Only 265 km from San Francisco lies one of America's jewels. Yosemite National Park is located on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. It holds an important place in the soul of the nation.

Yosemite took its shape at the end of the Ice Age when the region's glaciers carved the valley. Managed by the National Park Service agency, Yosemite covers an area of 2,000 square miles and is divided into five vegetation zones, ranging from oak woodlands to California scrub to an alpine pass. Four million visitors flock there each year, most of whom explore Yosemite Valley, which is open year-round. This breathtaking valley, 13 km long and 1.5 km wide, is unlike any other place on earth. From the west, take a detour to Tunnel View for an incredible view that has silenced many visitors and moved some to tears. To the right flows the veiled Bridalveil Fall, facing the raw granite of El Capitan Rock, while behind it stands the majestic facade of Half Dome at the valley floor.

From Tunnel View, you would quickly drive and then walk to Bridalveil Fall. The fall is in full flood in May, but retains its magic in all seasons. If you are looking for love, take a breath. For the Ahwahneechees, an indigenous people, inhaling the mist from the waterfall increases the chances of marriage.

The road to the park runs the banks of the Merced River, a wild and beautiful river that reveals different faces along the park's gorges before flowing gently into the valley, surrounded by pine forests, plains and beaches. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the mystical setting.  Along the Yosemite Valley Road there are 1,200 miles of hiking trails. The Four Mile Trail, created 150 years ago, climbs the face of the valley to an incredible panorama. At Glacier Point, the entire valley opens up to you, with the surrounding area as far as the eye can see. Further on, the little breath you have left will be filled with the view from Washburn Point.

Further down the valley you will find another famous trail, the Mist Trail. This five-hour hike is suitable for all hikers, and well worth it for its incredible views, including Vernal and Nevada Falls. The Mist Trail joins John Muir Trail, named after the great conservationist. He wrote in his book The Yosemite, published in 1912, "We all crave beauty, a place to play and pray, where Mother Nature can invigorate our bodies and souls." It was through his writings that the nation became aware of the importance of Yosemite, and that this place could be designated a national park. 

Sources: Yosemite, National Park Reservation, National Parks, National Geographic, Yosemite This Year, Mono County California