Valley of the Merced River.

The valley—which curves in a gentle arc about 7 miles (11 km) long and between 0.5 and 1 mile (0.8 and 1.6 km) wide—features a number of attractions, such as sheer rock walls that rise 3,000 to 4,000 feet (900 to 1,200 metres) above the valley floor, Yosemite Falls , and huge domes and peaks. The greatest of these domes is El Capitan , a granite buttress near the western end of the valley that rises to 7,569 feet (2,307 metres) above sea level and towers some 3,600 feet (1,100 metres) above the valley. Overlooking the head of the valley is Half Dome, which reaches an elevation of 8,836 feet (2,693 metres) and provides a commanding view from its top. The renowned Yosemite Falls consists of Upper Yosemite Fall , Lower Yosemite Fall, and the cascades between them; their combined drop of 2,425 feet (740 metres) is one of the highest cataracts in the world.

Other notable waterfalls in the valley include Bridalveil , Nevada , Ribbon , and Vernal falls. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California. © Index Open Bryce Canyon National Park Yosemite’s climate is strongly influenced by elevation and by the mountainous terrain. Summers are warm, with many hot days when high temperatures often reach or exceed 90 °F (32 °C) in the valley, and afternoon thunderstorms can occur, especially at higher elevations. Winters are cold and snowy. Although winter daytime highs are often mild in the valley, temperatures at higher elevations typically remain below freezing. Precipitation is moderately high and falls mostly as snow during the winter; annual total precipitation in the valley averages about 36 inches (910 mm), and snowfall averages about 65 inches (1,650 mm). Winter in Yosemite National Park, California. © Index Open Plant life in the park changes markedly with elevation. Lower elevations are characterized by scattered trees (both deciduous and coniferous), shrubs, and meadows that fill with wildflowers in the spring.

At the level of Yosemite Valley grow larger stands of conifers that include groves of big trees (the giant sequoias), notably at the Mariposa Grove in the southern part of the park; higher up, closer to the timberline, are mountain hemlocks and lodgepole pines; and still higher are rocky alpine areas that support only cold-tolerant species such as lichens. A giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) estimated to be between 1,900 and 2,400 … © Kenneth Sponsler/Fotolia Ringling Bros. Folds Its Tent Animal life is plentiful and varied within the park. Large mammals include mule deer , black bears, coyotes, mountain lions (pumas), and the endemic and endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae). Various squirrels, chipmunks, and bats constitute most of the smaller mammals, which also include the rare and endangered Pacific fisher (Martes pennati pacifica). More than 250 species of birds have been observed in the park, of which some 165 species reside there or visit regularly and the others are seen there only occasionally.

Among the more common birds found are Steller’s jays, western meadowlarks, and mountain bluebirds. In addition, there are populations of amphibians (including salamanders, toads, and frogs), lizards (notably western pond turtles), and fish (especially trout). Development and use of the park Journey Around the World Trappers may have entered Yosemite Valley in the 1830s, and a miner named William Penn Abrams reportedly reached Inspiration Point (near the valley entrance) in 1849. The valley certainly became known to the world after a California state militia force pursued marauding Native Americans into it in 1851. Settlers soon followed, including entrepreneurs who set up lodgings for visitors who arrived there by horseback or on foot over rough steep trails. Interest in Yosemite was spurred by the dissemination of lithographs of drawings and paintings by artists such as Thomas Hill and of photographs by Carleton E. Watkins . Concerns about the degradation of the natural environment from this influx of people prompted calls for the federal government to protect Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove, which it did by authorizing the establishment of a state park there in 1864.

Yosemite Valley, east-central California, U.S..; photograph by Carleton E. Watkins, 1860–61. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. Wagon roads were completed to the park’s northern and southern boundaries in the mid-1870s, and by 1885 some 3,000 visitors were reaching the park annually. In 1890—largely through the efforts of naturalist John Muir and writer and magazine editor Robert Underwood Johnson—the U.S. Congress set aside land around the state park as Yosemite National Park. Muir continued to urge the federal government to acquire all of the parkland, and, at his invitation, Pres. Theodore Roosevelt visited him at Yosemite in 1903. Finally, in 1906, the state park land was merged into the national park . Other parcels of land were subsequently added until the park reached its present size.

A railroad was completed to the west end of the park in 1907 (discontinued in 1945), and the number of visitors rose dramatically, surpassing 15,000 in 1914 and more than double that number the following year. Annual attendance passed a half million in 1940 and, after a lull during World War II , reached one million for the first time in 1954. Map of Yosemite Valley (c. 1900), Yosemite National Park, east-central California, U.S., from … Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. U.S. Pres. Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir at Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley, … Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest Most visitors to Yosemite now access the park via two road entrances on the west side or one on the south at the Mariposa Grove. However, an east-west road (closed in winter) bisects the park and connects to an entrance on the east side at Tioga Pass across the Sierra Nevada’s ridgeline.

Yosemite is one of the most heavily visited national parks in the country—annual attendance having exceeded three million in the late 1980s and stayed above that level.—and Yosemite Valley in particular is highly congested during the summer months. Because of heavy traffic and a lack of parking, a shuttle bus system was created to transport visitors around the valley. A plan was adopted in 2000 to improve conditions in Yosemite by restoring disturbed natural areas, easing traffic congestion with expanded bus service, and renovating lodging facilities. There are several privately operated lodging venues in the park, most of them located in the valley, in addition to some 1,500 campsites in about a dozen campgrounds maintained by the national park staff. Mount Dana from Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park, east-central California, U.S. © Index Open Editor Picks: Exploring 10 Types of Basketball Movies Hiking is popular along Yosemite’s hundreds of miles of trails, and thousands of climbers scale the domes and peaks annually. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail cuts across the northeastern portion of the park; before exiting in the east, it is joined by the John Muir Trail, the northern terminus of which is at the head of Yosemite Valley.

Rafting is permitted on portions of the Merced River. The Badger Pass Ski Area, to the south of the valley, is a winter recreation centre. There are two visitor’s centres: a year-round one in Yosemite Valley and another, open seasonally, in the eastern part of the park near the Tioga Pass entrance. The Yosemite Museum, in Yosemite Village in the valley, contains exhibits on the area’s native Miwok and Paiute peoples. Reproduction of a semisubterranean Miwok dwelling, Yosemite Museum, Yosemite National Park, … Urban California: Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park - TripAdvisor Want the lowest hotel prices? You're in the right place. We check 200+ sites for you. California: Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park Review a place you’ve visited JOIN We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for California each week. California Traveler Article: California: Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park Save Article Comments (19) Driving from Las Vegas to Yosemite via the scenic summer or fall route This drive allows visitors to go from Las Vegas to Yosemite (and on to San Francisco) via a less traveled but extremely scenic route through the Eastern High Sierra.

It goes through two National Parks, a National Monument, two National Historic Sites, excellent trout fishing, a mountain biking / ski resort, old western movie locations, small towns, ghost towns, alpine lakes, interesting rock formations and signs of volcanic activity. It is an excellent route to consider as a scenic alternative to the shorter route via Hwy 95 through Hwys 6 and 120; or driving around the southern end of the mountains and up Hwy 99. Plan on taking two days to enjoy this drive of about 425 miles / 680 km (8-9 hours actual driving without stops). If you have 3-4 days, you can get out of your car and really experience the adventure: Some choose to spend an additional night in Tuolumne Meadows (very very limited lodging), June Lake or in Lee Vining so that they can explore the Yosemite high country.

Allow another 4-5 hours drive if continuing on to San Francisco (see separate article on SF-Yosemite drive ) This drive is full of extremes so you do need to be careful and be prepared: In the summer, expect to roast in 120°F (49°C) temperatures in Death Valley and be chilled by much cooler 45°F (9°C) temperatures if stopping at Tioga Pass in the evening. The typical 60-70° swing in temperature on this drive is matched by the swing of 10,227 feet in elevation. The extreme heat in summer and large amount of mountain driving may not be everyone's cup of tea. Fig 1: The drive starts at about 2,000 feet elevation in Las Vegas, rises up above 5,000 feet then down to 282 feet below sea level in Death Valley; back up above 5,000 feet getting out of DV, leveling off somewhat then climbing back up to 9,945 feet at Tioga Pass before winding down to Yosemite Valley at 4,000 feet above sea level.

Things to consider before your drive Road Conditions: Access is only available during summer and early fall, when Tioga Pass is open. On average, Tioga Pass is open from June through October. However, it has been closed as late as July 8th and as early as September 4th. Even if Tioga Pass is not permanently closed for the season, snow storms in October and November may sometimes close the pass temporarily for a few hours to a few days. On the other hand, Tioga Pass may also be open early in mid-May or in early November. Be sure to check Death Valley and Yosemite road conditions before you leave and have a backup plan when traveling during late fall in case snow is forecast and Tioga Pass is closed. Vehicle: Bring a paper map and do not just depend on your vehicle GPS or smartphone app as they can lead you astray . Drive a reliable vehicle to avoid being stuck in the hot desert or overheated on the way up a narrow mountain pass. If you feel your car straining to get up the mountain, turn the air conditioner off to avoid overheating the engine. Rental cars are generally new and can be an excellent choice for this drive.

If you plan on making this drive late in the season, 4WD or AWD may be useful if it snows and chain requirements are in effect in Yosemite (Tioga Road will close if there is snow). If you plan on spending an additional day in Death Valley NP and traveling on some of the un-maintained dirt roads there (see map of backcountry roads ), make sure you have the appropriate 4-wheel drive or a high-clearance vehicle for your route as some options are not suitable for regular cars. Note: It appears that most rental car companies prohibit the use of chains or driving on un-paved backcountry roads. If you plan on driving off-road, you may need to rent a specialty vehicle from adventure outfitters like Farabee's . Weather and Safety Preparation: Death Valley NP is Hot, Hot, Hot between June & October. Heat kills, so you need to be prepared and safe with lots of water and snacks. Yosemite is not as hot as DV but has bears and dangerous currents so you need to remove food from vehicles overnight and stay out of cold rivers. However, auto accidents are still the number one cause of death in both parks so it is just as important to drive safely and observe the speed limit.

Read the following safety preparation information before starting the trip: Climate Data for Yosemite Also check weather reports for DV and Yosemite in case there are any extreme weather conditions or warnings to heed. Reservations: Reservations are absolutely needed if you plan on staying within Yosemite or Death Valley NP. Check out the Yosemite NP forum page Top Questions (upper right) for lodging ideas. Two Day Sample Intinerary Day 1: Leave Las Vegas really really early. Enter Death Valley NP via Pahrump, Bell Vista Road, State Line Rd , & Death Valley Junction. Shortest Route Basic Map of Death Valley NP After you enter DVNP, make Dante’s View your first stop (on a side road about 13 miles / 21 km from the main road) to get a sweeping view of the entire Valley and the surrounding ranges. Return to 190 and continue west to 20 Mule Team Canyon (one way loop from the west) and Zabriskie Point , and then to the junction of Badwater Road near the Furnace Creek area. Pay your park entrance fee at the Visitor Center and peruse the dining options. If you eat first, backtrack a mile to Badwater Road.

This road leads to Devil’s Golf Course, Badwater , Artist’s Drive, and Golden Canyon. These sights are all in the first 18 miles / 25 km of the road; see them in that order and return to Hwy 190. From the Furnace Creek area it is about 22 miles / 35 km to the Devil’s Cornfield and Sand Dunes. You can visit Borax Harmony Works and Mustard Canyon and Salt Creek (boardwalk) before. After seeing these, you can stop at Stovepipe Wells Village, another park resort, if you want to eat or buy anything. From Stovepipe Wells you can drive up to the parking lot for Mosaic Canyon, a 2.5 mile unpaved road but any car can drive it. Mosaic Canyon is one of the DV highlights, you can take as long as you wish for it. Panamint Springs is a smaller resort about a half hour past Stovepipe Wells that also has food and a few supplies. The price of gasoline is always higher at Panamint Springs than anywhere else in the area because of their energy and transportation costs (they have no public utility connections and have to supply all their own power from generators).

Stovepipe Wells typically has the cheapest gas in the park. Plan to get back on the highway before sunset as taking a wrong turn at night on a trail in the dark desert (with no lights) is no fun. Sunset Calendar Exit via Panamint Springs. Stop for a view at Father Crowley Point. Use Hwy 136 to head over to Hwy 395. You'll have fantastic views on Alabama Hills and the Sierra with Mount Whitney from Hwy 136. Night 1: Spend the night in the small, charming town of Lone Pine. After hectic places like Los Angeles , Las Vegas , or San Francisco , Lone Pine is literally a breath of fresh air. All essential visitor services are available, including several lodgings. The town is at the foot of Mt. Whitney, and you can drive into the foothills and see areas where many movies have been made. If you like American adventure and Western pictures, you might recognize some of the landscapes and enjoy the movie museum in town. Users' Guide to Lone Pine As you approach Lone Pine, stop at the visitor center for a nice view of Mt Whitney. A nice place to stay might be the Dow Villa , which has both a historic hotel and a modern motel.

The hotel is from the 1930s and the décor matches that era; this is where the Hollywood folks would stay while filming around Mt/ Whitney and Death Valley. The hotel lobby has a movie memorabilia exhibit. The motel on the same property is like any modern American motel, and there is a pool and Jacuzzi. The Dow Villa is in the center of town near restaurants and shops. Other options include the Best Western Frontier Motel, Comfort Inn, Timberline Motel, Portal Motel, Mt. Whitney Motel, National 9 Trails Motel, and the Lone Pine Budget Inn. There's even a hostel for those who don't mind sharing a room. Mileage: Las Vegas to Lone Pine, including detours to Dante’s View and Badwater: 275 miles / 440 km. Day 2: Hwy 395 from Lone Pine to Lee Vining is spectacular. This region is mountains and desert in close proximity and will probably be quite hot in the summer. September & October temperatures are more reasonable.

Along the way, every town north of Lone Pine has services and are also good places to spend the night; Bishop and Mammoth Lakes are the biggest, but you will never be more than 50 miles / 80 km from food, fuel, lodging, or other necessities. Options that may appeal to travelers on the drive from Lone Pine to Lee Vining include: Alabama Hills ~ range of hills near Lone Pine often used in classic movie Westerns and newer ones like Django . Check out interesting rock formations like the Mobius Arch and Face Rock. Mt Whitney Portal ~ to view (especially at sunset), not to climb webcam view Manzanar National Historic Site ~ Japanese Americans and resident Japanese aliens were interned here during World War II. Right off Hwy 395 so even if you're not a World War II buff, it is a worthwhile short 20 minute stop to learn a little about the history. Big Pine ~ Small town with services and lodging. Visit the Roosevelt Tree (you would think it is a big Pine tree, but it is a Giant Sequoia instead) Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest ~ a new visitor center offers opportunities to learn about the "oldest trees in the world" (allow 2+ hours).

Bishop ~ Has small town feel even though technically the largest city in the area; try Erick Schats bakery and visit Laws Railroad Museum . Many motels here have fish cleaning stations for those who need it. Hot Creek Trout Hatchery ~ self guided hatchery and entry point for millions of trout eggs. Watch out for the little brown sign near the airport. Kids (and adults) have fun feeding the fish (all sizes). Bring quarters for food, Hours 9-3. Continue 3 miles down a dirt road to the Hot Creek Geological Site for hot springs and fumeroles (note: Do NOT enter the water!!) Mammoth Lakes ~ ski resort town with beautiful lakes stocked with trout . There won't be snow in summer or fall but the gondola ride up the mountain is available along with mountain bike rentals. Pick up some food and feed the ducks at Mammoth Creek Park ; or have a picnic at Earthquake Fault ; A 1/2 mile trail lets you explore an earthquake fissure 10 feet wide and 60 feet deep. Because many ski hotels and condos are discounted in the off-season, some choose to spend the night in Mammoth instead of Lone Pine.

Devil's Postpile National Monument ~ columnar basalt formations 60 feet high. Allow at least 2-4 hours for this stop as you may need to take a shuttle through winding roads to access the Monument. Allow more time if you want to hike to Rainbow Falls or explore Reds Meadow -- a re-supply stop on the John Muir trail. Obsidian Dome ~ mile long 300 feet high lava dome consisting of shiny black volcanic glass. It is not possible to drive the whole loop unless you have a 4x - the road is very rough. June Lake Loop ~ beautiful lakes for swimming or trout fishing , or just a short scenic detour. Mono Lake Tufa SNR ~ a unique natural feature, with tufa spires in the water and along the shore. These were created by minerals in the lakebed, and every place you see tufa was once submerged. Mono Lake has two visitor centers, where you can learn about the lake itself, the volcanic origins of the Eastern Sierra, how humans have impacted the environment for better and worse, why the lake is so much smaller and shallower than it once was, and the kinds of wildlife to be found in the area.

It requires a detour north of Lee Vining but is highly recommended. Allow 1 hour for the visitor center in Lee Vining and at least another hour if you plan on driving to the lake itself and exploring the tufas up close. And another hour if also exploring Panum Crater on the way (via unpaved dirt road). Bodie State Historic Park ~ a well preserved ghost town and a National Historic Site. Allow 3 hours from Lee Vining for this ghost town detour - the last 3 miles is a bumpy dirt road that may be muddy in the late spring. For a full list of summer activities, see Mono County's Visitor Website or see various personal travel blogs like this from Bill and Nancy. Heading to Yosemite on Hwy 120: Figure at minimum 4 hours travel from Lone Pine to Yosemite Valley, plus whatever time you want to have for stops along the way. In order to make it to Yosemite Valley by nightfall and allow time to enjoy the Tuolumne Meadows / Tioga Road high country of Yosemite, try to time your travel so you approach Tioga Pass before 2:00-3:00 pm.

At the corner of Hwy 395 and 120, check out the Whoa Nellie Deli inside the Tioga Gas Mart which serves "gourmet food" like lobster taquitos and buffalo meat loaf. Many people get a big kick out of ordering lunch at a gas station and eating on picnic tables overlooking Mono Lake. The original chef has moved on but the food is still good. Check your fuel tank and look for cheaper gas in Lee Vining . Hwy 120 / Tioga Road runs due west, and it’s a steep, curvy mountain road with no divider. Ascend 2,000’ past some sweeping views and very scenic high country lakes. For those driving in the opposite direction down Tioga Pass, you may want to put your vehicle in low gear to avoid burning out your brakes. Enter Yosemite National Park at the Tioga Pass Entrance. At this point, you will be faced with a dilemma: Do you stop now to enjoy this beauty? How do you want to spend your time?

You could hike to a unique high mountain lake , climb/hike to the top of a dome or two, stroll through a meadow , wander along the Tuolumne River, stop at the Visitor Center, look for marmots or ground squirrels, check out Soda Springs -- or just spend the night in Tuolumne Meadows and do it all. NPS Hikes YosemiteHikes options When driving on Tioga Road, look for climbers on your left as you approach Tenaya Lake , and then stop at the lake for a few minutes to dip your toes. Continue on to Olmsted Point and clamber up the rocks for a nice view of the back side of Half Dome. Just be careful not to overdo the hiking: everything is harder at 9,000 feet if you haven't spent a day or two getting used to the high elevation. For safety and for maximum enjoyment of the scenery it’s best to head down towards Yosemite Valley before dusk so as not to have the glare of the setting sun right in your eyes. Check sunset time here . Back in the car and drive down to Crane Flat.

You'll pass the parking lot for Tuolumne Grove on your right, but there might not be time to stop now as it's a one mile hike down to see the Giant Sequoias. Check your gas tank. If it is low, top off at the Crane Flat gas station before making the left turn onto Big Oak Flat Road towards Yosemite Valley. Watch out for 'bear jams' or 'Bambi jams' as the meadow by the road is frequented by animals and people stop (jam up) to watch them. Continue on to Yosemite Valley to your reserved lodging. Mileage: Lone Pine to Yosemite Valley without any detours: 200 miles / 320 km (without any stops: 4.5 hrs) With Alabama Hills, Manzanar, Ancient Bristlecone, Devil's Postpile, & the June Lake Loop detours: 300 miles (without any stops: 7.5 hrs) Adding in some scenic stops along the way, meals, restrooms, photo opportunities, this can be an all day drive. Many spend an extra night to enjoy an entire day just on the short section from Tioga Pass to Yosemite Valley.

Summary of the drive in reverse from Yosemite to Las Vegas: Yosemite: Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows More of Hwy 120: Ellery Lake, Tioga Pass Hwy 395: fabulous Eastern Sierra! Bodie State Historic Park (north of the 120/395 intersection), Mono Lake, June Lake Loop, Devil's Postpile National Monument, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Manzanar National Historic Site, Mt Whitney, Alabama Hills, Lone Pine Death Valley NP: Panamint Springs, Father Crowley Point, Mosaic Canyon, Stovepipe Wells, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Devil's Cornfield, Harmony Borax Works, Furnace Creek, {detour ... Badwater, Devil's Golf Course, Artists Drive, Golden Canyon}, Zabriskie Pt, 20 Mule Team Canyon, {detour ... Dante's View} and on through Pahrump to Las Vegas Thank you to a DVNP Destination Expert and other TA members who contributed material for this article.

Heavenly white light at Devil's Postpile Eerie tufas at Mono Lake History of the National Parks History of the National Parks Photograph by Peter Hendrie, Getty Images Setting aside wilderness areas for people to revel in the rugged beauty of the United States, while protecting the landscape, plants, and animals for future generations. Sounds like a modern idea, right? But it's not. More than 140 years ago, the United States created the world's first national park. In 1872, congress set aside 3,400 square miles (8,805 square kilometers) of land in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming to establish Yellowstone National Park. Today, the national park system includes 401 park areas where people can snorkel, ride horses, bike, ski, hike, climb, spelunk, kayak, camp, see geysers blow, relax in hot springs, get close to a volcano, and so much more. If you're a history buff, you're in luck. Sixty-percent of the parks represent the America's history and prehistory with the inclusion of important historical sites such as battlefields, memorials, and historical homes.

Plus, you can see ancient dwellings, petroglyphs, and pictographs from earlier cultures. Since Yellowstone's creation, the role of the national parks has grown and changed just as the United States has grown and changed. Better scientific understanding of protecting wildlife, native plants, and natural resources has strengthened the commitment of the role of national parks. Did you know? The idea of a national park might have started several years earlier. In 1864, Congress gave Yosemite Valley to the state of California. They did this so it would remain unspoiled, and not become a casualty to the ugly side of tourism as had befallen the Niagara Falls. (Many years later, that park became part of a larger park now called Yosemite National Park.) Fun Facts Australia created the world's second national park, when they created their first national park in 1879. Today, many countries have national parks. Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska is 6 million acres (24,281 square kilometers) of wild land—with only one road. Denali is home to North America's tallest peak, Mount McKinley which is 20,320 feet (6,193 meters) tall.

The hottest place on earth was recorded in a National Park! In 1913, it hit 134 degrees F (56.6 degrees C) in the Death Valley National Park in California and Nevada. It often hits 120 degrees F (48.8 degrees C)—in the shade—in Death Valley! Besides breathtaking views, National Parks provide homes to a wide variety of native plants and animals including wolves, cougars, deer, eagles, seals, fox, songbirds, bobcats, black bears, raccoons, and fish. You can even find dinosaurs—their bones anyway! The 401 U.S. national parks cover 84 million acres (339,936 square kilometers). The 13.2-million-acre (53,418-square-kilometer) Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the United States' largest national park. The 0.02-acre (80-square-meter) Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Pennsylvania is the smallest.

US National Parks Map | List of National Parks in the US World Map / US Map / US National parks US National Parks Map US National Parks - The National Parks Service of the United States is an agency that controls the 58 national parks across the country. These national parks are places of natural significance that are protected by the government against development, and are visited by many tourists every year. Disclaimer Close Disclaimer : All efforts have been made to make this image accurate. However Compare Infobase Limited,its directors and employees do not own any responsibility for the correctness or authenticity of the same. In the words of John Muir, who is known today as the Father of the National Parks, "wildness is a necessity." Thousands of vacationers and families visit national parks in the United States to get the good tidings of nature by hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and fishing. The United States is known for the spectacular variety of its natural landscapes. The captivating scenery and rugged charm of its many natural attractions are best witnessed in the 58 National Parks and Nature Preserves that dot the country.

Here are some of the best and most visited US national parks that are epitome of wild expanses and colossal features: Highlighted below are some of the most visited US National Parks : Yellowstone National Park : The very first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, and covers territory in three states: Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. The park is one of the most visited natural attractions in the country, and is most famous for Old Faithful, its well known geyser, as well as many other geothermal features. Yellowstone offers a rich variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears and herds of bison.Of all the other national parks in America, Yellowstone is arguably the wildest and certainly the most universal in its appeal. It's a magical land of waterfalls, geysers, rainbows, and canyons. Checkout : Interesting Facts about Yellowstone National Park Glacier Bay National Park : Located outside of Juneau in Alaska, Glacier Bay is famous for its many glaciers. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible only by ship or plane, which helps preserve this area and protect it from development.

Glacier Bay National Park is home to wildlife including grizzly and black bears, moose, deer, and sea life like seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales, salmon, and more. Yosemite National Park : Central California's Yosemite National Park covers parts of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Yosemite Valley. This park is known for its waterfalls and Giant Sequoia redwood trees, its wild mountain scenery, and its variety of wildlife. Grand Canyon National Park : One of the most visited natural attractions in the world, the Grand Canyon is located in Arizona. The park offers spectacular views of the canyon landscapes and the Colorado River that flows through the canyon. Redwood National and State Parks : The Redwood National and State Parks, a World Heritage Site, houses the tallest trees in the world. The park boasts a rich legacy of natural as well as archeological heritage. It is home to some of the prominent historic buildings such as Huffman Ranch, Prairie Creek Fish Hatchery, etc. Channel Island National Park : Spanning over five of the California Channel Islands, the Channel Island National Park exemplifies biodiversity at its best. Whether you are a sport lover, or a person with fine aesthetic sense, the park has something to offer to everyone.

Denali National Park : Denali National Park, located in the Alaska Range, includes North America's highest peak, Mount McKinley, and is home to bears, caribou, sheep, moose, and many types of birds. Canyonlands National Park : Located in Utah at the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers, Canyonlands National Park offers some of the most breathtaking views of the outlying canyons and gorges. The park is separated into four major areas, called the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers. Arches National Park : Also located in Utah, Arches National Park is named for the more than 2000 natural sandstone arches created by the process of natural erosion. The desert landscapes are home to such wildlife as bighorn sheep, mountain lions, reptiles like the Western rattlesnake, and plants like the prickly pear cactus. Everglades National Park : Located in the state of Florida, Everglades National Park consists of a unique tropical ecosystem of vast marshlands, lush with saw grass and cypress trees.

The park is also home to alligators, crocodiles, panthers, and over 300 species of birds. Great Smoky Mountains National Park : Not Yosemite, Grand Canyon, or Death Valley but, the Great Smokies in Tennessee is the most visited national park in the US. With a stunning diversity of flora and fauna, it's a splendor of 521,454 acres with up to 800 miles of multipurpose trails. Visitors can indulge in recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and zorbing. Conquer the Appalachian Trail, take walk along mist-shrouded mountains and hidden waterfalls, and discover rural countryside for the vestiges of Appalachian traditions dating back to simpler times. Rocky Mountain National Park : Straddling the Continental Divide with 76 summits, the alpine beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado is rivaled by only a handful of destinations in the world. The scenic Trail Ridge Road and the Old Fall River Road cut through dense pine forests and 412 square miles of park's area. The park is a premier destination for those who love the outdoor thrills such as skiing, hiking, and rock climbing.

Zion National Park : Characterized by 15-mile-long Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs, this national park in southwest Utah features unique geography of the Great Basin, Colorado Plateau, and Mojave Desert regions. Guided nature walks, horseback riding trips, and evening programs in summer are on offer to visitors. Taylor Creek and Kolob Arch are popular hiking trails undulating through mountains, mesas, buttes, and natural arches. Olympic National Park : A jewel in the Pacific Northwest's Crown, the Olympic National Park is home to old-growth temperate rainforests, rugged Pacific beaches, and sub-alpine meadows. The Hurricane Ridge viewpoint allows breathtaking sights of snow-capped summits. With an elevation of 2,432 meters, Mount Olympus, which supports large glaciers, is the centerpiece of this national park. Grand Teton National Park : Out west everything has its own wide space and Grand Teton in Wyoming is no exception. Located only 10 miles south of Yellowstone, Jackson Hole is a popular attraction in this national park.

A popular destination for adventure recreation, it accommodates 1,000 campsites and over 200 miles of hiking trails to get lost under the big blue skies. Acadia National Park : Established in 1916, this national park in Maine is famous for more than 120 miles of hiking trails, 50 miles of carriage roads, glacier-carved summits, pink granite cliffs, offshore rugged islands, inland lakes, and cobblestone beaches. Mount Desert Island comprises the lion's share of total national park acreage. Despite its relatively small area, Acadia is the second most visited national park in the US. The Park Loop Road winds its way through a number of major attractions. US National Parks

Question: In which state of the USA would you find Yosemite National Park?
Answer: California