Yosemite is one of the most beautiful regions of virtually untouched wilderness in the United States. Its vast beauty and endless skies offer adventures for anyone and everyone; from mountain climbing and rock climbing to biking and hiking, Yosemite is truly a magnificent place to vacation in or visit.
There are a number if little known facts about Yosemite National Park that are inherent to its existence and form a large part of its mystique and legendary status. For many people Yosemite yields the chance to commune with nature and enjoy a rugged retreat; for others, visiting Yosemite is most enjoyed in the luxury of surrounding lodges and walks through the park.
No matter what reason you visit Yosemite, it is a fantastic place, with a rich history that is truly entrenched in the identity of our nation. There have been a number of conservation efforts in the present and especially the past history of Yosemite National Park. Ongoing efforts and management issues are currently being resolved to help both the park and its inhabitants remain untouched for a very long time.
Fun facts about Yosemite:
. Yosemite is located in Mariposa (trans. Butterfly) County and covers 1, 189 square miles. It has a vast area of wilderness that is virtually untouched and uninhabited.
. Three million people visit Yosemite each year, some to climb, some to walk, some to hike, and all to see its awesome beauty.
. Eighty-nine percent of Yosemite's region is designated wilderness area, and the rest is under review and up for consideration.
. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
. Yosemite was the first park set aside by the US government for preservation and protection, even before Yellowstone.
. Twenty percent of California's 7,000 plant species are located in Yosemite National Park.
. Home to El Capitan and Half-Dome, two world famous rock climbs that draw climbers from all over the world.
. Yosemite's highest point is Mt. Lyell.
. Yosemite has a Mediterranean climate, meaning that the winters are cold, the summers are hot, the springs are mild, and the falls are chilly.
. Thomas Ayres and James M. Hutchins were Yosemite's first visitors in 1855. They visited, studied, and wrote numerous articles about the area.
. Famous Yosemite photographers include Charles Weed and Ansel Adams. Charles Weed was perhaps one of the first people ever to photograph Yosemite.
. Yosemite Grant to help conserve the park was signed by Abraham Lincoln on the 30 of June, 1864.
. Mt. Conness and Mt. Dana are two of Yosemite's highest peaks. There are many tall mountains in Yosemite's wilderness, including Mt. Lyell.
. Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America and third highest in the world, standing out at 2425 feet. An awe-inspiring plunge, it merges into smaller waterfalls below it before thundering to the bottom waters. It is one of the most popular hikes at Yosemite.
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