Yosemite National Park
California
History
Archeological finds suggest Yosemite Valley has supported human inhabitants for thousands of years and may have visited the area almost 10,000 years ago! The indigenous people of Yosemite were known as the Ahwahnechee. The European influence came around the 19th century when the California Gold Rush pushed more and more people east. Since then, Yosemite has became a high protection and reserve area. When the National Park Service was created in 1916, Yosemite was transferred to their jurisdiction.
Map
Climate
Since Yosemite is located in California, climate conditions are relatively mild. Warm summers and cool winters are the main conditions you'll see. Yosemite itself has vastly different sights in different seasons though.
Summer & Spring
In the Summer and Spring, Yosemite looks very similar, with green trees and clear skies. The waterfall at Yosemite Falls is always the best during these seasons.
Fall
Orange trees and rotting leaves show a new kind of beauty in Yosemite around the time of change.
Winter
Yosemite becomes a winter wonderland in the cold months. There may or may not be snow, but the waterfall is always flowing a bit.
Wildlife
Yosemite Park is home to many kinds of wildlife. The most common are listed below:
- Black Bears
- Mule Deer
- Coyotes
- California Ground Squirrel
- Mountain Lions
- Marmots
- Ravens
- Red-tail Hawks
- Peregrine Falcon (previously endangered, recovered in Yosemite)
- Great Grey Owl
- Rattlesnake
- Rainbow Trout
- Mosquitoes
Geological Interest Points
Half Dome, a 5,000 foot rock formation, is used as a statement in Apple's newest Operating System based on the park, OS X Yosemite.
The Three Brothers
Consisting of Eagle Peak and the middle and lower brothers, this trio of rock formations form a unique view that is just east of El Capitan.
El Capitan
A rock-climber favorite, this 3,000 foot monster is almost entirely vertical. It is the largest monolith of granite in the world. It is best seen from the west roads of the park.
Half Dome
The most ubiquitous view of Yosemite. It stretches 5,000 feet above the valley floor. Some people climb and hike this giant formation.
Plant Life
Lower Montane Forest
Consists of several species of deciduous and confider trees. You can also see whiteleaf manzanita.
Upper Montane Forest
A collection of large red firs that exist at elevations greater than 6,000 feet. There is also Jeffrey pine, which is known to have bark that smells like vanilla.
Alpine Zone
A limited vegetation zone that can house mainly monkeyflower. It is a inhospitable zone, and usually has long and cold winters with short summers.
Outdoor Activities
There are many things to do in Yosemite. Some of the most common things are horseback riding, fishing, hiking, zip lining, rafting, and viewing the amazing scenery that the park has to offer.
Works Cited
United States. National Park Service. "Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)." National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, 24 Nov. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
"Yosemite National Park." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Jan. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
United States. National Park Service. "Operating Hours & Seasons." National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, 25 Nov. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
"Yosemite Wildlife." Yosemite National Park. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
United States. National Park Service. "Rock Formations in Yosemite Valley." National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, 28 Nov. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
United States. National Park Service. "Plants." National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, 30 Nov. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
"Outdoor Activities in Yosemite." Yosemite Experience. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
"Yosemite National Park." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Jan. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
United States. National Park Service. "Operating Hours & Seasons." National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, 25 Nov. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
"Yosemite Wildlife." Yosemite National Park. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
United States. National Park Service. "Rock Formations in Yosemite Valley." National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, 28 Nov. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
United States. National Park Service. "Plants." National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, 30 Nov. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
"Outdoor Activities in Yosemite." Yosemite Experience. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.