Yosemite National Park spans the eastern portions of Tuolumne, Mariposa and Madera counties in east central California. The park covers an area of 761,268 acres and reaches across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain. About 10 million years ago, the Sierra Nevada was uplifted and then tilted to form its relatively gentle western slopes and the more dramatic eastern slopes. The uplift increased the steepness of stream and river beds, resulting in formation of deep, narrow canyons. About 1 million years ago, snow and ice accumulated, forming glaciers at the higher alpine meadows that moved down the river valleys. Ice thickness in Yosemite Valley may have reached 4,000 feet during the early glacial episode. The downslope movement of the ice masses cut and sculpted the U-shaped valley that attracts so many visitors to its scenic vistas today. Over 3.7 million people visit Yosemite today.
Directions: From California's highway 99, take exit 131 and go north on highway 41. Continue on highway 41 for 82 miles into Yosemite Village. When exiting Yosemite, take highway 140 about 15 miles into the town of El Portal, and you will find pleanty of hotels and other accommodations. Walk out the back door of your room onto your balcony otherlooking the gorgeous Merced River. From highway 395 just south of Lee Vining, take highway 120 through a scenic drive along Tuolumne Meadows into Yosemite Village. (Highway 120 is closed in the winter months due to the heavy snowfall. Snowchains are required throughout all of the park during the winter months.) Best time to Photograph: Sunrise and Sunset.
