yes, it is rated number one national parks of world by reputed travel sites.
“It is by far the grandest of all special temples of nature I was ever permitted to enter” – John Muir, a prime figure in conserving Redwoods, Yosemite.
What ever I see in California is vast (compared to Europe), unique, picturesque, diverse, endless, all forms of nature and you feel like- drive and drive. Journey should not end…This state or whole country is club of all the most gorgeous, soft, lawns of beauty spread in front of you. How much you can see? It is endless. Serene and green mountains, desert, sea, rivers, forests and serpentine and one of the best roads in world… all are unique and unparalleled. Having seen many places we can not compare USA with any other country.
“The world is big and i want to have a good look at it before it gets dark”- John Muir
Yosemite national park is one of the forerunners in beauty pageants of America and probably tops in world’s national parks. Beauty is for you in every small and big things from highest granite cliffs and redwood groves to tiniest wildflowers. Inviting water falls, flowing Merced river, rain, snow, glacier- smelling trees and wet soil…it has everything, rich, very rich.
Park is 315 KM from San Francisco, spread in 3100 Square KM, slightly smaller that Yellowstone park and 2.5 times bigger than Jim Corbett park of India. It is one of the top 22 national parks of North America. This is my first visit to Yosemite and I have just twos and one night stay.
Things to do
We stayed at Tanaya Lodge. Our luck that snow was falling. Very nice hotel. Inside is warm water swimming pool, fireplace always on and restaurant. Rent is a bit costly $300 per day.
Time taken to see the park
Of course such big parks can not be covered in 2 days. So I list here few most visited sites and what I saw.
Day 1 – Yosemite falls, El Capitan, Half dome, Bridal veil fall, tunnel view. Night stay at Tanaya Lodge
Day 2- Glacier point, Tioga pass, Mariposa on return. Unfortunately these points were closed in this season of April so 2 days trip was waste for us.
Things to do
Note that the roads are closed due to winter from October to may. Entrance fee to park is $20 per vehicle. For all lodging, rafting, trekking and camping desires reach Curry Village (half dome village). Yosemite lodge is also where you can catch bus tours, attend evening programs in their amphitheaters and relax in great restaurants there. Other popular hotel is Ahwahnee Hotel- worth visit for tea even if you do not stay here.
There is a grocery store, bike rentals, gift shops, showers, lodgings and couple of places to eat. If you are not hearty hiker you can choose from novice to advanced hiking trails.
High Sierra mountains
Sierra-Nevada mountains are 640 KM N-S and 80 KM wide range. Part of it lying in Nevada it is called Sierra-Nevada, part lying in California is called Sierra. Three national parks – Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon and highest Alpine lake Tahoe lie in lap of these mountains.
What granite rocks which we see in Yosemite were below the surface of of earth. But this range started uplift 5 million years ago. granite rocks came above surface due to earthquakes and other geological reasons.
Sixteen types of rocks are found in this park. Geological processes that created this valley include glaciation, erosion, rockfalls nd earthquakes. Scientists have found the evidences of these processes. One million years ago the glaciers filled the valley in U shape.
I landed in a a very lovely and haunted type building looking like a small church bit it is called lodge though neither it is a lodge not church.it is strange that this is still fresh in my memory. It was raining light that time and i and wife were taking different photos in front of it in poses.
Le Conte Memorial Lodge built in 1905 by Sierra club in memory of Joseph Le Conte. But it seems no one maintains it as looks haunted from inside.
Joseph Le Conte was a physician, inventor and Geologist. He taught natural Science, Chemistry, Psychology at the University of California. He described the fissure eruption in Western America, discoursed on Earth-crust movements and their causes and on the great features of Earth’s surface. This way his contribution was immense in study of formation of Yosemite. That is why the above memorial was constructed by Sierra club.
Challenging granite cliffs – El Capitan and Half Dome
El Capitan was first scaled in 1958. since then about 100 routes have been discovered to reach its peak.
In 1868 a guidebook challenged that “summit of half dome can never be trodden by human foot”. George Anderson first time defeated this challenge and reached the top in 1875. Countless others followed. These domes challenge and beckon climbers around world. Anyway I have nothing to do with climbing. I am just numb and mesmerized. I wonder that few climbers camp hanging in middle of rock in night during their climbing.
Photo comment – Half Dome and North Dome – American Indians tell of a woman and her husband who argued and fought. The displeased spirits changed them in stone. The two domes are 16 KM apart.
Sequoia Groves
These giant Sequoia trees played a major role in developing this park to present state. They are all scattered here and there in Yosemite.
Spend a whole day here at this spot only. What is the hurry?
One of the best confluence of Mountain and the water body, river and water falls.
Giant Glacier falls
Epilogue
Yes, it is number one national park as designated by reputed travel sites. Yosemite, you are a treasure trove of mother nature. You have all wealth and colors – snow fall, storm, rain, forests, towering water falls, centuries old Sequoia trees, river, gigantic rocks smiling and challenging faces, rivers, glaciers and fog. This ALL I SAW IN MY 2 DAY STAY HERE IN APRIL MONTH.
Though the size of this national park is enormous the most of the visitors are active in 21 Sq. Km area in Yosemite valley. It is true that most striking flora and fauna features lie in this region. But for those who want to explore deeper, this park gives them immense opportunity to quench the thirst. half Dome and El Capitan provide excellent hiking, trekking and camping trails.
” As children we are very sensitive to nature’s beauty, finding miracles and interesing things everywhere. As we grow up, we tend to forget how beautiful and magnificent the world is. there is magic and wonder for eyes who know how to look with curiosity and love” – Ansel Adams, an American landscape photographer.
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