 Visitors at Olmstead Point. For generations families have enjoyed the wonders of Yosemite. |
| Four million people
visit Yosemite National Park every year, some just taking in the sights
as part of a day tour
and others hiking, climbing, horseback riding, fishing, camping, skiing
or even
hang gliding. Although the Park comprises 1,169 square miles,
much of the activity occurs in the 7-8 square miles that is Yosemite
Valley; on peak days more than
20,000 people can crowd into the Valley. Working to support
visitors are a National Park
Service staff of 1,200 in summer and 800 in winter and the staff of DNC
Parks and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., the concessionaire since 1993,
numbering 1,700 in summer and 800 in winter. Additionally, the
nonprofit Yosemite Conservancy provides grants and support to projects
in the Park. 2014 will mark the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite
Grant, providing a time to reflect on the human relationship to and
impact on the Park. |
| Note: Yosemite is the third most
visited National Park in the United States after the Great Smoky
Mountains and the Grand Canyon. Links: History and Culture - Yosemite National Park Yosemite Grant Anniversary - Timeline Delaware North Companies - Parks & Resorts Yosemite Conservancy NatureBridge Yosemite Online Library Alfred Runte. 1990. Yosemite: The Embattled Wilderness. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press. Central Sierra Environmental Resouce Center |