Tucked amid the central Sierra Nevada Mountains of California are nearly 1,200 square miles of meadows, giant sequoias and untamed wilderness areas: Yosemite National Park. Tourism in this area began in the 1860s following the California Gold Rush, when a fresh infusion of visitors witnessed the region's awe-inspiring scenery. Just 30 years later, in 1890, Yosemite was designated as America's third national park.
The park is best known for its iconic waterfalls, from the 1,430-foot cascades of Yosemite Falls to the orange glow of Horsetail Fall at sunset and countless others of varying sizes. Its rock faces also demand attention, including the Half Dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley, soaring 4,000 feet above the ground below, and the 3,000-foot El Capitan on the northern edge of Yosemite Valley. Between, the landscape is brimming with sparkling lakes and ancient sequoia trees, the largest grove of which is the Mariposa Grove, featuring more than 500 trees. As one of the oldest protected areas in the United States, Yosemite is pure magnificent beauty and one of America's greatest treasures.
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(71 reviews)
Join an expert Tour Manager and local guides on this 9-day vacation beginning and ending in San Francisco. Embark on an unforgettable tour unveiling some of California's greatest offerings - including a spectacular day aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train and time to uncover the Golden State's premier nature spots. Marvel at the rugged...
(18 reviews)
The only thing more appealing than a train vacation through the Rocky and Sierra Mountains is one that includes a visit to the waterfalls and Giant Sequoia groves of Yosemite National Park. Your great western rail adventure begins in Chicago with a two-night stay in this Midwest metropolis, providing ample time to explore the highlights such...
Follow the lead of the explorers of years past and head west for a grand adventure to the "City by the Bay," San Francisco. This six-day rail vacation shows the contrasts between two American cities and the nature that surrounds them. Spend a day wrapped in the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies while based in Denver, and then board...
(53 reviews)Embark on an epic journey across the United States, from the iconic hills and harbor of San Francisco to the bright lights of Las Vegas, the culture of Chicago and the energy of New York. Along the way, marvel at some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes, including Monument Valley, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and the thundering...
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