Among the 9 National Parks of California, Yosemite National Park is by far the most famous. Established on 1 October 1890, Yosemite National Park has become one of the most visited destinations in the entire United States. The park was visited by 3.9 million people in the year 2023.
With an area of nearly 1200 square miles, the National Park is quite big and provides a safe home to over 250 species of birds, approximately 90 species of mammals, and several reptiles and amphibians. Yosemite is about 145 miles from the state capital Sacramento, 330 miles from Los Angeles, and 160-180 miles from San Francisco Bay Area cities.
Yosemite NP is famous for its waterfalls, valleys, giant sequoias trees, hikes, and its beautiful lakes. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in the list in 1984.
Famous wildlife in the National Park
Large Mammals
American black bear, bighorn sheep, Puma, Mule deer, Sierra Nevada Red Fox, bobcat, etc.
Famous birds
Steller’s Jay, Dark-eyed Junco, Peregrine falcon, Bald eagle, Western Tanager, Northern Pygmy Owl, American dipper, Spotted owl, and many more.
Other species
Sierra fence lizard, Western pond turtle, Northern Pacific rattlesnake, Sierra garter snake, Golden-mantled ground squirrel, etc.
Yosemite Falls
With a total height of 2,425 feet (739 meters), Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in the National Park. The waterfall has three sections – Upper fall, middle cascades, and lower fall. Yosemite Falls is also the sixth tallest waterfall in the United States.
What is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?
The best time to visit is from late May to September when typically all the activities are open.
Are there grizzly bears in Yosemite National Park?
No, there are only American black bears in the National Park.
Is Yosemite National Park the oldest National Park in the United States?
No, although the National Park is quite old, it is not the oldest. Yellowstone National Park is the oldest National Park in the US.
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