Читать книгу The John Muir Trail. Through the Californian Sierra Nevada онлайн

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Situated in the High Sierras of central California, Yosemite was one of America’s first National Parks (Yellowstone was the first in 1872). It was in fact the first area of the States to be given special protection by an act of Congress in 1864, but was not officially designated a national park until 1st October 1890, due largely to the work and sterling efforts of Muir, President Theodore Roosevelt and other influential figures..

Almost 95% of the 750,000 acre park is unspoilt wilderness. Today it is one of America’s most visited national parks, with over 4 million visitors annually. Most, however, visit only the visitor centre, shops, cafés, restaurants and other amenities of Yosemite Valley, whilst the more adventurous do a day-hike or two from Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows. For those with a head for heights the ascent of Half Dome is a very popular day-hike from Yosemite Valley. But only a tiny percentage of Yosemite’s visitors venture deep into its wilderness. You are to be one of these most fortunate people who will cross the wilderness of Yosemite, experiencing this most awe-inspiring of mountain landscapes.