Introduction to Yosemite National Park

When naturalist John Muir arrived in the Yosemite Valley in 1868, he was so struck by the raw grandeur of the landscape that he devoted his life to its preservation. It was largely due to Muir's vision that the wilderness he called a "temple of nature" became one of the country's first national parks. Today millions make the pilgrimage to this 1,200-square-mile Sierra Nevada park and World Heritage Site, little changed from the day Muir first arrived -- still a "temple" of granite mountains, towering waterfalls and giant sequoia groves.

Active Pursuits

Escape the often-congested Yosemite Valley on a day hike. The steep trek along Mist Trail rewards visitors with views of Vernal Falls, while the easy Valley Floor Loop Trail takes in the entire Yosemite Valley and its surrounding peaks. Rock climbers have a field day ascending cliff faces in the valley and Tuolumne Meadows, while winter visitors are drawn to cross-country skiing at Badger Pass. Bikers can roll past scenic vistas along the 12 miles of paved bike paths.

Flora and Fauna

Splashes of lavender lupine dot valley floors in Yosemite National Park, alongside blue-tinged cow parsnip and wild irises. The small white flowers of mountain misery top piney leaves, while the lyrical-sounding farewell-to-spring bears fragile pinkish blossoms. Yosemite's wildflower-strewn meadows attract mule deer, fox, coyote and black bear. Campers need to be on the lookout for -- and protect their food from -- Yosemite's smaller creatures: porcupines, raccoons, skunks and ground squirrels.

Camping and Dining

Campers can buy food and cooking supplies in the Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. But hot prepared meals are available in Yosemite, too, many of them served in memorable settings. Expect a feast at the Ahwahnee Dining Room, where waiters serve braised rabbit and bleu-cheese-crusted filet mignon under chandeliers (no jeans or shorts, please). No less exceptional are the meals at the Mountain Room, where diners feast on fresh salmon and rainbow trout in a room overlooking the Yosemite Falls.