I was 5 years old and had what I now know as a spiritual experience when my parents drove into Yosemite Valley through the Wawona Tunnel to start a family vacation. The waterfalls, the cliffs, Half Dome–all combined to overwhelm me with awe. This was in 1957. We also had a lot of fun camping in the Valley and I started a lifelong hiking habit. Now, in 2015, I am retired after a 30 year career managing fires on our federal lands, including a stint in Yosemite. When visiting other countries and seeing their national parks modeled after ours, I am proud of our pioneering legacy.
Sincerely,
Yosemite National Park
With its sculpted granite rock formations, towering ancient sequoia trees and spectacular waterfalls, it's no wonder Yosemite is one of the most celebrated national parks in the world.
State(s): California
Established: 1890
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