Yosemite is the most famous of California parks. It is about 3― hours drive
from San Francisco.
Early European-Americans first used the term "Yosemite" to refer to
the Indian people who were reported to live in a yet-undiscovered mountain
stronghold. Only in 1851, when the Mariposa Battalion first entered the Valley
in search of the Yosemite Indians, did they coin Yosemite as a place name.
Yosemite is derived from a Miwok word "Yehemite," which translates
"some among them are killers."
Yosemite was set aside as a natural preserve in 1864 when Abraham Lincoln
signed the Yosemite Grant, which gave guardianship of Yosemite Valley and the
Mariposa Grove to the State of California.
Yosemite is a large park, but the main tourist sights are concentrated in the
Yosemite Valley. A paved road circles around the valley. Most tourists simply
drive around the road and take pictures of the main sights. At present, cars are
allowed within the Park. A free voluntary shuttle bus system is available to
many areas throughout Yosemite Valley. Entrance fees are collected at all
entrance stations.
