Yosemite National Park embraces almost 1,200 square miles of scenic wild lands set aside in 1890 to preserve a portion of the central Sierra Nevada that stretches along California's eastern flank. The park was established on October 1, 1890. There are approximately 4 million people that visit Yosemite each year. The park is 4.5 hours drive from San Francisco and a 6 hour drive from Los Angeles. Order a Yosemite Travel Packet for you vacation.