The essential ones if you go to Yosemite

Yosemite is a great place to get away from it all among the bustling cities of the United States. You can enjoy fresh air, spectacular views and wonderful flora and fauna, you may even see a bear!

WHEN TO GO

While it's true that September is a fantastic time to go to Yosemite, other times are too. For example, in winter you can go skiing, in April and May the waterfalls and lakes are at their most beautiful and in February is the only time you can see the "firefall" phenomenon in El Capitan.

WHAT TO SEE

For the great adventurers and sportsmen Yosemite is the perfect place, because in the Half Dome you can climb over 2,600 meters above sea level. To overcome this challenge you must be prepared and know how to climb and be in good physical shape, but it is certainly worth it.

The Captain is another great challenge for climbers in Yosemite. Yosemite Falls are certified as the highest in the U.S., with a 739-meter drop from the top to the bottom.

In Mariposa Grove, just before the southern exit of the park, you can admire the giant sequoias that make up this forest, which is undoubtedly one of the great attractions of Yosemite. Finally you have to go to the indigenous cultural museum, where you can learn about the history of the valley's native tribes such as the Miwok and the Paiute.

CULTURE AND CURIOSITIES

This incredible natural park, located 200 miles from the city of San Francisco, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1984. With its more than three thousand square kilometers, more than 90% of it has been declared wild and with no notable human presence. Furthermore, an impressive fact is that this park is home to 20% of the plant species of the entire state of California, wow!

This spectacular area in 1864 was an Indian reserve, but changed its status to national park in 1890. Reports indicate that the first settlements may have occurred as early as 2,000 years ago. Since then, Yosemite's lands have been exploited, the gold rush, the butterfly wars and many other human incidents. But it was almost unexplored as it was a natural barrier against settlers.

In 1855, the artist Thomas Ayres went into the valley with other people, and in autumn of that year one of the most famous drawings of Yosemite's waterfalls was published. Ayres continued to publish images during the next year and held an exhibition in New York. Since then, the national park has been an inspiration to artists and photographers.

WHAT TO EAT

In Yosemite you will not find too much traditional food, but you will certainly do it in San Francisco, which is about three hours away. This is a multicultural city, and its port has made some very curious mixes come out of its culinary culture.

The Crab Cioppino is a great example of this. Made from crab and seafood, this soup of Italian origin will make you want to repeat. Served in a seasoned tomato broth in the purest Italian style, the clams and shrimp enhance its already particular flavor. Bacteria are used in the fermentation of the wine and beer, which when mixed with yeast give the particular sour taste to Sourdough Bread, a tasty bread that accompanies main dishes.

The quintessential California dessert is probably It's-it. An ice cream sandwich with cream inside and covered with chocolate, very similar to some ice creams you can buy here, but with much more flavor.