Yosemite & Sequoia

Yosemite & Sequoia: history

In 1864 President Lincoln signed a law to protect Yosemite Valley. It was the first time land was set aside for the public to enjoy. The writer John Muir campaigned for more, and Yosemite became a national park in 1890.

Sequoia National Park was created the same year to protect the giant trees. The General Sherman Tree, about 275 feet tall and more than 2,000 years old, is the largest tree on earth by volume.

Yosemite & Sequoia: tourist attractions

• Tunnel ViewThe classic first sight of Yosemite Valley.
• El Capitan & Half DomeThe two great granite cliffs of the valley.
• Yosemite FallsOne of the tallest waterfalls in North America. It is fullest in May and June.
• Bridalveil FallA short walk to a waterfall that sways in the wind.
• Glacier PointA view straight down into the valley. The road is open from about late May to autumn.
• Mariposa GroveYosemite's own grove of giant sequoias.
• General Sherman TreeThe largest tree on earth, in Sequoia's Giant Forest.
• Moro RockA staircase cut into a granite dome.
• Kings CanyonThe General Grant Tree and a deep river canyon.

Yosemite & Sequoia: excursions nearby

• Bass Lake about 15 miles from the south gateA quiet lake among pines.
• Tuolumne Meadows on the Tioga RoadHigh meadows and domes. The road is open in summer only.
• Mono Lake east of the parkStrange limestone towers in a salt lake.
• Forestiere Underground Gardens in FresnoRooms and gardens dug by hand under the ground.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.