In 1889, @Robert @Underwood @Johnson, editor of Century Magazine, and John Muir had growing concerns about the devastating effects of sheep grazing in the high country, and they launched a successful campaign to persuade Congress to set aside this area as a national park. On October 1, 1890, Congress set aside more than 1,500 square miles of reserved forest lands, and today 94.5% of the park's 1,170 square mile area is dedicated as true wilderness for all who visit to enjoy.
At Muir's invitation, @Theodore @Roosevelt visited Yosemite to experience its splendor first-hand. By all accounts, Roosevelt was so impressed he became instrumental in the return of Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove to federal protection in 1906.
In 1932, the @Wawona Basin, including the Wawona Hotel and golf course, were added to the National Park to bring it to its current 1,170 square miles.
The classic beauty and fascinating ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada mountain range are well represented in Yosemite National Park, where almost 95% of the park is designated wilderness. A place retaining its primeval character and influence, this wilderness area provides opportunities for solitude and unconfined types of experience. The lands within the wilderness range in elevation from 290 feet to 13,114 feet, the latter at the summit of Mt. @Lyell. And with over 800 miles of trails to hike, visitors will find a spectrum of opportunities, of natural systems, and of levels of use.
