Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in the United States. The park was protected after Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant; “which, after being adopted, prevented the development of the territory and guaranteed its preservation” (Wikipedia 'Yosemite National Park' 2015. Web. May 22, 2015). Yosemite was formed more than 10 million years ago when the Sierra Nevada was uplifted, giving rise to landforms such as Half Dome and El Capitan. Another factor explaining Yosemite's extreme landforms is that Yosemite was thought to have been carved by glacial erosion. The number of tourists visiting the park increased significantly after the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869. Today, more than 3.7 million people visit the park each year. The area of ​​Yosemite is 1,168.681 square miles; “nearly 95% of which are intended for wilderness. » (Web, Wikipedia “Yosemite National Park”)Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayWildlife of Yosemite: Many different species of wildlife and plants are found in Yosemite. “20% of California's 7,000 plant species are found in Yosemite, and there are more than 160 rare plant species, due to the park's rich and unique soils” (Wikipedia “Yosemite National Park”). Yosemite's habitat consists primarily of redwoods, incense cedars, Douglas firs, white firs, ponderosa pines, and sugar pines. In these very diverse habitats, wildlife species include: black bear, cougar, mountain kingsnake, white-headed woodpecker, spotted owl and mule deer. This list is just a condensed list and doesn't even cover insects, fish, and birds (Web, Wikipedia "Yosemite National Park") Three-day Yosemite itinerary: Day 1: Today is your first day in Yosemite; you pass through the nostalgia-inducing tunnel and admire the incredible iconic views. You decide to visit El Capitan Meadow, which offers great views of the imposing mountain. Then you decide to go out to lunch; A good option is 'The Pizza Patio' in Curry Village, which has a pub next door and even a small gift shop. There is plenty of parking near Curry Village and free public transportation around the park. If you decide to take a bike ride, there is a bike shop at Curry Village3 and miles of flat scenic trails. Another option is an easy half-mile hike to Bridal Falls1, a 19-minute drive from Pizza Patio2. Next, you can visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, which provides an overview of the park's geology, history, and other information. Day 2: It's your second day in Yosemite and you decide to go out for breakfast, where are you going? The Ahwahnee Hotel is a historic landmark and offers more expensive meals throughout the day (reservations are recommended). After your breakfast, you decide to hike the Vernal/Nevada Falls Trail4 which has a few trails of different lengths. After your hike, you decide to visit Tuolumne Meadows5 which is about an hour and a half drive from Yosemite Valley; the trail itself is 2 miles long and sure to please.Keep in mind: this is just a sample.Get a personalized article now from our expert editors.Get a personalized essayDay 3: It's your last day in Yosemite; you want to do something exciting, how about rafting and a short hike later. For whitewater rafting, a few rivers run through Yosemite,, 29(5), 1365-1377.