Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park California, covers a very large area of the west Sierra Nevada mountins. In the centre of the park is the impressive Yosemite Valley, a glaciated valley with 3,000 feet mountains soaring straight up from the valley floar. This beautiful are of the United States was given park status as early as 1880 mainly through the efforts of Scottish naturalist John Muir. This is now one of the most popular national parks on the planet.

The park has innumerable lakes and waterfalls, scenic points and areas of outstanding beauty. Unfortunately in the summer months the drives on either side of the Merced River are very busy and congested, however taking that aside there are still vast areas of unspoilt countryside to see and photograph, particularly if you hike.

The park has many hiking trails and it is of course possible to employ the services of a guide. There are paved trails where pets and bikes are allowed. Smoking is not allowed on any of the trails. Make sure that you take water with you when hiking.

Photographs Courtesy of PD Photo.org

The park is of course famous for its numerous waterfalls. Yosemite Falls which plunges 2,425ft flows from winter to early summer but is often dry by mid to late summer. The lower falls (the falls are made of three distinct parts) are easily accessed in just a few minutes, however the hike to the upper falls area shoud be considered as a fairly strenuous all day affair. Other falls in the park include Bridaveil Fall, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, Ribbon Fall, Staircase Falls and Horsetail Fall.