Decades ago, I had a close brush with death that shook me to to core. Acting out of pure instinct, I immediately drove about 200 miles to Yosemite and walked the trail out to the Grizzly Giant, in the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. I sat at its base, my back to it, and leaned into it for support.* I remember exploding into tears of relief, and then tears of grief, thinking that for the first time in my life I was having the experience of being sheltered by a strong father.
I was overwhelmed with gratitude.
This is an unforgettable and treasured experience, and I am forever indebted to that magnificent tree, and to all the people who, for generations, have made its preservation possible.
*What I did is no longer permitted, due to a wise Park Service decision.
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
“We must protect our great national treasures.”
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
Where do I start? National Parks have been a part of my life since I was a small child. My parents took me on road trips after visiting local parks, to help me see our country and its amazing variety. We took our child on similar road trips to see…
-
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…
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