In the classic nature work, The Yosemite, the great American naturalist, John Muir, describes the Yosemite valley's geography and the myriad types of trees, flowers, birds, and other animals that can be found there. The Yosemite is among the finest examples of John Muir nature writings.The Yosemite is a classic nature/outdoor adventure text and a fine example of John Muir nature writings. In this volume, Muir describes the Yosemite valley's geography and the various types of trees, flowers and animals that can be found there. John Muir (April 21, 1838 - December 24, 1914) was a Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher and early advocate of preservation of wilderness in the United States. His letters, essays, and books telling of his adventures in nature, especially in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, have been read by millions. His activism helped to preserve the Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park and other wilderness areas. The Sierra Club, which he founded, is a prominent American conservation organization. The 211-mile (340 km) John Muir Trail, a hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada, was named in his honor.[2] Other such places include Muir Woods National Monument, Muir Beach, John Muir College, Mount Muir, Camp Muir and Muir Glacier. In Scotland, the John Muir Way, a 130 mile long distance route, was named in honor of him. In his later life, Muir devoted most of his time to the preservation of the Western forests. He petitioned the U.S. Congress for the National Park bill that was passed in 1890, establishing Yosemite National Park. The spiritual quality and enthusiasm toward nature expressed in his writings inspired readers, including presidents and congressmen, to take action to help preserve large nature areas. He is today referred to as the "Father of the National Parks" and the National Park Service has produced a short documentary about his life. Muir has been considered 'an inspiration to both Scots and Americans'. Muir's biographer, Steven J. Holmes, believes that Muir has become "one of the patron saints of twentieth-century American environmental activity," both political and recreational. As a result, his writings are commonly discussed in books and journals, and he is often quoted by nature photographers such as Ansel Adams. "Muir has profoundly shaped the very categories through which Americans understand and envision their relationships with the natural world," writes Holmes. Muir was noted for being an ecological thinker, political spokesman, and religious prophet, whose writings became a personal guide into nature for countless individuals, making his name "almost ubiquitous" in the modern environmental consciousness. According to author William Anderson, Muir exemplified "the archetype of our oneness with the earth", [ while biographer Donald Worster says he believed his mission was "...saving the American soul from total surrender to materialism." 403 On April 21, 2013, the first ever John Muir Day was celebrated in Scotland, which marked the 175th anniversary of his birth, paying homage to the conservationist. Muir was born in the small house at left. His father bought the adjacent building in 1842, and made it the family home.

Both Central Park in New York and Yosemite Valley in California became public parks during the tumultuous years before and during the Civil War. Rolf Diamant and Ethan Carr demonstrate how anti-slavery activism, war, and the remaking of the federal government gave rise to the American public park and concept of national parks. The authors closely examine Frederick Law Olmsted's 1865 Yosemite Report--the key document that expresses the aspirational vision of making great public parks keystone institutions of a renewed liberal democracy.

Motorists have long-deserved an all-new guide to the major sights and stops along Yosemite’s majestic major roadways — one which not only lists distances, facilities, and things to do, but that also provides enlightening stories, park history, and natural history in a most engaging way. The wait is over. Ranger Bob Roney has applied his deep knowledge of the park and renowned story-telling skills to give drivers and their companions what they need to know, where they need to know it. Keyed to markers newly placed throughout the park, and packed with maps, illustrations, and dozens of full-color photographs, The Road Guide to Yosemite makes it safe and easy to stop and enjoy the world-famous scenery.

The Rough Guide to Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon is the ultimate travel guide to three of the USA's best national parks. Discover America's highest waterfalls, Yosemite's lushest meadows and near vertical cliffs such as El Capitan and Half Dome. Find information on the world's largest trees in Sequoia National Park, along with black bears and fine limestone caves in Kings Canyon. Get practical advice on the best hikes, most comfortable camping spots, the finest hotels and great places for a rowdy beer. Full colour sections cover horse riding, snow shoeing and rafting as well as wild animals like bears, marmots and mule deer. Explore every corner of Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon with clear and accurate maps that will ensure you won't miss a gorgeous vista or wonderful campsite. Make the most of your time on earth with The Rough Guide to Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon.

Here is a comprehensive handbook designed to help all photographers — from beginners to experts — capture the landscape, flora, and fauna of one of the best places on earth. These tips and directions from Yosemite local Michael Frye are an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to take better pictures in Yosemite and elsewhere. Last updated over a decade ago, The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite has been revised to include advice especially for digital photography, and includes new full-color reproductions of Frye’s own work to serve as examples and inspiration. Every aspect of photographing this magnificent park is covered, including: In-depth descriptions of nearly 40 outstanding locations Information on the best months and times of day for successful shots Detailed maps indicating prime viewpoints Tips on technique and equipment More than 100 stunning full-color photographs