Yosemite (California)

Yosemite is home to one of the nation's biggest waterfalls, Yosemite Falls, as well as the rock faces Half Dome and El Capitan, the Yosemite Valley, and towering granite cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, and old-growth woods. You should visit there to witness three enormous sequoia groves and a pristine wilderness in the Sierra Nevada, which is home to several endangered plant and animal species.

A million years ago, glaciers began to develop at higher elevations. As they melted and drifted downslope, they carved and sculpted the U-shaped valley that is now so popular with tourists for its breathtaking views. European American settlers first came across the Yosemite Valley in 1851.

Although James D. Savage is credited for finding the region that is today known as Yosemite National Park, there are earlier occurrences of other people accessing the Valley. The park has a wilderness designation for over 95% of its area. A variety of flora and animals may be found in Yosemite, which is one of the Sierra Nevada's biggest and least fragmented habitat blocks.

Location: California
Movement time: 4hr 45min from L.A.

Entrance Fees: Motorcycle - $30.00, Commercial Tour (sedan up to six seats) - $25.00