Yosemite National Park

Hello everyone and welcome back to my weekly National Park blog! Here at Penn State, it seems I am always preparing for an exam. As I write this, my second round of midterms are in full swing, and with it, a seemingly endless amount of work and studying. Even though Thanksgiving Break and the end of my first semester are gradually drawing nearer, I really could not be more ready to get away from the noise. In the spirit of this, my choice for the October’s last National Park is a place far removed from the bustling megacities found elsewhere in its state, and offers some solitude to those who, like myself, long simply for a chance to get away.

Yosemite National Park in Eastern California certainly serves as a staunch contrast to what many may picture when they think of the area. While much of the Golden State is indeed dry desert and sprawling metropolises, Yosemite is green and forested, with numerous rivers and streams providing the area with water. The park’s altitude also plays into its climate, with an elevation ranging roughly from 2,100 to 13,000 feet. Because of this hospitable environment, many species of plants and wildlife are able to call the park home.

The National Park Service lists a seemingly unending number of animals on their website as inhabitants of Yosemite, with some of the more notable species including mule deer, flying squirrels, gray wolves, black bears, and brown bears. While these animals alone make for interesting sights to see, some of the park’s more impressive wildlife comes in the form of its plants, with California’s signature sequoia trees being an instantly recognizable staple of the region. These massive trees grow throughout the park in three main locations, with Mariposa Grove being among the more popular and accessible places to visit.

Aside from the wildlife, Yosemite has no shortage of beautiful views and amazing geological formations. For instance, El Capitan is one of many amazing glacier-carved rock structures in the park, characterized by its impressive 3,000 foot stone face that draws climbers and thrill seekers from all over the world. Yosemite also hosts Half Dome, another stunning mountain peak within view of most of Yosemite Valley. Visitors to the park throughout most of the year can also see the famous Yosemite Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the world that flows from November through July.

In addition to virtually all of the other parks listed on this site that I have yet to visit, Yosemite is definitely a bucket-list vacation for me. Although I have visited California previously, the state is a very large and diverse area of the country that warrants much more time than I have allotted it. From relatives I have talked to about their experience in the park, I can certainly say Yosemite is my top priority when exploring the National Parks in the future, and is a must-see for everyone living in the region or any other American capable of making the trip.