The Merced River is visible in the foreground, with the granite cliffs of El Capitan on the left and Cathedral Rocks on the right.

Yosemite National Park was first protected in 1864 and became a national park in 1890. The park covers nearly 1,200 square miles, but most visitors spend their time in the 7-mile-long Yosemite Valley. The park is known for its waterfalls, giant sequoias, and vast wilderness areas. The Merced River, which runs through Yosemite Valley, is a popular spot for rafting and other water activities in the summer.