Yosemite National Park – A Natural Wonderland
Yosemite is a world-famous national park in California, USA, known for its breathtaking, wild, and majestic landscapes. Covering over 3,081 square kilometers, the park stretches across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Every year, more than three million visitors come to Yosemite to immerse themselves in nature. It’s the raw beauty of this place that draws people like us in.
This is the perfect destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Why? Because 89% of the park is preserved in its most natural, untouched state.
Yosemite in Autumn
The scenery here is endless—towering pine forests fill the valleys, while jagged mountain peaks rise like ink paintings against the sky. In reality, this is a mountain park, with elevations ranging from 600 to 4,000 meters above sea level.
Yosemite was established in 1890 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. But its history goes way back.
Records show that in 1851, a military battalion arrived, claiming to hunt down Native Americans who had attacked a trading post. They drove them out, and soon after, American settlers moved in, burning trees to clear land for farming.
Yosemite is famous worldwide for its massive granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and ancient giant sequoias. Plus, its incredible biodiversity.
Nature here is fiercely protected—no illegal logging or deforestation. Thanks to strict regulations and a unique historical twist: President Abraham Lincoln himself signed the Yosemite Grant Act in 1864, ensuring its permanent protection. This was a game-changer for the park’s wildlife and ecosystems.
Most of the park’s trees are concentrated in Yosemite Valley, covering the slopes in an endless, soothing green. A wildfire struck years ago, but the forest has bounced back—proof of nature’s resilience.
The most iconic plants here? Pines and giant sequoias.
The sequoias are massive—some so wide it takes seven people to hug them, others at least two. Their lifespans stretch thousands of years.
Thanks to the mild climate, pines—especially red-hued cedar pines—thrive here. Their wood is perfect for making guitar tops and violin bodies.
Ancient Pines & Whispering Waterfalls
Walking among the pines, the faint scent of resin takes me back to my youth. Back then, my guitar shop in Saigon was well-known, but my passion for writing distracted me, and the business only lasted about a decade.
Beyond the pine forests, you’ll find twin waterfalls—one cascading from above, the other smaller below, like mother and child. Our guide, Gavin Lee, says this season’s heavy flow makes them especially stunning. Other times, they shrink and lose some charm.
Yosemite has countless waterfalls, big and small. The most famous? Yosemite Falls—the tallest in North America (739 meters, 7th highest in the world). Standing before it, you’re dwarfed by sheer granite cliffs, roaring white water, and ancient giant trees. Each season paints the falls differently—powerful in spring, delicate in summer, fragile like silk in dry months.
Granite Giants & Wild Encounters
Yosemite’s grandeur also comes from its granite monoliths.
El Capitan – A 1,000-meter vertical rock face, challenging climbers for generations. Over 70 routes lead to its summit.
Half Dome – The park’s iconic “half-dome” granite peak, rising 670 meters with a less-than-7-degree slope. A summer climbing hotspot, but treacherous in winter ice.
Wildlife here is abundant—deer, elk, bears. The brown bear is a symbol not just of Yosemite but all of California (it’s even on the state flag!).
Though animals are generally friendly, warnings are everywhere: Don’t feed them. Don’t approach them. Gavin drilled us on bear encounters:
“Stay calm. Don’t run. Don’t provoke. Slowly back away… then, at a safe distance—run!”
Scenic Roads & Unique Rides
At first, the winding roads reminded me of Đà Lạt. Some paths are narrow, others widen deeper in, with parking lots for visitors.
Pine trees line the roads, their branches almost brushing our car. Driving here is pure joy—cool air and stunning views.
There’s even a short tunnel through the mountain, adding a human touch to the wild beauty.
And the vehicles? RV (Recreational Vehicles)—basically mobile homes—are everywhere in the US, perfect for long trips.
Inside the park, Yosemite buses shuttle tourists (to reduce traffic and pollution). You can also rent bikes—single ($11.50/hour, $32/day) or tandem ($9.50/hour, $59.50/day).
Where to Stay?
From campsites ($98 for 1-4 people) to wooden cabins ($123, $95 off-season) and luxury lodges ($470–$1,148 a night), there’s something for every budget.
Time to Go
As we drove downhill, ancient pines stretched their branches over the road, as if begging us to stay. Some of us napped; others soaked in the views one last time.
Because who knows if we’ll ever return?
