In the heart of California's rugged Sierra Nevada

sits Yosemite National Park.

From soaring cliffs and giant waterfalls,

to enormous trees and tranquil meadows,

Yosemite is a landscape of diversity.

The park is the destination for millions of visitors each year,

and with some of the finest scenery in the world,

it's easy to understand why.

Humans are dwarfed by a scale and power

that can only be found in the natural world.

Trees that live for thousands of years,

waterfalls that fall hundreds of feet,

and granite walls that climb unbroken

for more than a half mile.

In Yosemite, these features have combined

to create a landscape like no other.

At over 1,000 square miles,

an entire lifetime could be spent

exploring Yosemite National Park.

95% of the Yosemite is designated wilderness,

free from roads and cars

and crossed with hundreds of miles of trails.

Outside of these wilderness areas,

highways enter Yosemite from the West and South,

while inside the park,

the Tioga Road crosses over the mountains

to the Eastern Sierra.

These roads provide access

to many different areas in Yosemite.

In the center lies Yosemite Valley,

the primary destination for nearly all park visitors.

Half Dome,

Yosemite Falls,

El Capitan,

all of these features and more

are found in Yosemite Valley.

And this is one of the most dramatic examples

of a glacially carved canyon

and its towering cliffs and thundering waterfalls

are among the tallest in the world.

Beginning in the high mountains,

the Merced River tumbles dramatically

into Yosemite Valley.

While on the valley floor,

it winds its way through meadows and forest.

The exceptional scenery known throughout the world

help to inspire the very idea of national parks.

To many visitors,

Yosemite Valley is the heart of Yosemite National Park,

but at just 7 square miles,

the Valley is only one part of a much bigger place.

High above the valley floor,

Glacier Point sits on the South rim of Yosemite Valley.

The Glacier Point road winds its way

through stunning mountain scenery

a short walk provides a bird's eye view of Yosemite Valley,

thousands of feet below.

To the East lies Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon,

while beyond the Valley,

vast forest dominate the Yosemite landscape;

sugar pine,

red fir,

Ponderosa.

Within Yosemite, some of these trees are the largest

and tallest of their kind,

but in three distinct groves,

stand towering giant sequoias;

the biggest trees in the world.

At the Southwestern corner of the park

lies the largest and more accessible,

the Mariposa Grove.

This is home to some of the largest trees on earth

and to be among these giants is a humbling experience.

These big trees inspired protection of Yosemite

nearly 150 years ago,

and they still inspire visitors today.

The Mariposa Grove is one of the finest forests in the world and

a visit here is an important part of the Yosemite experience.

While the Western slopes are covered with ancient forest,

the high peaks on the East side of Yosemite

present a very different landscape.

North of Yosemite Valley

the Tioga Road winds through wonderland of rock

on its way to Tuolumne Meadows in the Yosemite high country.

Along the way, the road passes on Olmsted Point

where visitors enjoy an interesting view of Half Dome.

Around the corner lies Tenaya Lake;

one of the largest and most accessible lakes in Yosemite

and the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon.

Over the hill from Tenaya Lake, sits Tuolumne Meadows.

Like Yosemite Valley, this land was sculpted by glaciers,

but instead of a deep canyon,

the moving ice formed sharp peaks and rounded domes.

The wide open scenery of Tuolumne Meadows

is very different from other areas of the park

and many of the plants animals found here

are unlike those at lower elevations.

Tuolumne Meadows is a gateway to the Yosemite wilderness and

there are dozens of trails that lead into the mountains.

While some will enjoy short walks

that may last only an hour,

others will begin hikes that can take days or weeks.

A permit is required for overnight visits

and backpackers must carry many pounds of food and equipment,

but for those that are willing and able,

nothing can compare to spending in these mountains.

In this Alpine wonderland,

nature has been reduced to the elemental

rock and ice,

sky and water.

This is Yosemite at its most basic

and a visit here offers the chance for solitude

and inspiration,

as well as excitement and adventure.

The more time you spend exploring Yosemite National Park

the more likely you are to experience change in Yosemite.

In the fall, Yosemite Valley is an explosion of color,

as the shadows lengthen and the days grow shorter.

By the New Year, the mountains are blanketed in white

and the park is transformed into a winter wonderland.

As temperatures drop, waterfalls can become ice-falls.

Usually, winter is a quite time in Yosemite,

but when spring comes,

the park will experience its biggest change.

While the high peaks and passes

are still buried deep under snow,

the lower elevations are a carpet of wild flowers.

This migrating bloom will last throughout the summer

as it slowly works its way up the mountain slope.

As temperatures rise, the snow begins to melt

and quiet waterfalls are brought back to life.

By early summer, the sound of water thunders

throughout the park.

These high flows may last for months, but by summer's end,

the rivers have calmed.

Some creeks and streams will stop running completely

and even Yosemite Falls can run dry.

Exploring a landscape as dynamic as Yosemite National Park

is very rewarding

but the natural forces that make the park so compelling

can also present some very real dangers.

Water is one of Yosemite's biggest detractions.

Generated from melting snow, the water here is cold and swift,

especially in the springtime.

Visitors must respect all warning signs

and realize that wet rocks along streams

and rivers can be very slick.

Do not go beyond fences or railings

and never swim in swift water or above waterfalls.

Even with all this water, it's important to remember

that Yosemite can also be hot and dry.

Protect yourself from the sun,

which is more intense at higher elevations

and carry and drink plenty of water.

Know your limits and always keep safety in mind

as you experience your Yosemite.

The mission of the National Park Service

is to protect the park for future generations,

while providing enjoyment to today's visitors.

This protection makes Yosemite a great place

to see diverse wildlife in its native habitat.

To further protect wildlife and yourself,

do not feed or approach any animal.

For the protection of black bears,

visitors are required to store all food,

garbage, and scented items properly.

Protecting wildlife also means driving with care.

Hundreds of animals, from squirrels to bears,

are struck and killed by cars each year.

Mountain roads are often narrow and winding

and driving conditions can change rapidly.

In the winter, snow and ice can make driving difficult

and four-wheel drive and chain restrictions

are often in effect.

In the summer, traffic and congestion,

especially in Yosemite Valley,

can bring cars to a standstill.

If you park your car,

you will find that there are many other ways

to experience Yosemite National Park.

In the valley, the easiest way to get around

is on the Yosemite shuttle.

These free buses run throughout the day

and they stop at nearly every point of interest

in Yosemite Valley.

In addition to buses,

bicycles are a great way to explore Yosemite.

Miles of bike paths wind through the valley

and rental bikes are available throughout the summer.

For those who are looking for more activity,

Yosemite is a hiker's paradise.

In the valley,

a short trail leads to the base of Yosemite Falls,

while the popular Mist Trail follows the Merced River

up to spectacular Vernal and Nevada Falls.

In Tuolumne Meadows, mountain peaks and alpine lakes

are all within a day's walk.

While in Mariposa Grove, many will visit the Grizzly Giant;

one of the largest trees in Yosemite.

Throughout the park,

hundreds of miles of trails await your discovery.

If you are inspired to learn more about Yosemite,

join a ranger led walk.

Free ranger programs are given daily

and they are a great way to make a deeper connection

to Yosemite National Park.

No matter which part of Yosemite you choose to explore,

a good place to start is at a Visitor Center.

In the valley, an exhibit hall

tells the story of Yosemite's geologic past

as well as its rich natural and human history

while in the theater, the film Spirit of Yosemite

presents a dramatic overview of the park.

At the nearby Indian village,

visitors can learn about the first people of Yosemite Valley

and exhibits and demonstrations at the Indian Cultural Museum

provide a window to the past.

Near the Mariposa Grove, the Wawona Hotel and Golf Course

reminds us of the early years of Yosemite National Park,

while the nearby Pioneer Yosemite History Center

brings the past to life.

A blacksmith's hammer and a horse-drawn coach

transports us to the days of log cabins

and covered bridges.

It's no wonder that so many visitors are drawn

to Yosemite National Park.

From high peaks and deep canyons,

to ancient forests and open meadows,

the diversity of the natural world is on clear display.

Making a connection to Yosemite National Park

requires only one thing,

your presence.

Have a safe visit and help us protect this special place

as you experience your Yosemite.

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