Rubbing sleep out of my eyes, I grumbled at my parents, wondering why they were waking me up at seven in the morning. As we walked out of our rental cabin, I felt the glare of the sun as they told me that we were going on another hike.
Beginning the treacherous hike uphill at Valley Loop Trail, we climbed over rocks and boulders, going steadily higher in elevation until I could hear the distant rush of a waterfall in the distance. As we took the final steps into a clearing, I looked in awe at the sight of Upper Yosemite Falls: water cascading down the mountain into a pool of mist. Gazing at the breathtaking view, I realized that the seven mile hike was completely worth it.
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
“I am amazed by their beauty. ”
National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!
Success! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
You’ll be notified by email when your story is approved and added to the collection on the My Park Story homepage.
In the meantime, you can share your own story page with your family and friends — and help us spread the word about these priceless memories and priceless places!
Here’s your unique story page link:
{{ storyUrl }}-
Greetings from Yosemite National Park
Snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and lush meadows. I was surrounded by these stunning views while hiking Gaylor Peak in Yosemite. The peak is accessible via a relatively short but steep hike, offering an exhilarating challenge for hikers like me who seek panoramic vistas of the Sierra Nevada. Higher up the…
-
Greetings from Yosemite National Park
Entering Yosemite National Park, I looked up through the sunroof to see The Nose, a wall climbing route on the world-famous summit El Capitan, and a path once thought impossible to scale, yet conquered since by a select few individuals. At that moment, I recalled Connor Herson, the youngest person…
Preserve Our Parks
Make a tax-deductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks and the millions of Americans who enjoy them.
Donate Now