Mountain men Joseph R Walker was probably the first non-Indian to see Yosemite, in 1833, but not until the California militia entered the valley rounding up the Ahwahneechee Indians was the region discovered. In June, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, making it a California State Park. It became famous through  the writings of Horace Greeley and the efforts of John Muir. Cinematographer Dennis Burkhart captures in this video the magnificence of Yosemite Valley (El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome), the High Sierra (John Muir Trail, Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Pass) and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. The camera catches the wildlife that roams the 1,1170 square miles of Yosemite, i.e. the mule deer, mountain lion, black bear, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and the rare peregrine falcon. This video  reveals why 3.8 million visitors come each year and stand before awe-inspiring panoramas they will never forget.

The Story of Yosemite National Park

A look at the scenic beauty of Alaska's great parks.

The Great Parks of Alaska

Visit All 55 American National Parks and see why each is treasured as an irreplaceable part of our national legacy. From Alaska and Hawaii to Florida and Maine, this unique collection celebrates the protected wilderness areas and the amazing recreational opportunities offered by our national parks. No two vistas are alike in this stunning program, but every park has one thing in common. Each of them is a living symbol of the untamed American spirit.

America's National Parks: A Video Tour of All 55 National Parks

Experience the spectacular, wild beauty of Yellowstone National Park -- the splendor of its seasons and the majesty of its wildlife -- all from such scenic vantage points as Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, Specimen Ridge, Norris Geyser Basin and more. As you enjoy this spectacular national park in living color with specially scored music and enlightening narration, you'll feel as though you're actually there!