Many people refer to America’s national parks as its greatest treasures. These parks are home to some of the planet’s most breathtaking and varied landscapes, soaring mountains, expansive forests, tranquil lakes, and stunning desert. Yosemite and Yellowstone are two of the most well-known of these parks; they have long captivated the hearts and minds of travelers and environmental enthusiasts.
Yosemite National Park: A Granite Masterpiece
Yosemite National Park, situated in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is renowned for its jaw-dropping waterfalls, ancient sequoias, and towering granite cliffs. It opened in 1890 and is the most popular national park in the United States, drawing millions of tourists annually.
El Capitan, a 3,000-foot vertical granite wall that tests rock climbers worldwide, is one of the park’s most recognizable features. It is a must-see for everyone visiting the park because of its imposing presence that dominates the skyline. Another well-known granite feature, Half Dome, is 8,800 feet above sea level and provides one of the park’s most challenging yet rewarding walks. Although the 14–16 mile hike to the top is not for the faint of heart, those who succeed are rewarded with expansive vistas over Yosemite Valley and beyond.
Yosemite’s waterfalls are just as breathtaking. During peak flow in the spring, Yosemite Falls, which stands at 2,425 feet, resounds over the valley with a deafening roar, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Bridalveil Fall, which cascades 620 feet nearby, greets guests entering the valley with a foggy mist.
Yosemite’s meadows and woodlands offer serene havens for people looking for gentler times. Mariposa Grove contains over 500 ancient big sequoias, including the 2,000-year-old Grizzly Big.
Geothermal Wonderland: Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, mainly in Wyoming but also extending into Montana and Idaho. It was founded in 1872 and is well-known for its striking geothermal characteristics, untamed scenery, and profusion of wildlife.
Old Faithful, the well-known geyser that erupts with predictable regularity every 60 to 90 minutes and shoots boiling water up to 180 feet in the air, is one of the park’s most recognizable views. However, Yellowstone is a geothermal wonderland with thousands of geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles, of which Old Faithful is just one. Another must-see is the Grand Prismatic Spring, whose colorful rainbow-colored waters are caused by heat-loving bacteria that flourish in the warm, mineral-rich water.
The supervolcano, the Yellowstone Caldera, which gives rise to the park’s geothermal activity, is also located in Yellowstone. The caldera is still active despite not having erupted in thousands of years, as seen by the park’s bubbling mud pots and steaming vents.
In Yellowstone, one can witness a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves. Lamar Valley’s broad open areas and various animal species have earned it the moniker “America’s Serengeti.” Yellowstone is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true, whether you’re seeing a grizzly bear far off in the distance or watching a herd of bison wander across the grasslands.
Beyond offering amazing vistas, exploring these parks reminds us of how crucial it is to protect these natural treasures for coming generations. As one of the pioneers of the national park movement, John Muir, famously observed, “One receives far more than he seeks in every walk with nature.” That is very true in the national parks of America.
