The Spirit of Yosemite

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”  ~ John Muir

Yosemite National Park is a gem of American wilderness, located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. On June 30, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln took a moment from the brutality of the Civil War and signed the Yosemite Grant. This ensured that 1,200 square miles of deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, and vast wilderness areas would be preserved for future generations.

The Ahwaneechee Native Americans were the first residents of Yosemite Valley, and occupied the land for over 4,000 years. The California Gold Rush of 1848 brought thousands of non-native people to the region. Today, over 3 million visitors flock to the area to see the majestic beauty of Yosemite.

On August 17, 2013, the third largest wildfire in California history ripped through the Yosemite Region. Started in the Stanislaus National Forest by a hunter’s illegal campfire, the flames quickly burned out of control, consuming up to 50,000 acres a day.

Courtesy of US Forest Service

“The Rim Fire” engulfed the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, overlapping the western boundary of Yosemite National Park. The fire devoured 257,135 acres and 402 square miles, leaving devastation for the ages. It burned so intensely that 40 percent of the area is dead and all that can be seen is the charred remains of a once prosperous forest.

Signs like this line the roads leading to the Groveland Entrance of Yosemite National Park

Devastation as far as the eye can see

The National Forest Service outlines the Rim Fire Boundaries

As hundreds of firemen fought long, hard days to contain the fire, Yosemite was met with yet another challenge. On October 1, 2013, the government shut down, forcing the National Park to close its gates and evacuate all tourists. This left a huge negative impact on the economy of not only the park, but its surrounding areas as well.

Sign displayed by a local gas station in Groveland

Despite these insurmountable challenges, the Spirit of Yosemite continues to flourish and promises to rebirth into a natural wonderland.

Looking up at a Giant Sequoia

Ahwaneechee Lodge located in the Yosemite Valley

Walking through Merced Grove – one of the many trails located within Yosemite National Park

Wildflowers survived the fire and continue to blossom

As the gates to Yosemite National Park reopen and nature starts to heal the scars of the Rim Fire, thousands of visitors return to soak in the beauty of this amazing landscape.

Junior Ranger Badge I earned while visiting Yosemite National Park

Rock climbers have returned in droves to get the chance to summit the geological formations that are unique to Yosemite

Half Dome – one of the most popular spots for rock climbing in the park

The once scared animals are also returning to Yosemite and normality is slowly being restored.

“Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.” ~ John Muir

Christian DeMichiel is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program

All photos courtesy and copyright Christian DeMichiel