Tucked amid the central Sierra Nevada Mountains of California are nearly 1,200 square miles of meadows, giant sequoias and untamed wilderness areas: Yosemite National Park. Tourism in this area began in the 1860s following the California Gold Rush, when a fresh infusion of visitors witnessed the region's awe-inspiring scenery. Just 30 years later, in 1890, Yosemite was designated as America's third national park.
The park is best known for its iconic waterfalls, from the 1,430-foot cascades of Yosemite Falls to the orange glow of Horsetail Fall at sunset and countless others of varying sizes. Its rock faces also demand attention, including the Half Dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley, soaring 4,000 feet above the ground below, and the 3,000-foot El Capitan on the northern edge of Yosemite Valley. Between, the landscape is brimming with sparkling lakes and ancient sequoia trees, the largest grove of which is the Mariposa Grove, featuring more than 500 trees. As one of the oldest protected areas in the United States, Yosemite is pure magnificent beauty and one of America's greatest treasures.
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(55 reviews)
California is a land of possibilities, and this unforgettable tour displays some of its greatest offerings. Over eight days, soak up the modern and historic sides of San Francisco and travel into nature, where towering redwood trees surround us on the Redwood Forest Steam Train. We also admire the mountain and waterfall panoramas of Yosemite...
(17 reviews)
The only thing more appealing than a train vacation through the Rocky and Sierra Mountains is one that includes a visit to the waterfalls and Giant Sequoia groves of Yosemite National Park. Your great western rail adventure begins in Chicago with a two-night stay in this Midwest metropolis, providing ample time to explore the highlights such as...
Follow the lead of the explorers of years past and head west for a grand adventure to the "City by the Bay," San Francisco. This six-day rail vacation shows the contrasts between two American cities and the nature that surrounds them. Spend a day wrapped in the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies while based in Denver, and then board Amtrak's...
An epic tour across the United States, this once-in-a-lifetime journey features some of America's most celebrated cities - San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago and New York - and visits iconic landmarks, including Monument Valley, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. This incredible adventure also features legendary trains. Ride Amtrak's...
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