Yosemite Park is a place of rest, a refuge from the roar and dust and weary, nervous, wasting work of the lowlands, in which one gains the advantages of both solitude and society. None can escape its charms. Its natural beauty cleans and warms like a fire, and you will be willing to stay forever in one place like a tree.
— John Muir
Date Created: October 1, 1890.
Location: Sierra Nevada region of California, USA.
Size: Approximately 748,436 acres (302,687 hectares).
Yosemite! My amazing friend Diane McKillop completed this hike last year and provided two photos of Half Dome for this article. Congratulations and what an incredible feat! The valley is about 7 miles long with El Capitan and Half Dome recognized world wide as athletic challenges to conquer. The Half Dome hike almost 5,000 feet above the valley I’m told is grueling with metal cables provided the last 400 feet to reach the summit. El Capitan is more than 3,000 feet above the valley floor and a world’s ultimate challenge for rock climbers. For those who are content with taking photos and short hikes, Yosemite is internationally known for its waterfalls, beautiful streams, giant sequoia groves and distinct rock formations.
