Yosemite is one of the jewels of the United States' parks system

One of the earliest and most famous of the great national parks in the US is Yosemite in central California. This enormous area，which was the first park ever to have its land set aside for protection in the US in 1864, covers almost 1,200 square miles. It is famous for its alluring scenery, unique animals and plants, and the range of activities available. No wonder millions of visitors are drawn to Yosemite every year.

The park is mountainous and its geologicala history means that the area has breathtaking views of cliffs, waterfalls, and deep valleys. This stunning terrain also boasts more than 400 species of animals, including bears so intelligent that you need to take special canisters to protect your food. Most impressively, Yosemite is home to three groves of giant sequoias. These enormous trees live for thousands of years, and the oldest one in Yosemite is estimated to be 2,000 years old.

When tourists come to enjoy this sublime place all year round ,most of them head for Yosemite Valley, the park's activity center. This is the place where visitors can get a taste of the park's appeal. There are several spectacular waterfalls within walking distance, and there are also opportunities to canoe18 or raft" down one of the park's many rivers. However, more adventurous tourists can venture deeper into the park. There are 800 miles of hiking trails" in Yosemite, from gentle' walks to difficult backpacking hikes up steep' mountains.In the winter, the park is blanketed in snow, which means skiing`season. With its outstanding beauty and various25 activities, it is easy to see why Yosemite National Park is such a popular destination. As John Muir, one of the park's founders, wrote, "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

位于加利福尼亚州中部的约塞米蒂国家公园是美国历史最悠久、最有名的主要国家公园之一。这片广阔的土地占地约，1200平方英里,是美国第一座为了保护该区环境，而在1864年特别成立的公园。该公园以自然美景、独特的动植物，以及园区内各项可从事的活动而闻名，难怪每年都吸引数百万游客慕名前来。

这个公园地势多山，长期以来的地质活动造就了该地区拥有悬崖、瀑布和雄伟的山谷，到处充满着令人叹为观止的自然景观。这一绝美的地带也蕴含有400多种动物，其中有一种非常聪明的熊，使你需自备特制的金属罐来装食物.以免被偷吃掉。约塞米蒂国家公园最让人印象深刻的是园区内有三片巨大的美国红杉林。这些巨大的树木已有数千年的树龄.其中最大的估计有2000年。

一年四季都有游客前来观赏约塞米蒂壮丽的风景;其中大部分的人都会前往“约塞米蒂山谷”，这里是园区内各项活动的所在地。游客在这里可以饱览园区内引人入胜的风景，其中还有几座只需步行就可抵达的瀑布，游客也可以在公园的众多河流中.搭乘独木舟或竹筏顺流而下。然而,热爱冒险的游客则可以进人公园深处探险。那里有绵延800英里的登山步道，其中有可以让游客轻松步行的路段，也有可以让背包客徒步攀登陡峭山峰的艰难路段。冬天的时候，这座公园会被白雪覆盖，这意味着滑雪季开始了。

因为这些美不胜收的景色和各种各样的活动项目，我们不难理解为什么约塞米蒂国家公园会成为备受欢迎的旅游景点。就如该公园的一位立者约翰·缪尔曾写的:“漫步于大自然中，人们所获得的远超过他们所探索的。”