Yosemite Valley: An Intimate Guide

Hall, Ansel; Zellinsky, Leo

If it were possible for us to look down upon Yosemite Valley from the clouds with ample time to examine the details of its interesting natural plan and architecture, we would later gain far more enjoyment as we walked through its pine and cedar forests and stood at the foot of its sheergranite cliffs—more than would possibly be open to us without such a previous broad perspective. So, also, can we gain far greater enjoyment from our Yosemite visit if we approach "The Valley Incomparable" with a broad mental perspective. Each detail of sculpture in the walls, each rock, each tree, and each flower, tells its part of the fascinating story ; of how a huge block of the earth 's crust tipped up at the eastern edge to form the Sierra Nevada Range as a single mountain ; of how Yosemite and its sister canyons to the north and south were carved by water and ice through the geological ages ; of how its Indian inhabitants rose to be a mighty tribe and then allbut perished ; of how it was discovered and named during California ' s days of gold ; of how its birds, mammals, trees, and flowers live together in distinct natural communities as different in character as different cities . All these, and other interesting chapters of Yosemite 's unique story, form a background that opens one's eyes to far more than spectacular cliffs and waterfalls.This little volume will point out the path to all of the beautiful and mighty features that have long made Yosemite world-famous—but it will do more ; if you use it as a pocket companion it will make your walk or ride along the trails and roads a continual voyage of exploration by pointing out intimate details which are hidden to the casual onlooker. Whether this is your first or tenth Yosemite vacation much remains to be discovered along unknown paths and there are many alluring trails to lead you " over the hills and far away . " Put on your hiking boots, shoulder your camera, and let us explore together!