Yosemite National Park -- This week’s National Park Getaway

Yosemite National Park, Calif. – In their rush for gold, the early forty-niners completely missed one of the world’s greatest treasures. Ensconced on the western flank of California’s Sierra Nevada is this week’s National Park Getaway. Yosemite National Park is not just any gem, but one of the world’s best-loved protected areas. Yosemite is famous for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves and biological diversity. The Tuolumne and Merced rivers, both protected Wild and Scenic Rivers, begin in the park. Nearly 95 percent of Yosemite, a World Heritage site since 1984, is designated wilderness.

Frederick Law Olmsted, America’s foremost landscape architect, called it the “noblest public park” in the world. Ansel Adams, Albert Bierstadt, John Muir are among a host of artistic giants who shaped America’s vision of Yosemite as an icon of wilderness.

This week’s Getaway provides a refreshing glimpse into the wintry season at Yosemite. Check out the article at http://www.nps.gov/getaways for ideas of things to do, as well as an introduction to the park’s history and natural features.